EESC 310 Aquatic Biology & Ecology (Lec/Lab)
Lecture: This course examines the physical process, aquatic biota, community interactions & structure, and function of inland aquatic ecosystems. Topics will include the scientific method, energy flow, nutrient cycling, ecosystem functioning, and human impacts on aquatic resources (eutrophication, water treatment plants, wastewater treatment, etc.) Students will understand the structure (lake zonation) and function of major types of aquatic systems (e.g. reservoirs, large rivers, etc.).
Lab: This course will provide an experimental approach to topics covered in EESC 310. This course will provide hands on exercises to complement the lecture. Students will learn field techniques to sample local aquatic systems. This course examines the physical process, aquatic biota, community interactions & structure, and function of inland aquatic ecosystems. Topics will include the scientific method, energy flow, nutrient cycling, ecosystem functioning, and human impacts on aquatic resources (eutrophication, water treatment plants, wastewater treatment, etc.) Students will understand the structure (lake zonation) and function of major types of aquatic systems (e.g. reservoirs, large rivers, etc).
Prerequisite
Majors: admission to program, Non- Majors: Instructor premission
Offered
Fall, odd years
Student Learning Outcomes
- Learn the basic terminology used by limnologists and other aquatic scientists
- Learn and integrate multidisciplinary concepts to understand how aquatic systems function
- Develop an understanding of how living organisms survive and interact in aquatic environments
- Learn to identify common aquatic organisms, particularly algae, zooplankton, and macroinvertebrates
- Learn how to collect, analyze, interpret, and report limnological data