Animal Ecology
Animal Ecology
The animal ecology curriculum provides its majors with an understanding of ecological principles and processes and their applications to natural resource management. It is oriented toward students desiring a general and flexible program in environmental biology and for those planning graduate study. Students may select from four options: Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Interpretation of Natural Resources, Preveterinary and Wildlife Care, or Wildlife. Graduates find employment as aquaculturists, aquatic ecologists, wildlife biologists, fisheries biologists, resource managers, and ecologists for industry, environmental consulting firms, natural resource and environmental agencies and organizations, zoos, and as educators.
Graduates of the Animal Ecology major understand the basic principles of animal biology, ecology and management, and relevant aspects of scientific communication, basic mathematics and sciences, computing applications, and personal and professional development. Four specific options prepare students for careers in interpretation of natural resources, fisheries and aquatic sciences, pre-veterinary and wildlife care, and wildlife. Each option has specific outcomes expectations that include (1) the scope of the specialization and its relationships to broader aspects of animal ecology, biotic resource management, and other allied scientific disciplines and professions, (2) career opportunities and requirements, and (3) knowledge and skills appropriate for employment at technical and practitioner levels in each discipline. Graduates are able to communicate and work effectively in the multidisciplinary arena of ecology and natural resource management.
All options require three months (400 hours) of relevant work experience or study at a biological station prior to graduation. The latter may be accomplished at the university’s affiliate field stations: Iowa Lakeside Laboratory at West Lake Okoboji, and Gulf Coast Research Laboratory at Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Information on these laboratories is available from the department’s Student Services Center.
Preveterinary medicine preparation may be achieved while satisfying degree requirements in animal ecology.
Additional education and training can lead to other opportunities in such areas as research and management, natural resources planning and administration, teaching, and environmental consulting, among others. Graduate training is necessary for many specialized positions within the fields of animal ecology. Students preparing for graduate study should consult with their academic adviser concerning appropriate coursework.
Students wishing to be certified by the American Fisheries Society or The Wildlife Society need to consult with their advisors in selecting required courses in their respective programs. The formal application then needs to be completed and submitted for review by their professional societies. Certification in either society has many professional benefits and may be required or recommended for employment by federal and state agencies and private industry.
Students seeking certification to teach biology in secondary schools must meet requirements of the College of Human Sciences as well as those of the Animal Ecology curriculum. In addition, they must apply formally for admission to the teacher education program (see Index, Teacher Education Program ). Students with an interest in careers in outdoor writing are encouraged to obtain a minor or a second major in journalism (see Index, Journalism and Communication, Courses and Programs ). Students who wish to pursue a job as a conservation officer may wish to minor in criminal justice (see Index, Criminal Justice Studies ).
Curriculum in Animal Ecology
Total Degree Requirement: 128 cr.
Only 65 cr. from a two-year institution may apply which may include up to 16 technical cr.; 9 P-NP cr. of free electives; 2.00 minimum GPA.
International Perspective: 3 cr.
U.S. Diversity: 3 cr.
Communications Proficiency (with a C or better):
| 6 cr. of English composition | ||
| 3 cr. of speech fundamentals | ||
Communication/Library 16 cr.
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| SP CM 212 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| LIB 160 | Information Literacy | 1 |
| Plus 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Creative Writing | ||
| Business Communication | ||
| Free-Lance Writing for Popular Magazines | ||
| Creative Writing: Fiction | ||
| Creative Writing: Nonfiction | ||
| Creative Writing: Poetry | ||
| Report and Proposal Writing | ||
| Rhetorical Analysis | ||
| Biological Communication | ||
| Technical Communication | ||
| Presentation and Sales Strategies for Agricultural Audiences | ||
| Reporting and Writing for the Mass Media | ||
| Publicity Methods | ||
| Principles of Interpretation | ||
| Business and Professional Speaking | ||
| Communication in Classrooms and Workshops | ||
Humanities and Social Sciences: 6 cr.
| Approved humanities course | 3 | |
| Approved social science course | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Ethics: 3 cr.
