Ecologies, Techniques, Technologies III: Introduction to Ecology

Fall term, four units, open to MLA students taking the third LA core-studio.

Notes regarding the schedule:
Module 1:
The first module of the course consists of two parts: Monday lectures (8:30 to 11:30) with Laura Solano and Tom Ryan (MLA 1s only); Wednesday lecture and field trips (2:30 to 5:30) with Erle Ellis (both MLA 1s and MLA APs).

Module 2:
The second module of the course with Del Tredici meets on Monday for Lectures (10-11:30) & Wednesdays for Lectures and field trips(2:30-5:30) (both MLA 1s and MLA APs)

Also, one required all-day field trip (8 to 5) on Friday, September 26

As part of the “core sequence,” this course introduces the science of ecology through the lenses of local sites, urban regions, and broad landscapes. Key themes during the course will cover basic ecological principles, spatial patterns and field observations, as well as the practical application of these principles to real world situations. Understanding how spatial patterns link to functional flows and movements is critically important to ecological studies, as is the study of how ecosystems change over time. The functional biology of plants and their dynamic interaction with animals and people in both managed and unmanaged ecosystems will receive special emphasis. A separate subsection of the course taught by Tom Ryan and Laura Solano will cover the hydrological issues associated with built landscapes with a focus on the design of storm water management systems that are responsive to storm rates of flow and conveyance strategies, storage and infiltration techniques, water quality mitigation.

Pedagogic Goals. The overarching goal of this course is for students to develop a solid understanding of the basic principles of ecology, especially those that are directly relevant to the practice of landscape architecture. Emphasis is placed on direct observation, analysis and application of the ecological principles at different spatial scales to all types of habitats. There will also be a focus on recognizing distinct spatial, functional and change patterns at the landscape scale. In the storm water subsection will examine alternate methods of dealing with storm water and developing grading, drainage and planting plans for a specific site.

Basis of grades. Each faculty member will set their own standards for the grades in their portion of the curriculum which will be pooled to produce a single grade for the course (PDT = 40%; EE = 40%; LS/TR = 20%).

Dr. Peter Del Tredici, Associate Professor in Practice, Harvard Graduate School of Design. Office hours: Weds. 10-2, or email [email protected] for appointment. Gund Hall Room 405A.

Dr. Erle C. Ellis, Associate Professor of Geography & Environmental Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Office hours: Wednesdays, times TBA, or email [email protected] for an appointment.

Laura Solano, Associate Professor in Practice, Harvard Graduate School of Design. Office hours: email [email protected] for an appointment.

Tom Ryan, Lecturer in Landscape Architecture, Harvard Graduate School of Design. Office hours: email [email protected] for an appointment.