Landscape Ecology

This course examines the ecological structure, functioning, and change of a mosaic of natural systems and land uses, such as woods, wetlands, fields, streams, roads, and built areas. Combining science and spatial pattern at broad landscape and regional scales, the emphasis is on principles which apply widely. Forested, agricultural, dry, and suburban landscapes are emphasized using a worldwide perspective. Key topics include: spatial patterns of land mosaics; patches, boundaries, corridors, and matrix; flows and movements of animals, plants, materials and energy across the land; and diverse landscape transformations and their associated ecological changes. Abundant applications of major principles are pinpointed for design, conservation, planning, management, and policy.Prerequisites: None, but a principles of ecology course is recommended.