NSC 1977 - INTRODUCTION TO TROPICAL ECOLOGY

credits: 4.0
This course is an introduction to Tropical Ecology and the scientific method, appropriate for students without a background in science. The NSC1977 course will explore ecological concepts by direct observation of organisms in the field, with special reference to marine organisms and environments on a tropical island. Methods for sampling and identifying plants and animals will be introduced, with several different environments (terrestrial, marine, aquatic) and groups of organisms (plants, animals, protists) utilized for individual and group study. The geology, history and culture of the island will also be examined. Students will explore the various terrestrial and marine habitats of a tropical Island and keep a field journal in which will be recorded observations of the organisms and their habitats. Additionally, students will participate in a field research project and present the results of their research to the class. Objectives: A) Describe major components of near shore tropical coastal ecosystems; B) Describe the interactions between the flora and fauna that comprise these systems; C) Identify various taxa of near shore tropical flora and fauna by sight and key; D) Describe near shore physical, chemical, and geological processes; E) Use standard ecological methods in field data collection and analysis; F) Present an independently designed and executed field research project to the class. Method of Instruction: Lecture and lab. TRAVEL COURSE, FEES ASSOCIATED.

Co-Requisite(s): ART 1977 THE ART OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY