Freshwater ecology is the study of environmental and ecological aspects of inland lakes and streams (also called "Limnology"). The course is taught from an ecological and ecosystem context, and topics covered include: the origin of lakes; the importance of physical and chemical properties; the geochemical cycling of different elements such as carbon, phosphorous, and nitrogen; the ecology of aquatic bacteria, phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthos, macrophytes, and fish; the pollution and eutrophication of lakes; the recent concepts in stream ecology; paleolimnology; food-chain dynamics; energy flow; and experimental investigations using whole lakes.

Course Requirements:

Grades are based on lecture exams, problem sets, and in-class participation.

Intended Audience:

This course meets major requirements in Biology, Molecular Cellular & Developmental Biology (MCDB), and Ecology Evolution & Biodiversity (EEB). Advanced undergraduate or Graduate standing, with background in physics, chemistry, biology, or water-related sciences.

Class Format:

The class is taught in a standard lecture format but modified by in-class discussions and break-out groups related to specific issues, readings, or problem sets.