Ecology is the study of the abundance and distribution of organisms, their interactions with each other and with the abiotic environment.

Course Goals

The goal of this course is to convey the basic concepts that form the foundation of modern ecology. Concepts are illustrated with case studies from all fields of ecology. Emphasis is placed on ecological research and how ecologists go about framing and solving ecological questions.

Scope

Ecology is an incredibly diverse field of study. This course will stroll through topics involving increasingly higher levels of organization, from the population ecology of single populations, to species interactions, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, and finally to global ecology.

Required Background

First-year level introduction to biology. Genetics. Basic calculus. Understanding of derivatives and graphical analysis will be essential.