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Animal Ecology

This is an archived copy of the 2019-2020 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

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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: Rod and Connie French Conservation Camp in Montana, 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 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 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 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 150Critical Thinking and Communication3
ENGL 250Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition3
SP CM 212Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
LIB 160Information Literacy1
Plus 6 credits from the following:6
Introduction to Creative Writing
Analysis of Popular Culture Texts
Business Communication
Free-Lance Writing for Popular Magazines
Creative Writing: Fiction
Creative Writing: Nonfiction
Creative Writing: Poetry
Proposal and Report Writing
Rhetorical Analysis
Biological Communication
Technical Communication
Presentation and Sales Strategies for Agricultural Audiences
Publicity Methods
Principles of Interpretation
Business and Professional Speaking
Communication in Classrooms and Workshops
Humanities and Social Sciences: 6 cr.

Humanities course list: https://www.cals.iastate.edu/student-services/humanities
Social Science course list: https://www.cals.iastate.edu/student-services/social-sciences

Approved humanities course3
Approved social science course3
Total Credits6
Ethics: 3 cr.

3 cr. from approved ethics list: https://www.cals.iastate.edu/student-services/ethics

Mathematical Sciences: 6 cr.
MATH 140College Algebra3
STAT 101Principles of Statistics3-4
or STAT 104 Introduction to Statistics
Total Credits6-7
Physical Sciences: 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 Credits14
Biological Sciences: 21 cr.
NREM 110Orientation in Natural Resource Ecology and Management1
NREM 120Introduction to Renewable Resources3
NREM 211Careers in Natural Resources1
A ECL 312Ecology4
A ECL 365Vertebrate Biology4
BIOL 211Principles of Biology I3
BIOL 211LPrinciples of Biology Laboratory I1
BIOL 212Principles of Biology II3
BIOL 212LPrinciples of Biology Laboratory II1
Total Credits21
Practical Experience:

Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences option

A ECL 321Fish Biology3
A ECL 486Aquatic Ecology3
A ECL 486LAquatic Ecology Laboratory1
Choose one of two Mathematics sequences:7-8
Sequence 1 (Calculus)
Preparation for Calculus
One of the following:
Survey of Calculus
Calculus I
Calculus and Mathematical Modeling for the Life Sciences
Sequence 2 (Statistics)
Quantitative Problem Solving in Natural Resources
Preparation for Calculus
Intermediate Statistical Concepts and Methods
Plus 20 credits from approved list20
Total Credits34-35

Interpretation of Natural Resources option

A ECL 366Natural History of Iowa Vertebrates3
BIOL 366Plant Systematics4
ENT 370Insect Biology3
NREM 303Internship1-3
NREM 330Principles of Interpretation3
BIOL 474Plant Ecology3
or FOR 356 Dendrology
One of the following:3
Introduction to Soil Science
Introduction to Weather and Climate
The Sky and the Solar System
How the Earth Works
Environmental Geology: Earth in Crisis
Introduction to Oceanography
Plus additional credits from approved list to total 33 credit hours. 10-13
Total credits = 33

Preveterinary & Wildlife care option

AN S 214Domestic Animal Physiology3
or B M S 329 Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals
One of the following:3
Behavioral Ecology
Domestic Animal Behavior and Well-Being
Primate Behavior
Animal Behavior
Three credits from the following:3
Fish Biology
Natural History of Iowa Vertebrates
Herpetology
Herpetology Laboratory
Ornithology
Ornithology Laboratory
Mammalogy
Mammalogy Laboratory
One of the following:3-5
Domestic Animal Physiology
Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals
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.
At least three credits from the following list:3-4
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 NREM3
Plus additional credits from approved list to total 33 credit hours.9-12
Total credits = 33

