ENSC 4010 A (CRN: 94392)

Environmental Sciences: SL:Recov&RestorAlteredEcosys (A)

4 credit hours

About ENSC 4010 A

Role of stress and disturbance and the natural process of recovery in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Human efforts to modify, restore, and remediate altered ecosystems. Prerequisites: NR 2030, BCOR 1450, or BCOR 2100; minimum Junior standing.

Notes

Prereqs enforced by the system: NR 2030 or BCOR 2100; OR BCOR 1450; Some labs meeting take place off-campus; Must register for a lab section concurrently Projects focus on variety of natural and anthropogenic ecosystems. Course Fee $70. Juniors and Seniors Only. Open to Degree and PACE students.

Section Description

Recovery and Restoration of Altered Ecosystems (ENSC 4010) reviews the scientific foundations and principles of environmental restoration through a mixture of lectures, case studies, discussions, field visits, written work, and hands-on experience with practical restoration techniques. We will cover the basics of ecology and ecosystem dynamics as they relate to the role of stresses and disturbances in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and to the natural processes of ecological recovery. Effective restoration also depends on social practices such as community involvement, planning and monitoring, and ways of evaluating restoration success. We will discuss the practices used to modify, restore, and remediate ecosystems altered by human activities in a wide range of habitats including rivers, wetlands, forests, grasslands, and urban areas. Students will develop a restoration plan for a nearby, altered ecosystem that includes a restoration monitoring program.

This is an in-person course with both lecture content and group work during class time and hands on activities and discussion during lab periods. To succeed in the course, you will need to be present in the classroom for lectures and labs most days. There will be in-class group activities that will challenge you to apply concepts from readings and videos to restoration case studes. As such, the online reading and video components must be completed prior to class time to ensure that you are prepared for the day’s activities and assignment.

Evaluation

Your final grade in ENSC 4010 will be based on the following:
• Essays on current issues in Restoration Ecology
• Content quizzes after each Unit
• In class exercises from case studies in lecture and lab
• Participation in hands-on laboratory activities
• A group presentation and proposal for a final Restoration Project

Important Dates

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