Biol 325/Geol 398 Ecology of Freshwater Ecosystems

This course will consider the ecology of freshwater ecosystems at several  scales, providing an ecosystem-level perspective on lakes, streams, rivers and  reservoirs.  We will examine communities in the systems as they are shaped by the physical and chemical environment and in turn influence biogeochemical  cycles.  Our approach will not be focused on population ecology, but rather on larger scales, emphasizing major themes of energy flow, cycling of materials,  stoichiometry, and land-water interactions.  We will also discuss anthropogenic disturbances of aquatic ecosystems, including eutrophication, dam construction and global climate change. 

Honors 300 “ Science and Policy: The Environment

This course considers how science relates to policy in the United  States.  It covers the process and  historic development of legislation and the scientific context of  decision-making.  It examines what we know from science and how that relates to the formulation of policy.  Specific themes considered include major issues related to the environment, such as risk  assessment and management, ecosystem management, wilderness, toxic substances  and environmental justice, and sustainability.  We examine major court decisions and the relationship of science to the law.  We also focus on some of the major thinkers and writers that have shaped  our views of the environment.  We consider recent decisions of the Supreme  Court, agency rule-making and legislation being considered by Congress in order  to understand the enormous challenges in translating what we know from science  into policy.