BI 319 - Aquatic Ecology

An introduction to the ecology of freshwater systems including rivers and streams, lakes, and wetlands. Students will be exposed to both theoretical and practical concepts of freshwater ecology. Topics include biotic communities (macrophytes, zooplankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, fish and other vertebrates), species interactions, biodiversity issues, biotic indices and biomonitoring, pollution, habitat degradation, and conservation. This course has a strong field component and is designed primarily for Biology, Environmental Science, and Natural Science majors. This course will be offered in alternating years.

Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory each week for one semester. Four credits.

Prerequisite(s): BI 103 - BI 104 or equivalent as determined by Department Chair.