For the third in-class field trip, we will explore wetland and aquatic ecosystems in the Arb. The weekend field trip will be to Cedar Creek Long-term ecological research site to examine Dr. David Tilman's famous work on resource competition, ecosystem stability and species diversity. While we're up there, we will also stop by Cedar Bog Lake where Lindeman did his famous study on energy flow through ecosystems. Here's where you not only learn about ecosystem ecology, you get to apply what you learn exactly like you will as graduate students and professional scientists. Many of these issues are also very politically important and controversial, giving you some exposure to the interface of science and policy.
Case studies constitute a significant portion of the group grade.
Refer to these instructions for preparing your case reports. In fact, most of the analyses, I have adapted from graduate-level courses at Duke University the University of Minnesota, and my own research at Carleton. The basic flow of the FI's is intended to mimic the way scientists conduct research. Each week you will learn a new analytical skill that is commonly used in graduate school and governmental agencies. Each week, we will learn about a new ecosystem theme not by conducting a canned lab, but by your designing a small pilot study to test the hypotheses that you generate.