BIO 2025 Special Topics: Aquatic Ecology
The goal of this course is to introduce the fundamental concepts of ecology within the context of freshwater and marine ecosystems and is open to all students. An introduction to the aquatic environment and the species that inhabit these environments will initiate the course. Topics will include community structure, food chains and webs, bioenergetics, nutrient cycles, diversity and species competition. Local areas such as the Hudson River Watershed, the Long Island estuary, and the Great Lakes will be examined. The African Lakes, Amazon Basin, Caribbean Sea and other specific areas will also be discussed. Students will investigate a specific aquatic ecosystem of their choice for their research paper, and will have the opportunity for some 'hands-on' experience with local ecosystems.