BIOEE 4780

Ecosystem Biology and Global Change

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2018-2019.

Examines ecosystem structure, carbon and energy flow, and nutrient cycles, and contrasts terrestrial and aquatic systems. Reviews classic ecosystem experiments, and considers anthropogenic effects on ecosystems, such as from acid precipitation, fossil fuel combustion, nitrogen pollution, and climate change.

When Offered Spring.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: BIOEE 1610 or equivalent.

Distribution Category (PBS-AS)
Course Attribute (CU-SBY)

• Students will understand the theory and measurement of central processes in ecosystem ecology, across a range of ecosystems.
• Students will be able to predict the response of these processes to variation in biotic and abiotic factors, such as light, water, nutrient supply, community structure, and disturbance.
• Students will be able to apply understanding of ecosystem processes to predict the impacts of human-accelerated environmental change on ecosystem processes and function.
• Students will be able to apply a quantitative approach to ecosystem biology.
• Students will be able to critically evaluate literature on ecosystem ecology through regular reading assignments throughout the term.
• Students will synthesize information from the primary literature to address a central question of interest in ecosystem ecology.

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