BIOS 5440 - Global Change Ecology

The causes and consequences of global climate change will be the focus of this course. We will examine the most recent predictions about the rate and magnitude of global warming, the extent to which human activities are responsible, and the likely consequences for plants, animals and other components of natural ecosystems, and for agricultural ecosystems and human health. Each topic will include a detailed illustrated outline that summarizes the current evidence, consensus predictions, conclusions, controversies, and uncertainties. The last several weeks will be devoted to additional global change issues, including loss of biodiversity, introduced species, ozone depletion, and acid precipitation.

Credits: 3 hours

Notes: Open to Upperclass and Graduate Students.
When Offered: Fall (alternate years).