Animal Ecology

200 | 300 | 400 | Graduate Courses

Graduates have a broad understanding of the basic principles of animal biology, ecology and management, and relevant aspects of basic mathematics and natural sciences, computing applications, and personal and professional development. They are able to execute rigorous independent research, have developed problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, and can communicate effectively with scientific colleagues and the general public in both formal and informal settings. Personnel of the Natural Resource Conservation Service Wildlife Management Institute and the Biological Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey, through the Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources contribute to the graduate programs of the department. No more than two dual-listed animal ecology courses may be applied for major graduate credit. Additional work is expected of students taking a dual-listed course for credit at the 500 level. Animal Ecology (A Ecl)

The animal ecology curriculum provides its majors with an understanding of ecological principles and processes and their applications to natural resource management. It is oriented toward students desiring a general and flexible program in environmental biology and for those planning graduate study. Students may select from four options: Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Interpretation of Natural Resources, Preveterinary and Wildlife Care, or Wildlife. Graduates find employment as aquaculturists, wildlife biologists, fisheries biologists, resource managers, and ecologists for industry, environmental consulting firms, natural resource and environmental agencies and organizations, zoos, and as educators.

Graduates of the Animal Ecology major understand the basic principles of animal biology, ecology and management, and relevant aspects of scientific communication, basic mathematics and sciences, computing applications, and personal and professional development. Four specific options prepare students for careers in fisheries and aquatic sciences, wildlife, interpretation of natural resources, wildlife care and veterinary sciences. Each option has specific outcomes expectations that include (1) the scope of the specialization and its relationships to broader aspects of animal ecology, biotic resource management, and other allied scientific disciplines and professions, (2) career opportunities and requirements, and (3) knowledge and skills appropriate for employment at technical and practitioner levels in each discipline. Graduates are able to communicate and work effectively in the multidisciplinary arena of ecology and natural resource management.

All options require three months of relevant work experience or study at a biological station prior to graduation. The latter may be accomplished at the university's affiliate field stations: Iowa Lakeside Laboratory at West Lake Okoboji, and Gulf Coast Research Laboratory at Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Information on these laboratories is available from the department's Student Services Center.

Preveterinary medicine preparation may be achieved while satisfying degree requirements in animal ecology.

Additional education and training can lead to other opportunities in such areas as research and management, natural resources planning and administration, teaching, and environmental consulting, among others. Graduate training is necessary for many specialized positions within the fields of animal ecology. Majors preparing for graduate study should consult with their academic adviser concerning appropriate coursework.

Students seeking certification to teach biology in secondary schools must meet requirements of the College of Education as well as those of the Animal Ecology curriculum. In addition, they must apply formally for admission to the teacher education program (see Index, Teacher Education Program). Students with an interest in careers in outdoor writing are encouraged to obtain a minor or a second major in journalism (see Index, Journalism and Communication, Courses and Programs). Students who wish to pursue a job as a conservation officer may wish to minor in criminal justice (see Index, Criminal Justice Studies).

The department offers a minor in animal ecology that may be earned by taking 15 credits in the department including 312, 365, NREM 120, plus five additional credits of Animal Ecology courses at the 300 level or above.

Courses primarily for undergraduate students

A Ecl 301I. Iowa Natural History. (Same as Ia LL 301I.) See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

A Ecl 312. Ecology. (Same as Biol 312, EnSci 312.) (2-3) Cr. 3. F.SS. Prereq: Biol 211L and 212L. Fundamental concepts and principles of ecology dealing with organisms, populations, communities and ecosystems. Laboratory and field exercises examine ecological principles and methods as well as illustrate habitats.

A Ecl 312I. Ecology. (Same as Ia LL 312I.) See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

A Ecl 321. Fish Biology. (Dual-listed with 521.) (2-3) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 365. Anatomy, physiology, behavior, and ecology of fishes.

