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 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 | ||
| 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 course | 3 | |
| Approved social science course | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Ethics: 3 cr.
3 cr. from approved ethics list: https://www.cals.iastate.edu/student-services/ethics
Mathematical Sciences: 6 cr.
| MATH 140 | College Algebra | 3 |
| STAT 101 | Principles of Statistics | 3-4 |
| or STAT 104 | Introduction to Statistics | |
| Total Credits | 6-7 | |
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 Credits | 14 | |
Biological Sciences: 24 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 231 | Principles of Wildlife & Fisheries Conservation | 3 |
| 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 | 24 | |
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 |
| Choose one of two Mathematics sequences: | 7-8 | |
| Sequence 1 (Calculus) | ||
| Preparation for Calculus | ||
One of the following: | ||
| Survey of Calculus | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Sequence 2 (Statistics) | ||
| Quantitative Problem Solving in Natural Resources | ||
or MATH 143 | Preparation for Calculus | |
| Intermediate Statistical Concepts and Methods | ||
| Plus 20 credits from approved list | 20 | |
| Total Credits | 34-35 | |
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 |
| 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 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 | ||
| 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 NREM | 3 | |
| Plus additional credits from approved list to total 33 credit hours. | 9-12 | |
| 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 |
| Choose one of two Mathematics sequences | 7-8 | |
| Sequence 1 (Calculus) | ||
| Preparation for Calculus | ||
One of the following: | ||
| Survey of Calculus | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Sequence 2 (Statistics) | ||
| Quantitative Problem Solving in Natural Resources | ||
or MATH 143 | 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 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.
The minor must include at least 9 credits that are not used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement.
Animal Ecology, B.S. - fisheries and aquatic sciences
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOL 211 | 3 | BIOL 212 | 3 |
| BIOL 211L | 1 | BIOL 212L | 1 |
| NREM 110 | 1 | NREM 120 | 3 |
| MATH 140 | 3 | ENGL 150 | 3 |
| CHEM 163 | 4 | LIB 160 | 1 |
| CHEM 163L | 1 | MATH 145 | 3 |
| Required Elective | 3 | STAT 101/104 | 3-4 |
| 16 | 17-18 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| A ECL 365 | 4 | A ECL 231 | 3 |
| NREM 211 | 1 | CHEM 231 | 3 |
| A ECL 312 | 4 | CHEM 231L | 1 |
| MATH Calculus Elective | 4 | SP CM 212 | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | 3 | Free Elective / Restricted Elective | 3 |
| Required Elective | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PHYS 115 & 115L | 5 | A ECL 321 | 3 |
| A ECL 486 | 3 | Communications Elective | 3 |
| A ECL 486L | 1 | Restricted Elective | 3 |
| Restricted Elective | 6 | Required Elective | 3 |
| Required Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| 18 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Required Elective | 3 | Restricted Electives | 7 |
| Restricted Elective | 6 | Communications Elective | 3 |
| Free Electives | 8 | Free Electives | 6 |
| 17 | 16 | ||
| * | To complete degree program in 4 years students must maintain an average of 16 credits per semester. |
| ** | Initial math course is determined on the basis of high school math and placement test scores. A non-credit course (Math 10) maybe be required at additional costs. |
| *** | In scheduling coursework, students should pay particular attention to courses with limited offerings (e.g., offered only on alternate years) and to course sequences (i.e., where a course serves as a prerequisite for another course). |
Animal Ecology, B.S. - interpretation of natural resources option
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOL 211 | 3 | BIOL 212 | 3 |
| BIOL 211L | 1 | BIOL 212L | 1 |
| NREM 110 | 1 | NREM 120 | 3 |
| Required Elective | 3 | ENGL 150 | 3 |
| MATH 140** | 3 | MATH 145 | 3 |
| CHEM 163 | 4 | STAT 101/104 | 3-4 |
| CHEM 163L | 1 | LIB 160 | 1 |
| 16 | 17-18 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| A ECL 365 | 4 | CHEM 231 | 3 |
| NREM 211 | 1 | CHEM 231L | 1 |
| A ECL 312 | 4 | SP CM 212 | 3 |
| Earth Science Elective | 3 | Free Elective/ Restricted Elective | 6 |
| ENGL 250 | 3 | Required Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PHYS 115 | 4 | NREM 330 | 3 |
| PHYS 115L | 1 | Communications Elective | 3 |
| Botany or Restricted Elective | 3-4 | A ECL 366 | 3 |
| ENT 370 | 3 | Required Elective | 3 |
| Required Elective | 3 | BIOL 366 | 4 |
| Free Elective | 3 | ||
| 17-18 | 16 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Restricted Elective | 6-7 | Botany or Restricted Elective | 3 |
| Required Elective | 3 | Restricted Elective | 3 |
| Free Electives | 7 | Communications Elective | 3 |
| NREM 303 | 1-3 | ||
| Free Electives (if needed) | 8 | ||
| 16-17 | 18-20 | ||
