This course teaches the basic principles of organismal, population, community, and ecosystem ecology, with an emphasis on applied ecology. The course is designed so that at the conclusion of the course students will have an appreciation and understanding of the principles of ecology and be able to: (1) explain the various biotic and abiotic forces acting on an organism in its natural environment, (2) determine the importance of these forces under varying conditions, (3) predict how human activities may alter the effects of these forces, and (4) evaluate the trade-off occurring among our biological, social, political, and economic worlds. In addition, students will be introduced to contemporary issues in ecology through assigned readings from recent literature and specific writing assignments. The lab portion of this course reemphasizes lecture concepts and offers hand-on experience with the concepts in the lab and/or field setting. Lab attendance is a necessity for the course to best experience the applied aspects of ecology. (Prerequisites: BIOL 1100 or BIOL 1102 or BIOL 1220,college level reading and writing). (4 C/3 lect, 2 lab). MNTC: Goal 2/CT, Goal 3/NS, and Goal 10/PN. - CCO