Ecology Courses

Required for the Minor:

BIOL 1503

Ecology & Evolution

An introduction to principles of ecology and evolution for natural science majors. This course will examine ecosystems, populations, biogeochemical cycles, biogeography, natural selection, and speciation. Lecture and laboratory. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 1101 and BIOL 1503.
(4 Hours)

Sixteen credit hours from among the classes below:

BIOL 2450

Ornithology

A study of the biology of birds, to include their behavior, conservation, ecology, evolution, flight and migration. The lab will emphasize identification of birds in the wild and will also include opportunities to capture and band wild birds. One overnight weekend trip is required.
(4 Hours)
BIOL 2509

Field Botany

An introduction to the study of plants in the field, including winter botany, plant identification, reproductive ecology, useful and harmful plants, and a general treatment of the vegetation and plant communities of North Carolina. Lecture, laboratory and field work.
(4 Hours)
BIOL 3505

Conservation Biology

A study of the biological principles that can be brought to bear upon species conservation. Principles will come from areas such as population biology, community ecology, human contributions to extinction, and strategies for reversing species declines. Lecture and some field trips. Prerequisite: BIOL 1502 or 1503 (both recommended) or ENV 1401, ENV 1402, or ENV 1403 (ENV 1402 recommended).
(3 Hours)
BIOL 3513

Topics in Ecology

An upper level course on a topic in ecology not listed in the College Catalog. Credit will vary with the number of lectures and laboratories offered per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 1503 and permission of Instructor.
(4 Hours)
BIOL 3526

Invertebrate Ecology

A study of invertebrate ecology, particularly how scientists learn about invertebrates by studying them in the wild. Topics will include invertebrate distribution, abundance, behavior, conservation, and evolution. Labs will emphasize sampling invertebrate populations and communities. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1503
(4 Hours)
BIOL 3527

Vertebrate Ecology

A study of vertebrate ecology, particularly how scientists learn about vertebrates by studying them in the wild. Topics will include vertebrate distribution, abundance, behavior, conservation, and evolution. Labs will emphasize sampling vertebrate populations and communities. Lecture and Laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1503.
(4 Hours)
BIOL 3593

BIOL 3593 Lab

(4 Hours)
ENV 3506

Natural Resource Ecology & Mgt

A study of renewable natural resources from a holistic and management viewpoint, with a particular emphasis on the economic, policy and ethical dimensions. Topics include history of natural resource conservation and environmentalism in the US; conservation and management of soil, land, landscapes, forests, wildlife, biodiversity, and other resources; and public lands policy and management. Lecture and some field trips. Prerequisite: ENV 1401 and 1404 (BIOL 1503 and ENV 1403 recommended); Junior or Senior standing in Environment & Sustainability major or minor.
(4 Hours)
ENV 3513

Wildlife Ecology

A study of how ecologists manage wild animals for the benefit of humans. Managed species include species that are hunted as well as species that are the target of non-consumptive uses. Topics include population dynamics, biodiversity, social and economic issues, and ecosystem management. In addition, the lab will emphasize field techniques and the data used to monitor and manage populations. Prerequisites: ENV 1401 and 1404 or BIOL 1503
(4 Hours)