Methods in Population and Community Ecology

3 credits · Undergraduate

This course is a hands-on introduction to common research methods in population and community ecology. Each method and its application are first presented in a lecture session, illustrated with published examples. The method is then practiced in a subsequent group field exercise, conducted in a local terrestrial, aquatic, or marine habitat. The course focuses on sampling methods, experimental designs, and statistical analyses used to investigate patterns of species distribution and abundance, interspecific associations, and local species diversity. Graded assignments include write-ups of field exercise results, and an in-depth review paper and oral in-class presentation on an ecological method of particular interest to the student.