BIOEE 261 Ecology and the Environment
Fall. 4 credits. Prerequisite: one year of introductory biology. S-U grades optional. Lecs, M W F 11:15; disc, W or R 1:25, 2:30, or 3:35. A.S. Flecker, J.P. Sparks.

This course examines interactions between the environment and organisms at the level of individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems.  Basic ecological principles and processes are emphasized that are important for understanding the world around us and have broad application for environmental sciences and management-oriented disciplines. Major topics include adaptive strategies of organisms, population dynamics, species interactions, community organization, ecosystem structure and function, biodiversity, biogeochemistry, and productivity.  Human influences on ecosystems, the ecology of managed ecosystems (agricultural and urban ecosystems), and sustainable practices are covered in lectures and discussions.

BIOEE 267 Introduction to Conservation Biology
Fall. 3 credits. May not be taken for credit after NTRES 450. Intended for both science and non-science majors. Completion of BIOEE 267 is not required for NTRES 450. S-U grades optional. Lecs, M W 9:05; disc, F 9:05 or R 2:30; 1 Saturday field trip. Offered alternate years. A. S. Flecker, J. W. Fitzpatrick.

An exploration of biological concepts related to conserving the earth's biodiversity, introducing ecological and evolutionary principles important for understanding major conservation problems. Topics include patterns of species and ecosystem diversity, causes of extinction, genetic risks of small populations, design of nature preserves, strategies for protecting endangered species, ecosystem restoration, and the value of biodiversity.

BIOEE 405  Biology of the Neotropics
Spring. 2 credits. Limited to 18 students. Prerequisite: BIOEE 261 or permission of instructor. S-U grades optional. Lec and disc, W 7:30-9:30 p.m. P. H. Wrege, A. S. Flecker.

This course is an introductory survey of the biology of the New World tropics, with primary focus on moist lowland forests. The objectives are to learn basic characteristics and phenomena important to understanding neotropical biology, to gain firsthand knowledge of the resources in tropical biology available at Cornell, and to learn how to organize and execute a meaningful seminar presentation.