BIOL 476 - Forest and Wetland Ecology

Credits: (4)

Instructional Method: Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory.
Prerequisites: A grade of “C” or better in BIOL 103, BIOL 111, or BIOL 131; and one of the following: 4 additional credits of Biology (BIOL) coursework, GEOS 241, GEOG 305, GEOS 335, or STAT 200; or permission of instructor.
This course studies the structure and function of forest and wetland communities and factors influencing the distribution and abundance of species in these systems. We will examine the influence of environmental characteristics (climate, topography, hydrology, soils, disturbance) and plant physiological adaptations in forests and wetlands; methods of vegetation sampling, description, and classification; and current management and conservation issues. Laboratory investigations will emphasize collection of field data, vegetation and site characterization, and analytical techniques.

Note(s): Applied Learning designated course.