Environmental Studies 100: Environmental EcologySyllabus for Summer 2007Lecture: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:30-10:45amPhelps 3505Instructor: Lisa BerryOffice: Bren 4008Office Hours: Monday 11:00-1:00Additional office hours by appointmentE-mail: [email protected]: www.es.ucsb.edu/faculty/lberry/classes/es100Course Description: We will study the principles of ecology and their implications for analyzing environmental problems. The focus of this course is on understanding the processes controlling the dynamics of populations, communities and ecosystems. Mathematical and conceptual models will be used to understand and predict ecological behavior. We will also explore how species and habitats are valued in traditional economic theory. All of the above concepts will be applied to the management and restoration of natural resources. Reading:(1) Text: Ecology of a Changing Planet (Third Edition), Mark B. Bush, Prentice Hall(2) Various other articles will be assigned during the course of the quarter. Evaluation and Workload:Exams: 40 %Midterm……….….20% August 30th Final………..…..…20% TBAWeekly Homework: 40% Due:Adaptation and Agricultural Sustainability (15%) Monday, August 13th Life Tables (10%) Tuesday, August 21st Population Dynamics (15%)` Wednesday, August 29th *Late homework = 5 points off per day late. Not accepted after 1 week late.Attendance: 20%Late = 1/2 attendance credit for dayCourse Schedule:Week 1 Overview , Evolution, Climate, and Biomes August 6-9 Reading: Bush, Chapters 1, 2, 4,11Till et al., "Agricultural Sustainability and Intensive Production Practices" (Available on the course website)In-class exercise: “Feast of the Biomes”HW1: Adaptation and Agricultural SustainabilityWeek 2 Ecosystem Concepts, Energy and Nutrient flow, Niches and StrategiesAugust 13-16 Reading: Bush, Chapters 5-8, 18.5In-class exercise: “Old MacDonald’s Nutrient Budget”HW2: Life tablesWeek 3 Population Dynamics, Aquatic Ecosystems and WetlandsAugust 20-23 Reading: Bush, Chapters 9, 12, 13Naylor, et al., “Effect of Aquaculture on World Fish Supplies” (Available on the course website)Field Trip to an Aquatic Ecosystem (aka the beach)HW3: Modeling Population DynamicsWeek 4 Ecosystem Change, Environmental EconomicsAugust 27-30 Reading: Bush, Chapters 15, 16, 19.4, 26***Midterm Exam: August 30Week 5 Valuing Biodiversity and Habitat PreservationSept. 3*-6 Reading: Bush Chapters 3, 18, 19, 14In-class exercise: Space Invaders*Monday, Sept. 3: Labor Day HolidayField Final passed outWeek 6 Ecological Case StudiesSept. 10*-13 Monday, September 10: Self-guided field studyField Final Exam due in Class Tuesday, Sept.