| * | To complete degree program in 4 years students must maintain an average of 16 credits per semester. |
| ** | Initial math course is determined on the basis of high school math and placement test scores. A non-credit course (Math 10) maybe be required at additional costs. |
| *** | In scheduling coursework, students should pay particular attention to courses with limited offerings (e.g., offered only on alternate years) and to course sequences (i.e., where a course serves as a prerequisite for another course). |
Animal Ecology, B.S. - Pre-vet & wildlife care option
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOL 211 | 3 | BIOL 212 | 3 |
| BIOL 211L | 1 | BIOL 212L | 1 |
| NREM 110 | 1 | NREM 120 | 3 |
| Required Elective | 3 | ENGL 150 | 3 |
| MATH 140 | 3 | MATH 145 | 3 |
| CHEM 163 | 4 | STAT 101/104 | 3-4 |
| CHEM 163L | 1 | LIB 160 | 1 |
| 16 | 17-18 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| A ECL 365 | 4 | CHEM 231 | 3 |
| NREM 211 | 1 | CHEM 231L | 1 |
| A ECL 312 | 4 | SP CM 212 | 3 |
| Restricted Elective | 3 | Free Elective/ Restricted Elective | 6 |
| ENGL 250 | 3 | Required Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PHYS 115 & 115L | 5 | NREM 330 | 3 |
| Restricted Elective | 3 | AN S 214 or BMS 329 | 3 |
| Required Elective | 3 | Natural History Elective | 3 |
| Free Elective | 6 | Required Elective | 3 |
| Free Elective | 6 | ||
| 17 | 18 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Restricted Elective | 6 | Restricted Elective | 3 |
| Genetics/Development Elective | 3 | Communications Elective | 3 |
| Required Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 9 |
| Communications Elective | 3 | ||
| Free Elective | 2 | ||
| 17 | 15 | ||
| * | To complete degree program in 4 years students must maintain an average of 16 credits per semester. |
| ** | In scheduling coursework, students should pay attention to courses with limited offerings, (e.g., offered only on alternate years) and to course sequences (i.e., where a course serves as a prerequisite for another course). |
| # | Admission to the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine requires a different set of Chemistry and Physics courses. Students should plan to enroll in Chemistry 177, 177L, 178, 331, 331L and 332. The Physics requirement is PHYS 111. |
Animal Ecology, B.S. - wildlife option
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BIOL 211 | 3 | BIOL 212 | 3 |
| BIOL 211L | 1 | BIOL 212L | 1 |
| NREM 110 | 1 | NREM 120 | 3 |
| MATH 140 | 3 | ENGL 150 | 3 |
| CHEM 163# | 4 | MATH 145 | 3 |
| CHEM 163L# | 1 | LIB 160 | 1 |
| Required Elective | 3 | STAT 101/104 | 3-4 |
| 16 | 17-18 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| A ECL 365 | 4 | CHEM 231# | 3 |
| NREM 211 | 1 | CHEM 231L# | 1 |
| A ECL 312 | 4 | SP CM 212 | 3 |
| MATH Calculus Elective | 4 | Free Elective / Restricted Elective | 6 |
| ENGL 250 | 3 | Required Elective | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PHYS 115 | 4 | BIOL 366 | 4 |
| PHYS 115L | 1 | Communications Elective | 3 |
| A ECL 371 | 3 | Restricted Electives | 6 |
| Restricted Electives | 6 | Required Elective | 3 |
| Required Elective | 3 | ||
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| A ECL 451 | 3 | Restricted Electives | 9 |
| Restricted Electives | 6 | Communications Elective | 3 |
| Required Elective | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| Free Electives | 6 | ||
| 18 | 15 | ||
| * | To complete degree program in four years students must maintain an average of 16 credits per semester. |
| ** | Initial math course is determined on the basis of high school math and placement test scores. A non-credit course (Math 10) maybe be required at additional costs. |
| *** | In scheduling coursework, students should pay attention to courses with limited offerings, (e.g., offered only on alternate years) and to course sequences (i.e., where a course serves as a prerequisite for another course). It is critical that students take A ECL 371 fall semester of the junior year and A ECL 451 fall semester of the senior year. |
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: BIOL 211, BIOL 212, NREM 120
Introduction to the principles of wildlife and fisheries management. Case studies will be explored along with assessment methods used to understand management including conservation of populations, species and communities, as well as habitat preservation and restoration.
(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 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 water-evaluation, anatomy, pathology, infectious diseases, nutrition, regulatory constraints in production, food safety, biosecurity 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.
(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.
(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). Cr. 3. S.
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 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.
(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.
(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. 2. 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.
(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 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:
(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.