3 cr. from approved ethics list.
Mathematical Sciences: 6 cr.
| MATH 140 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 145 | Applied Trigonometry | 3 |
| STAT 101 | Principles of Statistics | 3-4 |
| or STAT 104 | Introduction to Statistics | |
| Total Credits | 9-10 | |
Physical Sciences: 13-14 cr.
| CHEM 163 & 163L | College Chemistry and Laboratory in College Chemistry | 5 |
| or CHEM 177 & 177L | General Chemistry I and Laboratory in General Chemistry I | |
| CHEM 231 & 231L | Elementary Organic Chemistry and Laboratory in Elementary Organic Chemistry | 4 |
| or CHEM 331 & 331L | Organic Chemistry I and Laboratory in Organic Chemistry I | |
| PHYS 115 & 115L | Physics for the Life Sciences and Laboratory in Physics for the Life Sciences | 5 |
| or PHYS 111 | General Physics | |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
Biological Sciences: 20 cr.
| NREM 110 | Orientation in Natural Resource Ecology and Management | 1 |
| NREM 120 | Introduction to Renewable Resources | 3 |
| NREM 211 | Careers in Natural Resources | 1 |
| A ECL 312 | Ecology | 4 |
| A ECL 365 | Vertebrate Biology | 4 |
| BIOL 211 | Principles of Biology I | 3 |
| BIOL 211L | Principles of Biology Laboratory I | 1 |
| BIOL 212 | Principles of Biology II | 3 |
| BIOL 212L | Principles of Biology Laboratory II | 1 |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Practical Experience:
Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences option
| A ECL 321 | Fish Biology | 3 |
| A ECL 486 | Aquatic Ecology | 3 |
| A ECL 486L | Aquatic Ecology Laboratory | 1 |
| One of the following: | 4 | |
| Survey of Calculus | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Calculus and Mathematical Modeling for the Life Sciences I | ||
| Plus 20 credits from approved list | 20 | |
| Total Credits | 31 | |
Interpretation of Natural Resources option
| A ECL 366 | Natural History of Iowa Vertebrates | 3 |
| BIOL 366 | Plant Systematics | 4 |
| ENT 370 | Insect Biology | 3 |
| NREM 303 | Internship | 1-3 |
| NREM 330 | Principles of Interpretation | 3 |
| BIOL 474 | Plant Ecology | 3-4 |
| or FOR 356 | Dendrology | |
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Fundamentals of Soil Science | ||
| Introduction to Weather and Climate | ||
| The Sky and the Solar System | ||
| The Earth | ||
| Environmental Geology: Earth in Crisis | ||
| Introduction to Oceanography | ||
| Plus additional credits from approved list to total 33 credit hours. | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 32-35 | |
Preveterinary & Wildlife care option
| AN S 214 | Domestic Animal Physiology | 3 |
| or B M S 329 | Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals | |
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Behavioral Ecology | ||
| Domestic Animal Behavior and Well-Being | ||
| Animal Behavior | ||
| Primate Evolutionary Ecology and Behavior | ||
| Three credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Fish Biology | ||
| Natural History of Iowa Vertebrates | ||
| Herpetology | ||
| Ornithology | ||
| Ornithology Laboratory | ||
| Mammalogy | ||
| Mammalogy Laboratory | ||
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Anatomy of Laboratory Animals | ||
| Avian Anatomy | ||
| Principles of Human and Other Animal Physiology | ||
| Comparative Chordate Anatomy | ||
| Vertebrate Histology | ||
| Endocrinology | ||
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Domestic Animal Reproduction | ||
| Principles of Genetics | ||
| Developmental Biology | ||
| Genetics, Agriculture and Biotechnology | ||
| Genetics for Natural Resource Managers. | ||
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Intro to Aquatic Animal Medicine | ||
| Aquaculture | ||
| Principles of Wildlife Disease | ||
| Animal Nutrition | ||
| Workshop in Animal Science | ||
