Introduction to Ecology

Teach the fundamentals of ecology to non-ecology majors. The course covers all aspects of ecology, from autoecology, developmental and behavioral ecology, through population and community ecology, ecosystems, biogeography and global change.

By:

 Nicholas Brokaw

 Elvia Meléndez-Ackerman

 Alonso Ramírez

 Xiaoming Zou

Botany Labs Coordinator

Complements Course Biol 3410. Practices in some aspects of Cellular Biology, Anatomy and Morphology, Physiology and Taxonomy of the Botanical Area at a descriptive and at an experimental level.

Elvia Meléndez-Ackerman

Limnology

This is an advance class on limnology including both theoretical principles and laboratory practice.  It focuses on the studies of the physical, chemical and biological properties of inland waters (i.e., lakes, rivers, creeks, estuaries, and groundwater).

By:

 Alonso Ramírez

 Jorge R. Ortiz Zayas

Plant Reproductive Ecology

(with James Ackerman-Biology)

Study of plant reproductive biology with emphasis on flowering plants, ecological and evolutionary proceses, hypotheses testing and field techniques.

By: Elvia Meléndez-Ackerman

Advanced Ecology

The goal of this course will be to connect principles of tropical forest ecology with relevant management issues. However, the emphasis will be on ecology, as a prerequisite for thoughtful consideration of management. Subjects will include, for example: tropical forests in the global context; tree life histories, populations, and communities; forest dynamics; plant-animal interactions; evolution and biodiversity; deforestation and fragmentation; indigenous people; economics of exploitation; conservation strategies. Student writing and speaking skills will be emphasized.

By: Nicholas Brokaw

Biometry

Introduction to probability and probability distributions, parameter estimation and hypothesis testing.  Analysis of variance, regression, and analysis of discrete data.  Introduction to circular statistics and topics in multivariate analyses.

By: Jess Zimmerman

Biogeochemistry

During the last two decades, tropical environmental issues have attracted a great deal of scientific and public attention.  These issues include, for example, tropical deforestation linked with global warming, and land use changes associated with sustainability of plant primary productivity and maintenance of tropical biodiversity.  This course will introduce some of the fundamental biogeochemical principles which are used in studies of tropical ecological issues.  A strong theme of this class will examine how natural biogeochemical processes operate and how human activities can alter these processes.  The subject has been divided roughly into two parts: natural biogeochemical processes, and interactions between natural and anthropogenic processes.  In the first part, we will discuss biogeochemical processes occurring in atmosphere, land, and in ocean.  In the second part, we will use all that covered thus far to understand the anthropogenic effects on the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, cations, and sulfur and the implications to a variety of environmental issues.  Thus the course will analyze biogeochemical cycles from several different points of view, emphasizing an integrated approach.

By: Xiaoming Zou

Biology Seminar Evolution

Principles of evolution with emphasis on current theoretical models and experimental approaches to the study of population-level proceses. Topics include natural selection, genetic drift, migration, mutation, adaptation and speciation.

By: Elvia Meléndez-Ackerman

Aquatic Resources

This class covers the basic principles of hydrology, geomorphology, water chemistry, stream and lake ecology, and water resources management.  It includes field trips to rivers, lakes, and to sewer and aqueduct systems.

By: Jorge R. Ortíz Zayas

Fluvial systems: ecology and management

This course focuses on the ecology and management of rivers, particularly those in tropical islands.  It covers both theoretical and practical applications of stream ecosystem concepts, stream restoration, and water policy

By: Jorge R. Ortíz Zayas

General Chemistry I

Introduction to the basic principles of general chemistry with emphasis on atomic and molecular structure, matter status and thermochemistry.

By: Olga L. Mayol-Bracero

General Chemistry II

Introduction to the basic principles of general chemistry with emphasis on solutions, kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, ionic equilibrium, thermodynamics, electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry.

By: Olga L. Mayol-Bracero

Seminar in Analytical Chemistry

Discussion of different topics in the area of atmospheric chemistry, focusing on the sampling, analysis and characterization of atmospheric aerosols and on the impact they have on the environment.

By: Olga L. Mayol-Bracero

Chemistry and Physics of Atmospheric Aerosols - This is a graduate course that presents an introduction to the chemistry and physics of atmospheric aerosols. The topics discussed include aerosol fundamentals; sources and sinks; formation; physical, chemical and optical properties; sampling methods; analytical techniques; and aerosols� impact on the environment, focusing on climatic effects.

By: Olga L. Mayol-Bracero