Week 01

Overview

The goal for this week is introduce you to the Science of Ecology.

Monday’s class will introduce students to the types of questions ecologists ask, the types of challenges we run into when searching for answers, and the ways in which ecologists address these challenges.

On Wednesday, we will go over how the course is structured - what major topics we will cover, what your weekly responsibilities will be, and how grading will work for this course. We will also get a taste of some of the global biodiversity patterns and threats that puzzle and motivate ecologists.

Friday’s session will be built around an in-class activity to use the Mark-Recapture method for estimating population sizes.

Reading

Before coming to class, please read Chapter 1 of Quantitative Ecology.

Weekly reflection questions

The first Weekly Reflection for the semester is due via Moodle (click on the link above) at the end of Week 2. Here are some questions for you to consider for this reflection as you settle into the semester:

Reflections on ecology

• What does the word “ecology” mean to you? How do you think it is relevant to your life?
• What is your relationship with “nature”? In your mind, how can humans have a healthy relationship with nature?
• Is there a particular place that comes to your mind when you think of “being out in nature”? What kinds of characteristics define that space for you?

Reflections on the semester

• What are some things you are excited about for this semester? What are some things you are nervous about?
• Looking at your semester schedule, are there going to be particular weeks that are looking busier (multiple exams/assignments due, etc.)? If so, how are you planning to prepare for these weeks?
• Two weeks into the semester, how do you see this course relating to the other courses you are taking, or to other activities in your life outside of this class?