Invasive Species: Biology, Policy and Management
BIOL 226
Spring 2009
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01
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Invasive species account for 39% of the known species extinctions on Earth, and they are responsible for environmental damages totaling greater than $138 billion per year. However, the general population has little knowledge of what invasive species are or what threats they pose to society. In this course, we will explore the biological, economic, political and social impacts of invasive species. We will begin by exploring a definition of an invasive species and looking at the life history characteristics which make them likely to become pest. Then, we will consider the effects of invasive species expansion on the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem function, as well as their global environmental and political impacts. Finally, we will explore the potential future changes in invasive species distributions under a changing climate |
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Essential Capabilities:
Interpretation
Critical analysis of scientific publications and their interpretation.
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
NSM BIOL |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: [E&ES197 or BIOL197] OR [BIOL182 or MB&B182] OR E&ES199 |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (BIOL)(E&ES)(ENVS-MN)(ENVS)(STS) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
There is no single text. Scientific papers, chapters from several books and other supplemental readings will be assigned. These will be provided as PDF files. Readings will be discussed in class, following a short lecture or other exercise on the topic. Students must read the material prior to class since a major portion of the grade will be class preparation and participation.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Exams: There will be one exam, a take-home midterm, and a comprehensive final exam that will test students' understanding of key concepts and familiarity with the literature.
Project: Students will choose a topic of interest within the framework of the course and participate in a conservation, management, or field-based activity in which students will apply the topics covered in class to a real-world setting.
Paper: Students will also be required to write a synthesis paper related to their project, using a review of the scientific literature as a basis. Students will be expected to critically evaluate the literature with respect to the project they have carried out, particularly with respect to implications for management or policy.
Presentation: Each student will do a short class presentation that summarizes their project, as if they were presenting to policy makers. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Class participation is essential as this is a seminar format. |
| Instructor(s): Poulos,Helen Mills Times: .M.W... 11:00AM-12:20PM; Location: HALL84; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 18 | | SR major: 6 | JR major: 6 | | |
| Seats Available: 1 | GRAD: 0 | SR non-major: 2 | JR non-major: 2 | SO: 2 | FR: X |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 1 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 1 |
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