Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources 216
(All 704 courses are now 216 courses, effective spring 2014.)
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11:216:101
Introduction to Ecology and Evolution (3)
This course provides the basic foundations for understanding
evolutionary and ecological processes. The course covers natural
selection, basic evolutionary theories, human evolution, population
ecology, community ecology, biodiversity, biogeochemical cycling,
global climate, and conservation biology.
Two 80-min. lecs. This course meets the Core Curriculum requirement for natural sciences.
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11:216:104
Topics in Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources (1)
Seminar-type presentations by faculty members in
the ecology and natural resources curriculum designed to introduce
students to the curriculum's faculty and their areas of experience
in conducting research and applying their research findings, and
the importance of their research to society.
Not open to seniors. Open to Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources students only.
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11:216:110
Evolution, Disease, and Medicine (3)
Together with 01:119:101, this course will fulfill the nonscience majors SEBS life science requirement. Basic concepts in the theory of evolution will be
introduced and applied in the context of discussion of human and
animal disease and the medical treatment thereof. The course will
cover infectious and noninfectious diseases and real-world
applications of evolutionary theory to the practice of medicine.
One 80-min. lec. This course meets the Core Curriculum requirement for natural sciences.
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11:216:211
The Natural Resources Professions (P/NC 1)
Survey of the profession of wildlife,
forestry, and fishery. Guest lectures, class discussion, and field experience.
One 80-min. lec. Open only to students in professional resource management; others by permission of instructor.
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11:216:240
Behavioral Biology (4)
Basic principles of animal behavior, including social behavior, animal communication, and physiological mechanisms underlying behavior. Topics include ethology, aggression, displays and communication, territoriality, and ethological view of human behavior. Motion pictures observe the behavior of fish, birds, reptiles, and primates.
Two 80-min. lecs. and one 80-min. rec. Prerequisite: 01:119:102 or 116.
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11:216:251
Fundamentals of Evolution (3)
The course will introduce students to the breadth of evolutionary
biology, from micro to macroevolution, and cover topics from molecular
evolution to the fossil record. Through lectures and readings, students
will gain a basic and fundamental understanding of the evolutionary
forces that have shaped all life on earth.
Two 80-min. lecs. Prerequisite: 01:119:102 or 116.
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11:216:252
Fundamentals of Evolution Lab (1)
Provides students with hands-on
experiences related to generation, analysis, and evaluation of
evolutionary data, from populations to macroevolution. Skills
developed in the lab include DNA extraction, PCR, sequence alignment
and phylogenetic analysis, DNA barcoding, population genetics
calculations, and many other aspects of evolutionary research.
One 3-hr. lab. Prerequisite: 01:119:102 or 116.
Corequisite: 11:216:251.
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11:216:269
Evolution of Animal Behavior (3)
Broad exposure to evolutionary theory and natural selection using examples from animal behavior. Not intended to be comprehensive in either evolutionary theory or in animal behavior, but rather to engender understanding of the principles of evolution, the basic terms and concepts in animal behavior, and the evolutionary and ecological processes that shape it.
One lec. 3 hrs.
Prerequisites: 01:119:101,102 or 103 or 115-116 or 11:216:101.
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11:216:272
Dendrology (4)
Nomenclature, identification, ranges, and habitats of important native and naturalized trees of North America. Shrubs and vines important as wildlife food and cover. Forest regions and types, emphasizing the Middle Atlantic area.
One 80-min. lec., one 280-min. lab. Not open to first-year students. Prerequisite: 01:119:102 or 116.
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11:216:274
Field Techniques in Ecology and Natural Resources (4)
One lecture per week followed by a two-week field course; the latter runs five days a week, all day for two weeks following the close of the
spring semester (starting on a Monday). Students are immersed in two different ecosystems and learn fundamental aspects of forestry, field
ecology, wildlife biology, entomology, remote sensing, and natural resource management.
One 80-min. lec. and two weeks of fieldwork. Prerequisite: 11:216:272.
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11:216:302
Parasite Ecology (4)
The ecology and evolution of animal parasites, focusing on the ecology of disease, transmission dynamics, and parasite roles in community regulation and conservation biology.
Two 80-min. lecs. Prerequisites: 01:119:102 or 116.
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11:216:317
Conservation Ecology (3)
Effects of technology and population growth on species, ecosystems, and human communities. Environmental impact of agricultural and industrial systems. Global environmental change. Biological and social underpinnings of conservation. Extensive scientific and nonscientific readings.
Lec. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 01:119:102 or 116 or equivalent, and permission of instructor.
