GEOS 320
Ecosystem ecology in the Anthropocene Spring 2025
Division III
Cross-listed BIOL 320 / ENVI 320

Class Details

Ecosystem ecology provides a framework for understanding the multidirectional interactions between biological organisms and their physical environments, and provides critical insight into our approaches for managing resource use in an era of anthropogenic change. In this class, we will explore the biological and biogeochemical underpinnings of ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycling. Topics will include interactions between species composition and ecosystem function, nutrient use efficiency, resource transformations, ecosystem management and restoration, and feedbacks to global change. Lecture content will be supported by regular discussions of the primary literature. Labs will introduce students to field and laboratory techniques to study resource and energy flow in local ecosystems, as well as approaches to project design, hypothesis development, data collection, and analysis. The laboratory program will culminate with a multi-week independent project.
The Class: Format: lecture/laboratory; lectures, discussions, and a weekly lab
Limit: 12
Expected: 12
Class#: 3158
Grading: no pass/fail option, no fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation: Evaluation will be based on lab assignments, discussion participation, three exams, and an independent project
Prerequisites: BIOL/ENVI 203 or GEOS 208 or BIOL 211 or GEOS 212
Enrollment Preferences: Biology majors, then Environmental studies majors/concentrators or Geosciences majors
Distributions: Divison III
Notes: This course is cross-listed and the prefixes carry the following divisional credit:
BIOL 320 Division III ENVI 320 Division III GEOS 320 Division III
Attributes: ENVI Natural World Electives

Class Grid

Updated 1:50 pm

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