BIOL 7400: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Ecological Questions

3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: Admission and enrollment in the Master of Science in Integrative Biology program and STAT 3125, BIOL 3370, BIOL 3380, or permission of the graduate program coordinator.
The course examines theoretical and applied topics in ecology across temporal and spatial scales and from diverse perspectives within and beyond the traditional boundaries of biology. In particular, contemporary debates in ecological theory, such as the nature of community assembly, the metabolic theory of ecology, and niche conservatism, will be explored along with implications of the theories for ecological problem-solving. For example, students will critically evaluate competing theories on succession and consider the implications of each for restoration ecology and conservation biology. Quantitative methods for developing and analyzing ecological models will be emphasized along with integrative approaches, such as stable isotope analysis, spatial analysis using geographic information systems, and mathematical models, for testing predictions of ecological theory. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to address ecological hypotheses at various scales using multiple lines of evidence, critically evaluate current ecological research, and discuss recent advances in the field.