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11:216:320
Sustainable Environmental Management (3)
Sustainable environmental management is the dominant economic,
environmental, and social issue of the 21st century. This course will use
online materials (articles, papers, podcasts, video, etc.) to examine
controversial topics like climate change, natural gas drilling,
renewable energy, and others. Discussions will provide a forum for
debate and further examination of the issues.
Online course.
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11:216:323
Ornithology (4)
The biology, ecology, and field identification of birds of the region. Weekly field trips and two all-day field trips.
Two 80-min. lecs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisite: 01:119:102 or 116.
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11:216:324
Invertebrate Zoology (4)
Comparative study of some representative invertebrates as a basis for understanding the interrelationship between the physiological activity and the structure of organisms.
Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisite: 01:119:102 or 116.
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11:216:325
Vertebrate Zoology (4)
The classification, evolution, ecology, and life histories of the order and families of the vertebrates, especially of the eastern United States. Seven field trips required, including one two-day weekend trip and one evening trip.
Two 80-min. lecs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 01:119:102 or 116 and 117.
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11:216:332
Plant Ecology (4)
Study of plant life histories, populations, communities, and plant-animal interactions (pollination, dispersal, herbivory). Evolutionary basis for plant ecological traits. Weekly field trips to representative habitats in the state, including a weekend trip. Lab includes greenhouse, field experiments, and library reports.
Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs., field trips. Prerequisites: 01:119:102 or 116 and 117.
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11:216:335
Limnology (4)
Limnology is the study of inland waters including lakes, ponds, rivers,
and streams. Theoretical and applied aspects of limnology will be
covered through lectures, classroom exercises/case studies, and labs
involving several field trips.
Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisite: 01:119:102 or 116.
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11:216:351
Principles of Ecology (3)
Concepts underlying the organization of living systems. Environmental adaptations of species, population, and community dynamics, energetics, nutrient flux. Practical applications of ecological concepts.
Two 80-min. lecs. Prerequisite: 01:119:102 or 116 or equivalent.
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11:216:352
Principles of Ecology Lab (1)
This laboratory course is required for the 216 (Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources) and 628 (Marine Sciences) majors and is an option elective for all others. The laboratory course does not simply
reinforce the lecture course but instead extends its scope. Principles of Ecology Lab incorporates critical analyses of seminal
ecological publications and the collection, analysis, and graphical presentation of ecological data, both descriptive and experimental.
Laboratory exercises will introduce students to observational and experimental methods and procedures in ecology.
One 3-hr. lab. Prerequisite: 01:119:102 or 116 (117 can be taken concurrently).
Corequisite: 11:216:351.
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11:216:360
Animal Physiological Ecology (3)
The course addresses physiological topics from the perspectives of comparative, ecological, environmental, evolutionary, integrative, and organismal issues. Objectives are to understand: the diversity of life, with a particular focus on physiological functions that allow animals to live and thrive in in a range of environments; the breadth of the discipline of physiology and the importance of integrating physiology with ecology and behavior, and with cellular and molecular biology; and that evolution is the fabric of biology.
Two 80-min. lecs. Prerequisites: 11:119:102 or 116 and 117.
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11:216:365
Arboriculture (4)
This course considers the relationship of tree biology and management of trees in the developed landscape. Field exercises will complement
lectures for practical applications. We will discuss the theory and practice of managing individual trees in developed landscape and field
assignments provide hands-on and realistic perspectives in the practice of professional tree care.
Two 80-min. lecs, one 80-min lab. Taught in even-numbered years. Prerequisite: 01:119:102 or 116.
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11:216:369
Analytical Methods Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources (3)
Prerequiste: 01:960:401. Open only to Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources majors.
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11:216:371
Introductory Remote-Sensing Image Analysis (3)
Interpretation and analysis
of aerial photography and remotely-sensed imagery for environmental and natural
resource management. Photogrammetry, mapping, geology, land forms, hydrology,
soils, vegetation, and cultural features.
Prerequisite: 11:573:232.
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11:216:377
Practicum in Forest Management (BA)
Practical experience in forest management under the direction of foresters working for private industry; local, state, and federal government agencies; and in consulting capacities for landowners.
Graded on a P/NC basis. Open only to majors in Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources.
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11:216:401
Evolution of Eukaryotes (3)
This course will discuss the recent advances in our understanding of eukaryote origins and evolution. Phylogenetics, genomics, the role of
horizontal gene transfers, and the endosymbiotic origin of mitochondrion and plastid are some of the issues that will be examined in detail as
they relate to ecology and evolution of eukaryotic organisms.
Two 80-min. lecs. Prerequisites: 01:119:102 or 116 and 11:216:251 or equivalent.
