Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation
Course Overview
This course is described as an introduction to ecology, the science of ecology, and to ecosystem dynamics using a systems thinking lens. These topics and more are to be explored through the case study of Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park.
The weeks are divided into the following:
- Can an Ecosystem Recover?
- How Do We Study Populations?
- How Do Species Coexist?
- How is an Ecosystem a System?
- Can an Ecosystem Recover? (conclusion)
Reasons for Taking This Course
I chose to take this course because I found it to be an interesting topic I should learn more about. I want to work in environmental chemistry, so it is important that I am able to understand the complexities of different ecosystems and how different organisms interact with one another. I have taken general biology and field botany, but this course seems like the area of biology I am most interested in. This course also seems like it will enhance my problem solving skills by allowing me to think on the small scale and also to think about how that ties into the grand scheme of nature. This course, while it will not count for my environmental studies minor, should help me to understand environmental discussions and topics better as well. It is important to me that I become a well-rounded scientist who is capable of looking at problems through different lenses. The ecological lens seems like the perfect tool for me to add to my theoretical "toolbox" of skills.