This course offers a critical review of contemporary concepts and experimental evidence in population dynamics and ecological communities. Topics include principles of ecological experiments, basic population growth models, structured population dynamics, parasite ecology and evolution, evolution of life histories, competition, predation-prey interactions, enigmas of biodiversity, conservation biology, and restoration ecology. Assigned readings include current research literature. Format: lecture/discussion/laboratory. Evaluation will be based on lab reports, a term project with presentation, a midterm examination, a midterm paper, and a final exam. Prerequisites: Biology/Environmental Studies 203 or 220 or permission of instructor. Enrollment limit: 24 (expected:16). Preference given to Biology majors and Environmental Studies concentrators.

Hour: GILL