Lecture and laboratory. The general ecology course investigates earth's physical structure and place in the solar system, global climate patterns, evolution of biomes, energy flow and biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems. Investigates cycling of chemical elements in ecosystems and trophic relationships within ecosystems. Presentation of selected ecosystems exemplify unifying concepts of ecology. Discussion of the impact of human activity on ecosystems.
Laboratory concentrates on field study of concepts.
Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Toxins in the environment due to natural causes and human effects. Sampling and survey techniques, risk assessment, legal regulations. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Emphasis on unique structural and functional adaptations of vertebrates.