ENV 3430 - FRESHWATER ECOLOGY

credits: 4.0
Crosslisted/Same As: BIO 3430
This course will introduce students to the study of inland waters. Will provide a background in the physical and chemical features of freshwater systems, but the focus will be on the biology of freshwater organisms. This course will heavily emphasize New York freshwater systems and should be of interest to any students who wish to learn more about their surrounding aquatic environments. The laboratory will include field and laboratory activities, with mini-projects and reports. Assessment will be based on exams, literature critiques, quizzes, and discussion for lecture, and participation and project write-ups for laboratory with one skills test. Objectives: A) Explain general characteristics of lakes, rivers and wetlands; B) Describe how freshwater habitats vary spatially and temporally and the impacts these changes have on biota; C) Identify major organismal groups common to most freshwater environments; D) Discuss major ecosystem processes and how these impact biota; E) Describe different approaches to collecting both environmental and biological data on freshwater systems; F) Collect, enter, analyze, and interpret data from freshwater systems; G) Present results and discuss implications in both oral and written form. Method of Instruction: Lecture, discussion, field, and laboratory activities. Lab Fee: $125.00.

Prerequisite(s): BIO 1020 GENERAL BIOLOGY I and BIO 1022 GENERAL BIOLOGY II.