Landscape Ecology (EFB 650)

 Landscape ecology is more than ecology writ large, and more than simply GIS applications.  The fundamental focus of landscape ecology is spatial patterning – its causes, development and relevance to ecological systems.  Inclusion of spatial heterogeneity into models of ecosystem and population dynamics requires specialized knowledge of scale and hierarchical organization, as well as specific technical skills.  In this course students become familiar with the conceptual and theoretical framework of landscape ecology, as well as the quantitative and modeling tools that facilitate our understanding of spatial processes.  Special focus will be given to the reciprocal interactions between organisms and landscape patterns.  Students will explore the contemporary literature in this maturing field, develop quantitative skills using ArcGIS, program R, and other programs, and, ultimately, will apply their new analytical skills to an ecological issue pertinent to their own interests and area of expertise. 

 

Meeting times

 

This course will be offered next in Spring 2013

Recitation TuTh 9:30-10:50, Lab Th 2-5 pm (Baker TBA)

 

 

Prerequisites

 

ESF 300 and APM 391, or equivalent. 

 

 

Course Materials

 

There is no textbook for this course, all required readings and lab materials will be provided by the instructor.