Instructor(s): Mark Pegg, Kevin Pope, Samodha Fernando
Number of Credit Hours: 3
Cross-listings: None.
Prerequisites: None.
Description: Theoretical aspects of structure and function in aquatic systems managed for human needs, ecological processes, river-reservoir interface, energy flow (including fate and transport), population dynamics, and multiple-use systems.
Course Objectives: This course will:
- examine physical and ecological process within rivers and reservoirs,
- provide an understanding of the numerous alterations to ecosystems resulting from human activity, and
- provide opportunities for interpersonal reflection of one’s current views about ecological processes in rivers and reservoirs.
Learning Outcomes: At the completion of this course, students should be able to:
- critique scientific studies; in particular, students will be able to identify strengths and weaknesses of scientific studies,
- summarize the basic features of primary concepts in river and reservoir ecology,
- discuss possible effects of human activity on river and reservoir ecosystems,
- synthesize ecological concepts at the river-reservoir interface, and
- express their own personal view of scientific paradigms for rivers and reservoirs.