BIOL 3440 - Global Change Ecology

Global changes are occurring that impact biological systems. In this course we will study the impact of globalization, warming, a changing atmosphere, altered hydrologic and nutrient, land-use changes, and other human-related activities on the Earth's biological and ecological systems. Emphases are placed evaluating information; on understanding the linkages between biological-physical processes; the impacts of humans in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems; and consideration of both impacts and solutions to the challenges of global changes. Current global-scale issues, such as climate, biodiversity, sustainability, and ecosystem goods and services are examined from a scientific basis with the goal of understanding impacts and proposed solutions that will influence both natural systems as well as human society in 21st century