Freshwater Ecology

Freshwaters are some of the most threatened ecosystems on Earth despite the critical benefits they provide to interdependent and wide-ranging forms of life--from single-celled organisms to large vertebrates, including humans. In this course, we will examine lakes, rivers, and streams and their interactions with the atmosphere, the lands they drain, and the species that depend on them. We will explore how watershed processes combine to provide habitat, transportation, food, and water. Case studies of real-world problems will be used to consider and discuss effects of anthropogenic changes on inland waters and watersheds.

In addition to lectures and seminars, we will visit local streams on field trips (one all-day Saturday and one during class). We will discuss and learn how to observe, measure, and characterize physical, chemical, and biological aspects of freshwaters, and how they are affected by humans. We will also conduct lab work to support our field work. A final project and presentation will be required in addition to some lab and narrative reports.

In-person Class Format: This course is offered fully in-person. Students should expect to attend in-person for all class periods. We cannot promise to offer remote attendance options due to illness or other absences. Students should strategize methods for getting notes from class when attendance is not possible.  

Class Schedule: Monday nights, 6pm-10pm