Syllabus

Course description

The purpose of this course is to examine the relationships among diversity, community composition and ecosystem function and how changes in ecosystem services can affect human well-being. Using the primary literature, this course will examine the different approaches used to untangle these relationships and the implications for managing ecosystem services. We will focus on (1) definitions of diversity (genetic, species, functional groups), (2) various functional aspects of ecological systems (e.g., variability, stability, productivity, invasibility, and biogeochemical processes), and (3) the provision and valuation of ecosystem services. We will tie these ideas together by examining the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and its potential to guide management and future research in the context of human development and sustainability goals.

Course objectives

Understand the history and current state of research relating diversity and function

Use this understanding to establish research and management priorities

Use our discussions as opportunities to improve communication and critical thinking skills

Expectations

Come to class prepared to participate actively in the discussion – read and think about the papers before contributing to the class blog.

Help to facilitate at least one class discussion.

Participate in self and peer evaluation of participation.

Logistics

Papers will be available by Friday for the following week as pdfs that can be downloaded from the website (please print double sided when possible). Please also post a response to the readings eacxh week using the class blog. Please be concise in your comments – a few paragraphs will suffice. Everyone is welcome to respond to posted comments. Comments should be posted by 5PM Wednesday afternoon. This will allow the facilitators to read over the comments before class Thursday morning.

Peer feedback & self evaluation
Communication skills and the ability to work well with other scientists are increasingly important in research. To this end, we will conduct an assessment of ourselves and each other as participants. The purpose of this is to provide constructive challenges and encouragement for how we each participate and support the participation of others.



	Course description The purpose of this course is to examine the relationships among diversity, community composition and ecosystem function and how changes in ecosystem services can affect human well-being. Using the primary literature, this course will examine the different approaches used to untangle these relationships and the implications for managing ecosystem services. We will focus on (1) definitions of diversity (genetic, species, functional groups), (2) various functional aspects of ecological systems (e.g., variability, stability, productivity, invasibility, and biogeochemical processes), and (3) the provision and valuation of ecosystem services. We will tie these ideas together by examining the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and its potential to guide management and future research in the context of human development and sustainability goals. Course objectives Understand the history and current state of research relating diversity and function Use this understanding to establish research and management priorities Use our discussions as opportunities to improve communication and critical thinking skills Expectations Come to class prepared to participate actively in the discussion – read and think about the papers before contributing to the class blog. Help to facilitate at least one class discussion. Participate in self and peer evaluation of participation. Logistics Papers will be available by Friday for the following week as pdfs that can be downloaded from the website (please print double sided when possible). Please also post a response to the readings eacxh week using the class blog. Please be concise in your comments – a few paragraphs will suffice. Everyone is welcome to respond to posted comments. Comments should be posted by 5PM Wednesday afternoon. This will allow the facilitators to read over the comments before class Thursday morning. Peer feedback & self evaluation Communication skills and the ability to work well with other scientists are increasingly important in research. To this end, we will conduct an assessment of ourselves and each other as participants. The purpose of this is to provide constructive challenges and encouragement for how we each participate and support the participation of others.
Send mail to: Contact Email Last modified: 9/29/2005 12:52 PM