| Introductory Parasitology | ||
| Introduction to Microbiology | ||
| Introductory Microbiology Laboratory | ||
| 3 cr from course level 300-500 from A ECL or NREM | 3 | |
| Plus additional credits from approved list to total 33 credit hours. | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
Wildlife option
| A ECL 371 | Ecological Methods | 3 |
| A ECL 451 | Wildlife Ecology and Management | 3 |
| BIOL 313 | Principles of Genetics | 3 |
| or GEN 320 | Genetics, Agriculture and Biotechnology | |
| or NREM 315 | Genetics for Natural Resource Managers. | |
| BIOL 366 | Plant Systematics | 4 |
| One of the following: | 4 | |
| Survey of Calculus | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Calculus and Mathematical Modeling for the Life Sciences I | ||
| Six hours from the following: | 6 | |
| Herpetology | ||
| Ornithology | ||
| Ornithology Laboratory | ||
| Mammalogy | ||
| Mammalogy Laboratory | ||
| Six hours from the following: | 6 | |
| International Wildlife Issues | ||
| Environmental Planning | ||
| Environmental Politics and Policies | ||
| Foundations in Natural Resource Policy and History | ||
| Natural Resource Policy | ||
| Ecosystem Management | ||
| Controversies in Natural Resource Management | ||
| Three hours from the following: | 3 | |
| Ecology of Freshwater Invertebrates, Plants, and Algae | ||
| Principles of Wildlife Disease | ||
| Avian Ecology | ||
| Behavioral Ecology | ||
| Primate Evolutionary Ecology and Behavior | ||
| Biological Evolution | ||
| Ecological and Evolutionary Animal Physiology | ||
| Animal Behavior | ||
| Laboratory in Animal Behavior | ||
| Introductory Conservation Biology | ||
| Advanced Animal Behavior | ||
| Insect Biology | ||
| Five hours from the following: | 5 | |
| Ecology of Freshwater Invertebrates, Plants, and Algae | ||
| Principles of Weed Science | ||
| Plants and People | ||
| Plant Anatomy | ||
| Principles of Mycology | ||
| Plant Ecology | ||
| Wetland Ecology | ||
| Dendrology | ||
| Plus additional credits from approved list to total 42 credit hours. | 1 | |
| Total Credits | 38 | |
Minor - Animal Ecology
The department offers a minor in animal ecology that may be earned by taking 15 credits in the department including:
| A ECL 312 | Ecology | 4 |
| A ECL 365 | Vertebrate Biology | 4 |
| NREM 120 | Introduction to Renewable Resources | 3 |
Plus four additional credits of Animal Ecology or NREM courses at the 300 level or above.
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
A ECL 312. Ecology.
(Cross-listed with BIOL, ENSCI). (3-3) Cr. 4.
F.SS.
Prereq: BIOL 211, BIOL 211L, BIOL 212, and BIOL 212L
Fundamental concepts and principles of ecology dealing with organisms, populations, communities and ecosystems. Laboratory and field exercises examine ecological principles and methods as well as illustrate habitats.
A ECL 312I. Ecology.
(Cross-listed with ENSCI, IA LL). Cr. 4.
SS.
An introduction to the principles of ecology at the population, community and ecosystem level. Field studies of local lakes, wetlands and prairies are used to examine factors controlling distributions, interactions, and roles of plants and animals in native ecosystems.
A ECL 321. Fish Biology.
(2-3) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: A ECL 365
Biology, ecology, and evolution of fishes. Emphasis on structure, physiology, and behavior, including a focus on the conservation and management of fishes and their habitats. Laboratory focus on fish morphology, survey methods, identification, distribution, habits, and habitats of fishes.
A ECL 326I. Ornithology.
(Cross-listed with IA LL). Cr. 4.
SS.
The biology, ecology, and behavior of birds with emphasis on field studies of local avifauna. Group projects stress techniques of population analysis and methodology for population studies.
A ECL 365. Vertebrate Biology.
