Natural Resources Conservation 597PE - ST-Applied Plant Eco & Conserv

Plants are the major determinants of habitat structure for wildlife, and are the primary producers upon which all other species depend. This course will provide students with foundational concepts of applied plant ecology, with a focus on the effects of invasive species and climate change on the functional roles of plants in ecosystems. Through a close reading of relevant primary literature and discussions of current research, students will explore methods used to quantify relationships between plants and the abiotic and biotic environment. We will focus on applications of plant ecology in the practice of biological conservation. There will be at least one field excursion. Assignments include data analysis, scientific writing/presentation, and discussion of primary literature and current research.

Pre-Req: Biology 287 NRC 212 or other plant-related course is recommended. or by permission
1st meeting is January 27, 2016 for organizational purposes.