Animal Ecology (A ECL)

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

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Any experimental courses offered by A ECL can be found at: registrar.iastate.edu/faculty-staff/courses/explistings/

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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 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 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.

Cr. 3. F.

Prereq: BIOL 211 and permission of instructor; restricted to Animal Ecology majors
Introduction to methods and career options in wildlife research and management through field work. Two-week field work experience followed by on-campus reflection, analysis and presentation of field data.

(Dual-listed with A ECL 515). (2-3) Cr. 3. F.

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, A ECL 333; 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. S.

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. F.

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. 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 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. F.

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. 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.

(Dual-listed with A ECL 440). (2-3) Cr. 3. F.

Prereq: A ECL 312, A ECL 321, A ECL 333; 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. S.

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:

(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.