BIOL 50330 - Disturbance Ecology

In the current age of the Anthropocene, the geological age of human activity, ecosystems throughout the world are subjected to both natural disturbance regimes (e.g., fire, floods) and anthropogenic disturbance (e.g., urbanization, dams, pollution). Over the centuries, the amount of anthropogenic disturbance has drastically increased, to the point that there are likely very few truly untouched ecosystems in the world. Thus, it is important for future environmentally driven professionals (really, anyone that will work with natural areas; conservationists, policymakers, etc.) to understand what are the causes and effects of disturbance, how ecosystems recover from disturbance events, and how disturbance can be used as a management tool. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of these, and more, topics while also providing them with practical experience in disturbance ecology research and management.

Preparation for Course

P: BIOL 11700 and BIOL 21700.

Cr. 3.
Hours
Class 2, Lab 1.
Student Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the baseline theories of disturbance and describe recent breakthroughs in disturbance theory, research, and management through discussion of primary literature.
2. Describe the roles that disturbance plays in the structure and function of ecosystems.
3. Describe the mechanisms by which ecosystems recover from disturbance.
4. Identify major disturbance agents affecting various ecosystems in Indiana and the United States and understand how these agents work.
5. Design and conduct ecological research focusing on the effects of disturbance.