Ecol 610 students visiting the CPER NEON site.
Ecol 610 Ecosystem Ecology (Fall 2024)
Ecosystem ecology is the scientific study of the interactions between organisms and their environment as an integrated system characterized by biogeochemical flows of energy and matter into and out of and within and between ecosystems. These flows occur over a range of space and time scales. The course is meant to highlight ecosystems and the biosphere as complex adaptive systems characterized by interactions and feedbacks among organisms, the atmosphere, climate, and the cycling of elements at local to global scales. In addition to a thorough overview of key concepts, processes, and mechanisms underlying ecosystem structures and dynamics, we will also help students to gain hands-on experience analyzing real ecosystem monitoring data (e.g., NEON and LTER data) and acquire knowledge on ecosystem modeling. We will also bring external experts (e.g., NCAR and NEON folks who know tons of stuffs on ecosystem modeling and ecosystem monitoring and data analysis) to campus to guest lecture. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to: (1) Understand physical, chemical, and biological processes that govern ecosystem dynamics in the context of the Earth system, (2) Understand how these processes are influenced by human activities.
Ecol 592-001 Big Data for Ecology (Spring 2024)
“Big Data for Ecology” is an advanced graduate-level course that dives into the cutting-edge applications of big data in the field of ecology. This course is designed for students who want to explore how the vast and diverse datasets generated in the era of modern technology can revolutionize ecological research. With the course, students are expected to understand how big data analytics, machine learning, and computational modeling can be harnessed to advance ecological studies. They will also be offered the opportunity to explore real-world case studies and gain hands-on experience in working with large ecological datasets, learning data preprocessing, analysis, and interpretation techniques. Throughout the course, students will critically evaluate the advantages and challenges of using big data in ecological research and develop the skills needed to navigate this rapidly evolving field.
BZ492B: Biological Systems under Climate Change (Spring 2024)
The course aims to explore the profound impact of climate change on biological systems, drawing insights from authoritative global assessment reports (primarily the latest (6th) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Assessment Reports (IPCC AR6)). Key topics include the assessment of climate change impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, and ecological processes. The course will also review adaptation and mitigation strategies, examining how biological systems respond to the changing climate. Finally, we will also discuss key gaps in our understanding. Through critical analysis of global reports, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities for biological systems under climate change. This course provides a unique perspective on the interplay between climate science, ecology, and policy, fostering a holistic approach to address the complex issues arising from climate-induced changes in the natural world.