Wildlife option

A ECL 371Ecological Methods3
A ECL 451Wildlife Ecology and Management3
BIOL 313Principles of Genetics3
or GEN 320 Genetics, Agriculture and Biotechnology
or NREM 315 Genetics for Natural Resource Managers.
BIOL 366Plant Systematics4
Choose one of two Mathematics sequences7-8
Sequence 1 (Calculus)
Preparation for Calculus
One of the following:
Survey of Calculus
Calculus I
Calculus and Mathematical Modeling for the Life Sciences
Sequence 2 (Statistics)
Quantitative Problem Solving in Natural Resources
Preparation for Calculus
Intermediate Statistical Concepts and Methods
Six credits from the following list:6
Herpetology
Herpetology Laboratory
Ornithology
Ornithology Laboratory
Mammalogy
Mammalogy Laboratory
Six credits from the following list: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
At least three credits from the following list:3-4
Ecology of Freshwater Invertebrates, Plants, and Algae
Principles of Wildlife Disease
Avian Ecology
Behavioral Ecology
Primate Behavior
Biological Evolution
Ecological and Evolutionary Animal Physiology
Animal Behavior
Laboratory in Animal Behavior
Introductory Conservation Biology
Advanced Animal Behavior
Insect Biology
At least five credits from the following list: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
Midwestern Prairie Plants
Forest Herbaceous Layer: Ecology and Identification.
Plus additional credits from approved list to total 45 credit hours.0-5
Total credits = 45

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 312Ecology4
A ECL 365Vertebrate Biology4
NREM 120Introduction to Renewable Resources3

Plus four additional credits of Animal Ecology or NREM courses at the 300 level or above.

Animal Ecology, B.S.  - fisheries and aquatic sciences

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 2113BIOL 2123
BIOL 211L1BIOL 212L1
NREM 1101NREM 1203
MATH 1403ENGL 1503
CHEM 1634LIB 1601
CHEM 163L1MATH 1453
Required Elective3STAT 101/1043-4
 16 17-18
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
A ECL 3654CHEM 2313
NREM 2111CHEM 231L1
A ECL 3124SP CM 2123
MATH Calculus Elective4Free Elective / Restricted Elective6
ENGL 2503Required Elective3
 16 16
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYS 115 & 115L5A ECL 3213
A ECL 4863Communications Elective3
A ECL 486L1Restricted Elective3
Restricted Elective6Required Elective3
Required Elective3Free Elective3
 18 15
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Required Elective3Restricted Electives7
Restricted Elective6Communications Elective3
Free Electives8Free Electives6
 17 16


Animal Ecology, B.S. - interpretation of natural resources option

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 2113BIOL 2123
BIOL 211L1BIOL 212L1
NREM 1101NREM 1203
Required Elective3ENGL 1503
MATH 140**3MATH 1453
CHEM 1634STAT 101/1043-4
CHEM 163L1LIB 1601
 16 17-18
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
A ECL 3654CHEM 2313
NREM 2111CHEM 231L1
A ECL 3124SP CM 2123
Earth Science Elective3Free Elective/ Restricted Elective6
ENGL 2503Required Elective3
 15 16
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYS 1154NREM 3303
PHYS 115L1Communications Elective3
Botany or Restricted Elective3-4A ECL 3663
ENT 3703Required Elective3
Required Elective3BIOL 3664
Free Elective3 
 17-18 16
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Restricted Elective6-7Botany or Restricted Elective3
Required Elective3Restricted Elective3
Free Electives7Communications Elective3
 NREM 3031-3
 Free Electives (if needed)8
 16-17 18-20

Animal Ecology, B.S. - Pre-vet & wildlife care option

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 2113BIOL 2123
BIOL 211L1BIOL 212L1
NREM 1101NREM 1203
Required Elective3ENGL 1503
MATH 1403MATH 1453
CHEM 1634STAT 101/1043-4
CHEM 163L1LIB 1601
 16 17-18
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
A ECL 3654CHEM 2313
NREM 2111CHEM 231L1
A ECL 3124SP CM 2123
Restricted Elective3Free Elective/ Restricted Elective6
ENGL 2503Required Elective3
 15 16
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYS 115 & 115L5NREM 3303
Restricted Elective3AN S 214 or BMS 3293
Required Elective3Natural History Elective3
Free Elective6Required Elective3
 Free Elective6
 17 18
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Restricted Elective6Restricted Elective3
Genetics/Development Elective3Communications Elective3
Required Elective3Free Elective9
Communications Elective3 
Free Elective2 
 17 15