(Cross-listed with BIOL). (3-2) Cr. 4.
F.
Prereq: BIOL 212, BIOL 212L
Evolution, biology, and classification of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Emphasis on a comparative analysis of the structure and function of organ systems. Laboratory exercises concentrate on morphology and identification of orders of vertebrates.
A ECL 366. Natural History of Iowa Vertebrates.
(2-3) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: BIOL 211, BIOL 211L, BIOL 212, BIOL 212L
Vertebrate fauna of Iowa, including fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Species identification, habitat requirements, community structure and assessment, conservation issues that include historical population changes and value of wild animals to the region's ecological and economic health.
A ECL 371. Ecological Methods.
(Cross-listed with BIOL). (2-3) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: A ECL 312; STAT 101 or STAT 104
Quantitative techniques used in management of natural resources with emphasis on inventory and manipulation of habitat and animal populations.
A ECL 401. Intro to Aquatic Animal Medicine.
(Cross-listed with B M S). (1-2) Cr. 1.
S.
8 week course. Introductory course with focus on fin fish production, health and medicine. Course content will help define future roles for veterinarians, producers, and service providers. Emphasis will be placed on anatomy, pathology, infectious diseases, nutrition, regulatory constraints in production, food safety, and current research. Field trip to aquaculture facility.
A ECL 404I. Behavioral Ecology.
(Cross-listed with IA LL). Cr. 4.
Alt. SS., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: Two semesters of biology
Animal coloniality, courtship, territoriality, predator defense, habitat selection, foraging, mating systems, and parental care will be examined in the field in order to evaluate various ecological and evolutionary theories of animal behavior.
A ECL 415. Ecology of Freshwater Invertebrates, Plants, and Algae.
(Dual-listed with A ECL 515). (2-3) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: A ECL 312
Identification, biology, and ecological requirements of freshwater invertebrates, plants and algae. Additional emphases on community sampling methods and analysis, and use of organisms as tools for aquatic ecosystem health assessment.
A ECL 418. Stream Ecology.
(Dual-listed with A ECL 518). (Cross-listed with ENSCI). (2-3) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: A ECL 486
Biological, chemical, physical, and geological processes that determine the structure and function of flowing water ecosystems. Current ecological theories as well as applications to stream management for water quality and fisheries.
A ECL 419I. Vertebrate Ecology and Evolution.
(Cross-listed with IA LL). Cr. 4.
SS.
Field and laboratory study of representative vertebrates of northwestern Iowa. Observations and experimentation emphasize ecological histories by integrating concepts of functional morphology, behavioral ecology, and evolutionary biology.
A ECL 420I. Amphibians and Reptiles.
(Cross-listed with IA LL). Cr. 4.
Alt. SS., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: Two semesters of biology
Ecology, behavior, and conservation biology of amphibians and reptiles with emphasis on their anatomy and morphology; temperature and water regulation; locomotion; life history; reproduction; population and community ecology; and conservation.
A ECL 425. Aquatic Insects.
(Dual-listed with A ECL 525). (Cross-listed with ENT). (2-3) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: BIOL 312 or equivalent
Morphology, ecology, diversity, and significance of aquatic insects, with emphasis on the collection, curation and identification of taxa in local streams and lakes.
A ECL 440. Fishery Management.
(Dual-listed with A ECL 540). (2-3) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: A ECL 312, A ECL 321, STAT 101 or STAT 104; credit or enrollment in A ECL 486
Biological basis of fishery management, fishery problems, and management practices for freshwater, anadromous, and marine fisheries.
A ECL 442. Aquaculture.
(Dual-listed with A ECL 542). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: credit or enrollment in A ECL 321
Concepts related to the culture of aquatic organisms including culture systems, water quality, nutrition, genetics, diseases, and marketing.
A ECL 451. Wildlife Ecology and Management.
(2-3) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: A ECL 371
Ecological theory and practice of wildlife management, including, population ecology, habitat management, and current issues in the field. Course involves a series of case studies addressing actual wildlife issues using field and quantitative methods.
