Biology 2: Ecology

Ecology is an academically rigorous, in-depth, second-year study of biological and ecological principles governing higher levels of organization (populations, communities, ecosystems). Concepts that will be covered include adaptation and natural selection; the physical environment and climate; population ecology, growth models, and life history patterns; communities, competition, parasitism, mutualism, and human interactions; ecosystem productivity, energy flow, nutrient cycling, and biogeochemical cycles; and biogeography, biodiversity, and global environmental change. The science of ecology is dedicated to an understanding of the relationships between organisms and their environment and is often at the center of public policy disputes related to the environment; therefore, students will learn how ecological research is becoming increasingly important and prominent throughout the world. Student participation in outdoor field activities is expected.