Course Syllabus:

ERE 496/596

Ecosystem Restoration Design

Fall 2009

 

 

Instructor:

Stewart Diemont

Baker Lab 421

470-4707

sdiemont@esf.edu

                                                

Meeting Times:                      

Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 – 10:50 a.m. 432 Baker Lab

 

Description:

Open to all upper division and graduate students. In this course, we will explore the state of the science and engineering for ecosystem restoration. We will examine prairie, forest, wetland, stream, lake, coral reef, and urban ecosystems, among others. We will consider how stakeholders are incorporated into ecosystem restoration design, and how culture and government can help in developing a framework for sustainable ecosystem restoration projects. For the final course project, students will develop designs to restore a local degraded ecosystem.

 

Text :

Perrow, M.R. and A.J. Davy, Handbook of Ecological Restoration, Volume 2 Restoration in Practice. 2008 Paperback available at Follett’s; 2002 will be on reserve at Moon Library (shouldn’t be too much difference between the two)

 

Every class will also include readings posted on the class’ Blackboard site. I expect each of you to grab onto a topic and suggest several readings and assign one required reading for that topic. We will choose those during the first class. I also could assign additional readings that do not appear on the syllabus to enhance the information for a given subject.

 

Grading:

In my experience participation is a key to learning in a course. Show up and get involved in each class. Stay active in your design group.

 

70%      Participation – both peer and instructor evaluated – September (25%), October (25%), and November (20%)

20%      Final Design Report

10%      Final Design Presentation

 

Learning Objectives:

After completing this course, you will understand and be able to use ecology and engineering for ecosystem restoration in a variety of contexts. You will able to choose among and use ecosystem restoration strategies that area appropriate for a given environmental and socioeconomic situations. You will be able to explain and discuss the potential role of ecosystem restoration in global society and be able to draw from numerous disciplines to enhance your ecosystem restoration designs.

 

Learning Outcomes:

You will learn how to apply consistently ecosystem restoration problem solving methodology; you will be able to describe the relationship of ecosystem restoration tools to current problems; and it will address your knowledge of contemporary issues.