A ECL 454. Principles of Wildlife Disease.
(Dual-listed with A ECL 554). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: Junior standing and at least 10 credits in biological sciences at the 300+ level
Ecological and epidemiological aspects of diseases as they relate to wildlife populations. Topics to be covered include: major classes of disease; detection, description, monitoring, and management of disease; characteristics and interactions between disease agents and wildlife hosts; relationships among wildlife, domestic animal, and human health.
A ECL 455. International Wildlife Issues.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: A ECL 365, A ECL 312 or graduate standing; NREM 120
Biological, political, social, and economic factors affecting the management of international wildlife resources.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.
A ECL 457. Herpetology.
(Cross-listed with BIOL). (2-0) Cr. 2.
F.
Prereq: BIOL 351 or BIOL 365
Biology, ecology, and evolution of amphibians (salamanders, frogs, caecilians) and reptiles (lizards, snakes, tuatara, turtles, crocodilians). Emphasis on structure, physiological adaptation to different environments, behavior, reproduction, roles of amphibians and reptiles in ecosystems, and conservation. Laboratory focus on survey methods, identification, relationships, distribution, habits, and habitats of amphibians and reptiles.
A ECL 457L. Herpetology Laboratory.
(Cross-listed with BIOL). (0-3) Cr. 1.
F.
Prereq: BIOL 351 or BIOL/A ECL 365; concurrent registration in BIOL 457 or A ECL 457
Laboratory to accompany Biology/Animal Ecology 457. Focus on survey methods, identification, relationships, distribution, habits, and habitats of amphibians and reptiles.
A ECL 458. Ornithology.
(Cross-listed with BIOL). (2-0) Cr. 2.
S.
Prereq: A ECL 365 or BIOL 351
Biology, evolution, ecology and taxonomy of birds. Emphasis on structure, physiology, behavior, communication, navigation, reproduction, and conservation.
A ECL 458L. Ornithology Laboratory.
(Cross-listed with BIOL). (0-3) Cr. 1.
S.
Prereq: BIOL 351 or AECL/BIOL 365. Concurrent enrollment in AECL/BIOL 458 is required.
Laboratory complements lecture topics with emphasis on external anatomy, identification and distribution of Midwest birds, and field trips.
A ECL 459. Mammalogy.
(Cross-listed with BIOL). (2-0) Cr. 2.
S.
Prereq: BIOL 351 or A ECL 365
Biology, ecology, and evolution of mammals. Emphasis on structure, physiological adaptation to different environments, behavior, reproduction, roles of mammals in ecosystems, and conservation.
A ECL 459L. Mammalogy Laboratory.
(Cross-listed with BIOL). (0-3) Cr. 1.
S.
Prereq: BIOL 351 or BIOL/AECL 365; concurrent enrollment in AECL 459 or BIOL 459 required.
Laboratory focus on identification, survey methods, distribution, habits, and habitats of mammals. Several field trips.
A ECL 480. Studies in Marine Biology.
Cr. 1-8.
Repeatable. SS.
Courses taken at Gulf Coast Research Laboratory and other marine biological stations are transferred to Iowa State University under this number.
A ECL 486. Aquatic Ecology.
(Cross-listed with BIOL, ENSCI). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: BIOL 312 or ENSCI 381 or ENSCI 402 or NREM 301
Structure and function of aquatic ecosystems with application to fishery and pollution problems. Emphasis on lacustrine, riverine, and wetland ecology.
A ECL 486L. Aquatic Ecology Laboratory.
(Cross-listed with BIOL, ENSCI). (0-3) Cr. 1.
F.
Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 486
Field trips and laboratory exercises to accompany 486. Hands-on experience with aquatic research and monitoring techniques and concepts.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
A ECL 515. Ecology of Freshwater Invertebrates, Plants, and Algae.
(Dual-listed with A ECL 415). (2-3) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: A ECL 312
Identification, biology, and ecological requirements of freshwater invertebrates, plants and algae. Additional emphases on community sampling methods and analysis, and use of organisms as tools for aquatic ecosystem health assessment.
