Course Info: NS-0267
| Course | NS-0267 Ecosystem Ecology |
| Long Title | Ecosystem Ecology: A Biogeochemical Perspective |
| Term | 2017S |
| Note(s) |
Textbook information |
| Meeting Info | Cole Science CenterüCole Science CenterüCole Science Center 101ü101ü102 on M,WüWüW from 2:30-3:50ü3:50-5:30ü3:50-5:30 |
| Faculty | Seeta Sistla |
| Capacity | 15 |
| Available | 7 |
| Waitlist | 0 |
| Distribution(s) | |
| Cumulative Skill(s) | Quantitative Skills Writing and Research |
| Additional Info | In this course students are generally expected to spend at least 6 to 8 hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. |
| Description | Ecosystems are defined by the interactions between the plants, animals, microorganisms and abiotic, environmental features that affect them. This course covered the flows of energy, carbon, and nutrients within ecosystems, tracing the key processes that define ecosystem function. Students developed connections between organisms, abiotic factors and ecosystem processes and learned how to critically analyze primary scientific literature through reading reflections and class discussion. Major class activities included: 1) a multi-week project examining the relationship between land use type and a suite of soil characteristics through field data collection, laboratory analyses, and data interpretation; 2) reading and reflecting on primary literature; 3) a semester-long independent Mandala sit spot study; 4) two quantitative problem sets; and 5) initiating a new project studying the ecological effects of the Hampshire College solar arrays. |