Animal Ecology, B.S. - wildlife option

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 2113BIOL 2123
BIOL 211L1BIOL 212L1
NREM 1101NREM 1203
MATH 1403ENGL 1503
CHEM 163#4MATH 1453
CHEM 163L#1LIB 1601
Required Elective3STAT 101/1043-4
 16 17-18
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
A ECL 3654CHEM 231#3
NREM 2111CHEM 231L#1
A ECL 3124SP CM 2123
MATH Calculus Elective4Free Elective / Restricted Elective6
ENGL 2503Required Elective3
 16 16
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PHYS 1154BIOL 3664
PHYS 115L1Communications Elective3
A ECL 3713Restricted Electives6
Restricted Electives6Required Elective3
Required Elective3 
 17 16
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
A ECL 4513Restricted Electives9
Restricted Electives6Communications Elective3
Required Elective3Free Elective3
Free Electives6 
 18 15

Expand all courses

Courses

Courses primarily for undergraduates:

(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.

(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.

(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.

(Cross-listed with IA LL). Cr. 2. 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.

(Cross-listed with NREM). (1-3) Cr. 2. F.

Prereq: BIOL 212
Introduction to techniques used in the collection and interpretation of fish population data in the field and in the lab. Course objectives include an understanding of population survey methodology and improving student critical thinking and teamwork skills. Laboratory focuses on field trips and hands-on sampling experience.

(Cross-listed with BIOL). (3-2) Cr. 4. F.

Prereq: BIOL 211, BIOL 211L, 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.

(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.

(Cross-listed with BIOL). (2-3) Cr. 3. F.

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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(Cross-listed with IA LL). Cr. 2. 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.

(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.

(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.

(Dual-listed with A ECL 542). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.

Prereq: BIOL 211 and BIOL 212.
Concepts related to the culture of aquatic organisms including culture systems, water quality, nutrition, genetics, diseases, and marketing.

(2-3) Cr. 3. S.

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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(Cross-listed with BIOL). Cr. 3.

Prereq: BIOL 312
Examination of conservation issues from a population and community perspective. The role of genetics, demography, and environment in determining population viability, habitat fragmentation, reserve design, biodiversity assessment, and restoration ecology.

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.

(Dual-listed with A ECL 586). (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.

(Dual-listed with A ECL 586L). (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.

(Dual-listed with A ECL 589). (Cross-listed with BIOL). (2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.

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.

Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(Cross-listed with IA LL). Cr. 2. 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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(Dual-listed with A ECL 442). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.

Prereq: BIOL 211 and BIOL 212.
Concepts related to the culture of aquatic organisms including culture systems, water quality, nutrition, genetics, diseases, and marketing.

(2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(Dual-listed with A ECL 486). (Cross-listed with EEOB, 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.

(Dual-listed with A ECL 486L). (Cross-listed with EEOB, 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.

(Dual-listed with A ECL 489). (Cross-listed with EEOB). (2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.

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.

(Cross-listed with ANTHR, EEOB, IA LL). Cr. 1-4. Repeatable. SS.

Prereq: Graduate classification and permission of instructor

(Cross-listed with ANTHR, EEOB, IA LL). Cr. 1-4. Repeatable. SS.

Prereq: Graduate classification and permission of instructor

Cr. arr.

Prereq: Nonthesis M.S. option only

Courses for graduate students:

(Cross-listed with EEOB). (2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-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.

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.

Cr. arr. Repeatable.


(Cross-listed with ANTHR, EEOB, GDCB, IA LL). Cr. 1-4. Repeatable.