A ECL 516. Avian Ecology.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: A ECL 365, A ECL 312, or graduate standing
Current topics and theories including avian breeding and foraging ecology, population biology, community structure, habitat selection, field methodologies, and data interpretation.
A ECL 518. Stream Ecology.
(Dual-listed with A ECL 418). (Cross-listed with ENSCI). (2-3) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: A ECL 486
Biological, chemical, physical, and geological processes that determine the structure and function of flowing water ecosystems. Current ecological theories as well as applications to stream management for water quality and fisheries.
A ECL 520. Fisheries Science.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: A ECL 312, A ECL 321
Concepts, approaches, and techniques for assessment of recreational and commercial fisheries. Scope will range from individual fish to entire ecosystems, both freshwater and marine.
A ECL 523I. Fish Ecology.
(Cross-listed with IA LL). Cr. 4.
Alt. SS., offered even-numbered years.
Basic principles of fish interaction with the biotic and abiotic environment. Field methods, taxonomy, and biology of fish with emphasis on the fish fauna of northwestern Iowa.
A ECL 525. Aquatic Insects.
(Dual-listed with A ECL 425). (Cross-listed with ENT). (2-3) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: BIOL 312 or equivalent
Morphology, ecology, diversity, and significance of aquatic insects, with emphasis on the collection, curation and identification of taxa in local streams and lakes.
A ECL 526I. Advanced Field Ornithology.
(Cross-listed with IA LL). Cr. 2.
SS.
Prereq: Concurrent registration in IA LL 326I
Field study of birds of the upper Midwest; extended field trip to Minnesota and Wisconsin; individual or group project.
A ECL 531. Conservation Biology.
(Cross-listed with EEOB). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: BIOL 312; BIOL 313 or graduate standing
Examination of conservation issues from a population and a community perspective. Population-level analysis will focus on the role of genetics, demography, and environment in determining population viability. Community perspectives will focus on topics such as habitat fragmentation, reserve design, biodiversity assessment, and restoration ecology.
A ECL 531I. Conservation Biology.
(Cross-listed with EEOB, IA LL). Cr. 4.
Alt. SS., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: IA LL 312I
Population-and community-level examination of factors influencing the viability of plant and animal populations from both demographic and genetic perspectives; assessment of biodiversity; design and management of preserves.
A ECL 535I. Restoration Ecology.
(Cross-listed with EEOB, ENSCI, IA LL). Cr. 4.
Alt. SS., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: A course in ecology
Ecological principles for the restoration of native ecosystems; establishment (site preparation, selection of seed mixes, planting techniques) and management (fire, mowing, weed control) of native vegetation; evaluation of restorations. Emphasis on the restoration of prairie and wetland vegetation.
A ECL 540. Fishery Management.
(Dual-listed with A ECL 440). (2-3) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: A ECL 312, A ECL 321, STAT 101 or STAT 104; credit or enrollment in A ECL 486
Biological basis of fishery management, fishery problems, and management practices for freshwater, anadromous, and marine fisheries.
A ECL 542. Aquaculture.
(Dual-listed with A ECL 442). (3-0) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: credit or enrollment in A ECL 321
Concepts related to the culture of aquatic organisms including culture systems, water quality, nutrition, genetics, diseases, and marketing.
A ECL 551. Behavioral Ecology.
(2-2) Cr. 3.
Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: a course in ecology or animal behavior
The study of how an animal's behavior affects its ability to survive and reproduce in its environment. Course topics, such as foraging behavior, sexual selection, parental care, etc., represent the interface of ecology, evolution, and behavior.
A ECL 554. Principles of Wildlife Disease.
(Dual-listed with A ECL 454). (3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: Graduate classification
Ecological and epidemiological aspects of disease as they relate to wildlife populations. Topics to be covered include: major classes of disease; detection, description, monitoring, and management of disease; characteristics and interactions between disease agents and wildlife hosts; relationship among wildlife, domestic animal, and human health.
