ENST 4470
Global Change Biology
Fall 2026
Topics
- biological systems
- hierachy of biological scale
- biotic and abiotic systems
- key ecological concepts
- fractal structure of the environment
- complex systems theory
- ecological stability, resilience, sustainability
- novel ecosystems
- panarchy
- order & chaos
- catastrophy theory
- Earth history
- climate change
- adaptation to changing environments
- temporal trends of biodiversity
- mass extinctions
- human history
- growth and collapse of civilizations
- anthropogenic effects on environment
- role in climate change
- habitat degradation &loss
- pollution
- appropriation of resources
- species introductions
- emerging infectious diseases
Readings
- Recommended: Rosenblum, E.B. 2021. Global Change Biology: The Study of Life on a Rapidly Changing Planet. Oxford University Press. Oxford, UK. ISBN: 978-0-19-064464-2 (paperback or ebook)
Winter 2026
Topics
- biological systems
- hierachy of biological scale
- biotic and abiotic systems
- key ecological concepts
- fractal structure of the environment
- complex systems theory
- ecological stability, resilience, sustainability
- novel ecosystems
- panarchy
- order & chaos
- catastrophy theory
- Earth history
- climate change
- adaptation to changing environments
- temporal trends of biodiversity
- mass extinctions
- human history
- growth and collapse of civilizations
- anthropogenic effects on environment
- role in climate change
- habitat degradation &loss
- pollution
- appropriation of resources
- species introductions
- emerging infectious diseases
Readings
- Recommended: Rosenblum, E.B. 2021. Global Change Biology: The Study of Life on a Rapidly Changing Planet. Oxford University Press. Oxford, UK. ISBN: 978-0-19-064464-2 (paperback or ebook)
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026–2027
- syllabus ↗Fall 2026
- Course source ↗
- syllabus ↗Winter 2026
- Additional readings or course materials are supplied through the course site or course pack.
- Additional readings or course materials are supplied through the course site or course pack.