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11:216:403
Urban Forestry (3)
Benefits and costs of trees, planning and design, soils, tree selection and nursery stock, IPM, composting, removal, wildlife, laws, finance, inventories, maintenance scheduling, planting. Field trips.
One 80-min. lec., one 180-min. lab. Prerequisite: 11:216:272 or permission of instructor.
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11:216:405
Evolution of Infectious Disease (3)
This course surveys how pathogenic microorganisms have evolved, with an
emphasis on understanding how the same evolutionary principles that we
infer from large eukaryotic species can be concretely observed in
viruses, bacteria, and eukaryotic parasites.
Two 80-min. lecs. Prerequisite: 01:447:380 or equivalent or permission of instructor.
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11:216:411
Plant Diversity and Evolution (4)
An overview of the evolution and diversity of vascular plants, from ferns to conifers and flowering plants. Field identification, morphology, principles of classification, and basic concepts in evolutionary research.
Two 80-min. lecs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 01:119:102 or 116.
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11:216:416
Environmental Education (3)
An opportunity to foster ideas and discussion about environmental and scientific literacy while developing plans to target and assess learning goals for all audiences.
Lec. 3 hrs. Prerequisite: 01:119:102 or 116.
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11:216:421
Wetland Ecology (3)
An overview of the ecology, management, and function of wetlands. Current issues of wetland management and biological features of wetlands
will be covered through classroom exercises and case studies.
Lec. 3 hrs. Taught in odd-numbered years. Prerequisites: 11:216:351 or equivalent.
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11:216:428
Conversational Mathematical Modeling (3)
This class is a very basic introduction to the tools and perspectives for students
with little/no math background, but who aren't afraid of equations and
want to see how applied math can be useful in research science.
Lec. 3 hrs. Prerequisite: 01:119:102 or 116
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11:216:431
Fundamentals of Ecological and Environmental Modeling (4)
This course will review the background mathematical and statistical tools necessary for students interested in pursuing ecological and
environmental modeling, and will discuss general model formulation, validation, hypothesis testing, nonlinear phenomena, and forecasting. Topics include linear algebra, differential
equations, statistical tools, regression and curve fitting, box models, and population dynamics models. General model formulation, validation, hypothesis testing, nonlinear phenomena, and forecasting. Review of necessary mathematical and statistical tools. Recommended for advanced ecosystem modeling courses.
Two 80-min. lecs. Taught in odd-numbered years. Prerequisite: CALC1, statistics, or permission of instructor.
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11:216:440
Practical Experience in Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources (3)
Practical Experience will be divided into Section
01 for hands-on experience in ecology, evolution, and natural resources under the guidance of faculty members. Section 02 is for student
TAs who will assist/teach a lab section of a course under the guidance of faculty members.
Prerequisite: Permission of faculty adviser.
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11:216:441
Animal Behavior (3)
Physiological foundations and principles of animal behavior, with particular emphasis on mechanisms underlying sexual behavior, feeding aggression, and behavioral development.
Lec/rec. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 01:119:102 or 116; a course in physiology, or permission of instructor. Recommended: Vertebrate or invertebrate biology and ecology.
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11:216:450
Landscape Ecology (3)
Overview of the concepts, methods, and applications of landscape ecology; causes, development, and importance of spatial patterning; ecological and anthropogenic aspects of landscape pattern and change.
Prerequisite: 11:216:351 or equivalent. Pre- or corequisite: 01:960:401.
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11:216:451
Global Change Ecology (3)
Analysis of the major global changes based on principles of ecosystems ecology; carbon, nutrient, and pollution cycling mechanisms and budgets; the methods used to study these phenomena.
Lec. 3 hrs. Taught in even-numbered years. Prerequisite: 11:216:351 or equivalent.
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11:216:454
Molecular Ecology (3)
This course will explore how new tools from genetics and genomics are
revolutionizing our understanding of ecology. We will learn how to use
DNA to infer behavior, kinship, historical demography, dispersal
patterns, natural selection, community composition, and conservation
genetics, among other topics. The emphasis of the course will be on
giving students the theoretical understanding and practical skills they need to apply these cutting-edge tools themselves.
Two 80-min. lecs. Prerequisite: 01:119:102 or 116.
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11:216:456
Trees and the Environment (3)
This course explores the relationship of tree biology, anatomy, and
morphology with consideration of the environmental factors influencing
the occurrence, structure, and function of species and communities of
trees. We will discuss implications for management, associated aspects
of forest ecology, and linkages of major North American forest types to
varied environmental loadings and climatic shifts over time. As much
time as possible will be spent outside at varied sites around Rutgers University–New Brunswick.