A ECL 570. Landscape Ecology.
(Cross-listed with EEOB). (2-3) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.
Prereq: Permission of instructor; EEOB 588; a course in calculus
The study of ecological and evolutionary processes within a spatial context with emphasis on behavior, population, and community dynamics.
A ECL 573. Techniques for Biology Teaching.
(Cross-listed with EEOB, IA LL). Cr. 1-2.
Repeatable. SS.
The development and implementation of laboratory exercises suitable for inclusion in elementary, middle, high school, and community college biology and environmental courses. Exercises will be built around common organisms and ecosystems in Iowa. Field trips.
A ECL 573A. Techniques for Biology Teaching : Animal Biology.
(Cross-listed with EEOB, IA LL). Cr. 1-2.
Repeatable. SS.
The development and implementation of laboratory exercises suitable for inclusion in elementary, middle, high school, and community college biology and environmental courses. Exercises will be built around common organisms and ecosystems in Iowa. Field trips.
A ECL 573G. Techniques for Biology Teaching: Limnology.
(Cross-listed with EEOB, IA LL). Cr. 1-2.
Repeatable. SS.
The development and implementation of laboratory exercises suitable for inclusion in elementary, middle, high school, and community college biology and environmental courses. Exercises will be built around common organisms and ecosystems in Iowa. Field trips.
A ECL 573H. Animal Behavior (Same as Ia LL 573H).
(Cross-listed with EEOB, IA LL). Cr. 1-2.
Repeatable. SS.
The development and implementation of laboratory exercises suitable for inclusion in elementary, middle, high school, and community college biology and environmental courses. Exercises will be built around common organisms and ecosystems in Iowa. Field trips.
A ECL 573I. Techniques for Biology Teaching: Insect Ecology.
(Cross-listed with EEOB, IA LL). Cr. 1-2.
Repeatable. SS.
The development and implementation of laboratory exercises suitable for inclusion in elementary, middle, high school, and community college biology and environmental courses. Exercises will be built around common organisms and ecosystems in Iowa. Field trips.
A ECL 573W. Techniques for Biology Teaching: Project WET.
(Cross-listed with EEOB, IA LL). Cr. 1-2.
Repeatable. SS.
The development and implementation of laboratory exercises suitable for inclusion in elementary, middle, high school, and community college biology and environmental courses. Exercises will be built around common organisms and ecosystems in Iowa. Field trips.
A ECL 589. Population Ecology.
(Cross-listed with EEOB). (2-2) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: BIOL 312, STAT 101 or STAT 104, a course in calculus, or graduate standing
Concepts and theories of population dynamics with emphasis on models of growth, predation, competition, and regulation.
A ECL 590. Graduate Independent Study.
(Cross-listed with ANTHR, EEOB, IA LL). Cr. 1-4.
Repeatable. SS.
Prereq: Graduate classification and permission of instructor
A ECL 590I. Special Topics: Graduate Independent Study.
(Cross-listed with ANTHR, EEOB, IA LL). Cr. 1-4.
Repeatable. SS.
Prereq: Graduate classification and permission of instructor
A ECL 599. Creative Component.
Cr. arr.
Prereq: Nonthesis M.S. option only
Courses for graduate students:
A ECL 611. Analysis of Populations.
(Cross-listed with EEOB). (2-2) Cr. 3.
Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.
Prereq: BIOL 312; STAT 401; a course in calculus
Quantitative techniques for analyzing vertebrate population data to estimate parameters such as density and survival. Emphasis on statistical inference and computing.
A ECL 698. Animal Ecology Teaching Practicum.
Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Graduate classification in animal ecology and permission of instructor
Graduate student experience in the animal ecology teaching program.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
A ECL 699. Research.
Cr. arr.
Repeatable.
A ECL 699I. Research.
(Cross-listed with ANTHR, EEOB, GDCB, IA LL). Cr. 1-4.
Repeatable.
