Biological Sciences 321EC - Topics in Invasion Ecology

Invasive species have become a common focus for land managers and gardeners around the world, but is there anything fundamentally new, different, or threatening about these organisms? These new arrivals potentially increase local biodiversity and offer excellent examples of evolution and ecological interactions, but they also incite scientists to uncharacteristic value judgments. We will discuss the science and politics behind invasive species and explore the secrets of their success and the realities of their impacts. This course will include a whole class project or group research projects based on current issues in the literature or local invasive species.

Prereq: 8 credits above Biological Sciences 200 with Biological Sciences 223 or 226 or Environmental Studies 200.