Natural Resource Ecology - WIS4934

The course describes how ecological concepts and processes are applied at various scales to conserve and manage renewable natural resources (e.g., plants, animals, water, soil) in terrestrial and aquatic systems—it explains how ecological science is applied to help solve real-world problems. In most cases, these problems are caused by the actions of people, and the course emphasizes potential conservation and management strategies to mitigate anthropogenic issues such as, but not limited to, habitat fragmentation, invasive species, disease, and climate change. The course focuses on interactions within and between species and how they are affected by their abiotic environment. It explores numerous biological principles (e.g., nutrient and water cycles, population growth, habitat dynamics, biodiversity, etc.) and emphasizes how these principles are applied to effectively manage natural resources. The course also provides a broad foundation of important ecological principles while emphasizing how ecological phenomena in terrestrial and aquatic systems are influenced by the actions of humans—natural resource examples are used to illustrate key ideas and concepts.

This is completely online, asynchronous course offered in Fall semesters for students in Gainesville and other locations throughout the state.

Recent Syllabus (pdf)