ENVR306
Disturbance Ecology
Subject code
ENVR
Course Number
306
Department(s)
Instructor(s)
C. Aoki
Course Long Title
Disturbance Ecology
Cross Listed Courses
Description
Many ecosystems have a long evolutionary history of being adapted to natural disturbances such as wildfire, insect outbreaks, and drought. These disturbance processes are required for such systems to persist. On the other hand, anthropogenic disturbances—nuclear disasters, invasive species, oil spills—can have profound effects on systems that are not evolutionarily prepared for them. In this course students examine the effects of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on ecological systems and discuss whether climate change is increasing disturbance severity. Students are introduced to concepts of disturbance probability and risk, and the complexities of conveying this information to the general public. Prerequisite(s): one of the following: BI/ES 246, 271; BIO 113, 128, 133, 206, 221, 270; ENVR 203, 221, 240, or 310. Open to juniors and seniors.
Writing Credit
W2
INDS Program Relationship
IDES - ENVR Program
Class Restriction
Exclude First Years, Exclude Sophomores