Ecosystem Ecology

Biology 476 (3 credits)

Fall semester, 2007

Course information

Meeting time: TTh 9:45-11:15

Location: 214 O’Neill

Prerequisites: Introductory course in ecology or plant biology or permission of instructor

Instructor:

Terry Chapin

Office: 195 Arctic Health

Phone: 474-7922

Email: terry.chapin@uaf.edu

Office hours: Tuesday 9:00-9:45 or by arrangement

Course materials:

Required textbook: Chapin, F.S., III, P.A. Matson, and H.A. Mooney. 2002. Principles of Terrestrial Ecosystem Ecology. Springer-Verlag, New York.

Optional supplementary readings are specified in the textbook and will be supplemented by additional suggestions during the course.

Course description

This course develops the basic principles of terrestrial ecosystem ecology. The course first provides a general context in terms of the historical development of the field, a conceptual framework, and the environmental factors (e.g., climate and soils) that govern ecosystem processes. We then discuss the basic mechanisms that drive ecosystem dynamics and describe their temporal and spatial patterns. Finally, we integrate this information at regional and global scales and discuss the societal implications of changes in ecosystem processes and approaches to managing ecosystems sustainably.

Class goals and learning objectives

My major goals for this class are that students understand the general principles of ecosystem ecology and their implications for society and that students be able to explain these principles clearly in oral and written form. In other words, the goal is to understand the general ideas and why they are important--not to memorize particular facts, terms, and figures. In order to meet these goals, the lectures will emphasize the logical connections among ideas, so that complex processes can be understood from some fairly simple general principles.

Lecture notes are available on the web as powerpoint files at http://www.faculty.uaf.edu/fffsc/.

Expectations/grades/requirements

You are expected to read the assigned chapter before coming to class and to be prepared to discuss the contents of that chapter. You will be graded on the basis of two mid-term exams, two short talks (ecobites), one brief paper, class participation, and the final exam, as follows:

First mid-term (take-home) 20%

Second mid-term (take-home) 25%

Two two-minute talks (ecobites): 10%

One 1-page paper on a key concept 5%

Final (in class) 30%

Class participation 10%

The two mid-terms and the final exam will be discussion questions that address the general ideas. The questions will be similar to those presented at the end of each chapter in the textbook. Each student will give two short (1-2 minute) talks (ecobites) that explain these general ideas in terms that would be readily understood by your grandmother. There will be a one-page paper that describes how an understanding of one of the key concepts is useful in ecosystem management.

The following grading scale will apply:

A - 90 to 100 (A- 90-91; A+ 99-100)

B - 80 to 89 (B- 80-81; B+ 88-89)

C - 70 to 79 (C- 70-71; C+ 78-79)

D - 60 to 69 (D- 60-61; D+ 68-69)

F - < 60

The instructor reserves the right to modify the final grade in consideration of notable progress demonstrated by an individual, or unforeseen and extenuating circumstances. In such cases, extra credit assignments and/or makeup work may be used at the discretion of the instructor. Assignments handed in after the due dates will receive reduced credit.

Instructional Methods

The course will use a combination of lectures, student discussions, brief student presentations, and guest speakers from time to time. This class is interactive, relying on strong student contribution. I hope to engender an atmosphere that encourages this joint class exploration of course themes. This class will work best if everyone participates.

UAF Policies

Students are expected to read, understand, and adhere to the academic honor code detailed in the UAF Catalog. If you have a disability or for any reason need special consideration, please let me know at the beginning of the course, and I will modify and accommodate as appropriate to meet your needs. Priority seating close to the board and screen is provided for students who need to be in close proximity to the board.

Disabilities Services

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is committed to providing equal access for students with disabilities. The Office of Disability Services implements the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and insures that UAF students have equal access to the campus and course materials. I will work with the Office of Disabilities Services (203 WHIT, 474-7043) to provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities. If you have a physical or learning disability, please advise me in writing of any special consideration necessary by the beginning of the second class. I will do everything possible to accommodate you in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Schedule

	Topic	Chapter	Dates
I. CONTEXT
	The ecosystem concept	1	Sept.6
	Climate and ocean circulation	2	Sept. 11
	Geology and soils	3	Sept. 13, 18
II. MECHANISMS
	Photosynthesis	5	Sept. 20
	Canopy carbon, water and energy balance	4	Sept. 25, 27
MID-TERM EXAM			Oct. 2
	Plant production processes	6	Oct. 4, 9
	Decomposition	7	Oct. 11, 16
	Plant nutrient use	8	Oct. 18
	Nutrient cycling	9	Oct. 23, 25
	Aquatic biogeochemistry	10	Oct. 30
	Trophic dynamics, disease	11	Nov. 1, 6
	Community effects on ecosystem processes	12	Nov. 8
MID-TERM EXAM			Nov. 13
III. PATTERNS
	Temporal variation	13	Nov. 15, 20
	Landscape heterogeneity	14	Nov. 27
IV. INTEGRATION
	Global cycles	15	Nov. 29, Dec. 4
	Ecosystem sustainability	16	Dec. 6, 11
	Review		Dec. 13
	1-page paper on application of a key concept		Dec. 13
FINAL EXAM			Dec. 18 (8-10am)