BIOSM 3340 Marine Invasive Species: Ecology, Evolution and Management

Course description

This course will focus on one of the top 5 conservation concerns worldwide: the spread, establishment, and impact of invasive species. Students will become familiar with ecological and evolutionary theories pertaining to species invasions, and with methods for assessing the spread and impacts of invasive species at local and global scales. The course will examine: (1) ecological impacts and predictors of invasive species establishment and spread (competition, predation, symbiotic relationships); (2) evolutionary insights of invasions and recipient communities (founder effects, hybridization, spatial sorting, coevolutionary history); (3) taxonomic identification and surveys of invasive species, including Rapid Assessment Surveys (RAS); (4) management implications of invasive species establishment and spread (e.g., prevention, mitigation, eradication); and (5) the effects of human-induced global change on the spread of invasive species.

Outcome 1: Students will identify taxa of invasive species using scientific keys and descriptions and prepare formal voucher specimens during their guided inquiries.

Outcome 2: Students will evaluate the ecological, evolutionary, and management importance of invasive species.

Outcome 3: Students will use fundamental principles, concepts, and theories in invasion biology in discussions of primary literature.

Outcome 4: Students will pose original research questions and test fundamental ecological and evolutionary concepts using current scientific literature to develop and hone ideas for student-led open inquiries.

Outcome 5: Students will design and carry out original research on the invasive species ecology, evolutionary biology, or management questions they develop for their open inquiries.

Outcome 6: Students will organize, synthesize, and effectively communicate the scientific data that they collect during their open inquiry projects.

Prerequisites

One semester of college biology or equivalent; or by permission of instructors. One semester of ecology preferred, but not required.

Previously offered classes