Lec. 3 hrs. Taught on odd-numbered year. Prerequiste: 11:216:272.
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11:216:461
Field Ecology (2)
Concepts of ecological organization developed through field experience in the principal habitat types of New Jersey. Emphasis on field application of ecological knowledge.
One 320-min. lab. Prerequisite: 11:216:351.
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11:216:464
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation (3)
Quantitative analysis and understanding of the ecology, management, and conservation of game and nongame wildlife (terrestrial and aquatic). Population censusing and dynamics, harvesting, habitat requirements and fragmentation, migration, conservation genetics, and managing protected areas.
One 80-min. lec., one 280-min. lab. Prerequisite: 11:216:351.
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11:216:465
Fundamentals of Genomics (3)
The course will provide an introduction to genome science to undergraduate and graduate students with a variety of backgrounds such
as microbiology, animal and plant science, and ecology/evolution who are confronted with the growing influence of this field in their work but
may not be knowledgeable in its uses and limitations. The lectures will provide an overview of genomics technology and provide real-life examples in the life sciences with a particular focus on evolutionary biology.
Two 80-min. lec. Prerequisites: 01:119:102 or 116 and 11:216:251 or 486 or 01:447:380 or 11:115:301 or 403 or 01:694:315 or 407.
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11:216:466
Ecosystem Modeling and Management (4)
Basic quantitative/computer skills for modeling major ecosystem processes: carbon, water, energy balance. Spatial modeling using remote sensing/GIS for management and global change.
Two 80-min. lecs., one 3-hr. lab. Prerequisite: A semester of calculus, 11:216:351, or permission of instructor.
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11:216:468
China's Ecological, Agricultural, and Environmental Challenges and Global Impacts (3)
This course will focus on major environmental and ecological issues in
China in the past decades, such as pollutions, soil erosion,
deforestation/reforestation, desertification and urbanization, as well
as strategies to deal with the challenges. Driving forces, such as
population pressure, economic growth, globalization, climate change, and
sociopolitical factors, will be examined through lectures and
projects. The course will also introduce the growing opportunities (e.g.,
business, private industry, academia, and government agents) in
environment and conservation areas.
Two 80-min. lec.
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11:216:469
Wildlife Diseases (3)
In this course, the diseases of wildlife will be examined with emphasis on causes and mechanisms of disease, and epidemiology and population
significance of disease. The goal of the class is to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the causes and
consequences of infectious disease at the levels of whole organisms,
populations, communities, and ecosystems.
Two 80-min. lec. Prerequisite: 01:119:102 or 116.
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11:216:470
Conservation Techniques (3)
This course is an introduction to the application of conservation and
management theory. Online lecture material will present the principles
and review the methods used for each approach. Case studies will
illustrate how conservation actions were developed and applied.
Discussions will evaluate the merits and limitations for each approach
in theory and practice.
Online course.
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11:216:474
Advanced Remote-Sensing Analysis (3)
Principles of satellite
remote-sensing and digital image analysis for environmental and natural
resource applications. Instruction in state-of-the-art digital image
processing/analysis software.
Prerequisites: 11:573:369 and 11:216:371.
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11:216:475
Winter Field Ecology (P/NC, 1)
A one-week, off-campus field experience in January, exploring the adaptations of temperate plants and animals to the harshness of winter.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
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11:216:476
Ecology: Natural, Shallow, Social, and Deep (3)
A junior/senior colloquium. The goal of this course is to explore the relationships between scientific knowledge and social perceptions of the environment.
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11:216:484
Research Problems in Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources (BA,BA)
Research projects in applied ecology under the guidance of faculty members.
Prerequisite: Permission of faculty adviser.
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11:216:486
Principles of Evolution (3)
Theories, principles, and mechanisms of the evolution of cellular and organismic systems, with some attention to human evolutionary studies.
(Formerly 01:119:484). Prerequisites: 01:160:161-162; 01:447:280. Not open to students who have taken 01:119:485.
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11:216:488
Restoration Ecology (4)
Study of the ecological processes that underlie the re-creation of a natural community. Habitat characteristics, life histories, reproductive ecology, biological invasions, mutualism, societal laws, and attitudes toward restoration. Field trips to representative restored habitats.
(Formerly 01:119:488). Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Pre-or corequisites: 11:704:351 and one course in plant or animal organismic biology (e.g., mammology, principles of botany, insect biology, etc.).
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11:216:499
Senior Capstone in Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources (1)
This course will help students review, synthesize,
and articulate their academic and professional experience. In addition,
Senior Capstone will help prepare students for the transition into the real
world of finding jobs and dealing with llfe after graduation.
One 80-min. lec. Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources students only.
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