NR 580:
Fundamental Landscape Ecology

Course Description
Printable version (PDF)
 Mt Washburn, YNP

General Information:  Students will explore the concepts, methods, and applications of landscape ecology with 1) class lectures by the instructor and recognized experts in particular subject areas, 2) reading and discussion of literature representative of research in the field, 3) completion of a set of hands-on exercises designed to provide experience with some of the quantitative tools of landscape ecology, and 4) application of the tools and concepts of landscape ecology to an independent research project.

Disclaimer:  This course is complementary to EY 620 - Applications in Landscape Ecology (to be taught by Drs. Barry Noon and David Theobald in Fall 2004), but would more suitably meet the needs of students seeking introductory rather than in-depth study of the concepts and methods of landscape ecology.  While students may take both courses without significant overlap, those students expecting to heavily emphasize analyses of spatial heterogeneity in their research should consider taking EY 620.

Level:  Introductory level for graduate students; three credits.

Recommended background courses:
  • One course in ecology beyond the introductory level;
  • One course in basic statistics;
  • One course in geographic information systems (ArcView, Arc/Info, or ArcGIS) and/or simulation modeling; at least some familiarity with either is desirable but not necessary.
Format:  This course will meet three times a week.  The first weekly class period will be an instructor-led lecture, and the second will be either a guest lecture or a student-lead discussion of assigned readings.  The third class period will be devoted to hands-on laboratory exercises, for which concise written reports are to be submitted.  An independent project will also be completed by each student, for which an oral presentation will be given in a format suitable for scientific meeting, and a manuscript will be written.

Reading Assignments:  Readings will include selections from the Turner et al. (2001) text to be read prior to the lecture each week, and 2-3 pertinent literature articles required for discussion each week.  Students will be expected to complete the readings prior to their assigned dates and be prepared to discuss the papers.  All students will lead at least one discussion; discussion leaders should be prepared with an evaluation of the significant contributions of the paper and to facilitate discussion among the group.

Laboratory exercises:  A set of hands-on exercises will be assigned to provide students with experience in applications of landscape ecology, particularly the quantitative analyses and modeling often used in landscape ecology.  The Friday class period will be devoted to completing the exercises in small groups.  Concise written reports will be turned in for each exercise one week following its assignment.

Independent projects:  Students will apply landscape-level approaches or tools to a particular aspect of their own research.  In doing so, students will also gain experience involved in conducting a research study:  preparation of a proposal, carrying out the study, preparing a paper based on the study, and oral presentation of the results of the study.


Grading:  Grades will be based on the laboratory exercises (50%), class participation and leading discussion (20%), and the final project (30%).


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