A Ecl 326I. Ornithology. (Same as Ia LL 326I.) See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

A Ecl 360. Natural History of Aquatic Biota. (0-3) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: 312. Natural history and ecology of aquatic biota, excluding vertebrates. Includes identification, survey methods, habitat requirements, energetics and nutritional requirements, reproduction, communities, and other ecological factors which affect species well-being.

A Ecl 361. Natural History of Fishes. (0-3) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: 365, 312. Natural history and ecology of Midwest fishes, including identification, survey methods, habitat requirements, foods and feeding, reproduction, communities and other ecologcial factors which affect species well-being.

A Ecl 362. Natural History of Reptiles and Amphibians. (0-3) Cr. 1. S. Prereq: 365, 312. Natural history and ecology of Midwest reptiles and amphibians, including identification, survey methods, habitat requirements, foods and feeding, reproduction, communities and other ecological factors which affect species well-being.

A Ecl 363. Natural History of Birds. (0-3) Cr. 1. S. Prereq: 365, 312. Natural history and ecology of Midwest birds, including identification, habitat requirements, distribution, foods and foraging, and reproduction.

A Ecl 364. Natural History of Mammals. (0-3) Cr. 1. F.S. Prereq: 365, 312. Natural history and ecology of Midwest mammals, including identification, survey methods, habitat requirements, foods and feeding, reproduction, communities and other ecological factors which affect species well-being.

A Ecl 365. Vertebrate Biology. (Same as Biol 365.) (3-2) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: Biol 212, 212L. Evolution, biology, and classification of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Emphasis on a comparative analysis of the structure and function of organ systems. Laboratory exercises concentrate on morphology and identification of orders of vertebrates.

A Ecl 371. Ecological Methods. (Same as Biol 371.) (2-3) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 312; Stat 101 or 104. Quantitative techniques used in management of natural resources with emphasis on inventory and manipulation of habitat and animal populations. Nonmajor graduate credit.

A Ecl 401. Introductory Aquatic Animal Health and Medicine. (Same as VDPAM 401.) See Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine.

A Ecl 404I. Behavioral Ecology. (Same as Ia LL 404I.) See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

A Ecl 419I. Vertebrate Ecology and Evolution. (Same as Ia LL 419I.) See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory. Nonmajor graduate credit.

A Ecl 420I. Amphibians and Reptiles. (Same as Ia LL 420I.) See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

A Ecl 425. Aquatic Insects. (Dual-listed with 525; same as Ent 425.) See Entomology.

A Ecl 440. Fishery Management. (Dual-listed with 540.) (2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 312; NREM 120; credit or enrollment in 486; Stat 101 or 104. Biological basis of fishery management, fishery problems, and management practices for freshwater, anadromous, and marine fisheries.

A Ecl 442. Aquaculture. (Dual-listed with 542.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2007. Prereq: 486, 486L, credit or enrollment in 321. Concepts related to the culture of aquatic organisms including culture systems, water quality, nutrition, genetics, and diseases.

A Ecl 451. Wildlife Ecology and Management. (2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 371. Ecological theory and practice of wildlife management, including, population ecology, habitat management, and current issues in the field. Group projects leading to wildlife management plans. Nonmajor graduate credit.

A Ecl 455. International Wildlife Issues. (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2007. Prereq: 365, 312 or graduate standing; NREM 120. Biological, political, social, and economic factors affecting the management of international wildlife resources. Nonmajor graduate credit.

A Ecl 480. Studies in Marine Biology. Cr. var., 1 to 8 each time taken. Courses taken at Gulf Coast Research Laboratory and other marine biological stations are transferred to Iowa State University under this number.

A Ecl 486. Aquatic Ecology. (Same as Biol 486, EnSci 486.) (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 312, EnSci 381 or

NREM 301. Structure and function of aquatic ecosystems with application to fisheries and pollution problems. Emphasis on lacustrine, riverine, and wetland ecology. Nonmajor graduate credit.

A Ecl 486L. Aquatic Ecology Laboratory. (Same as Biol 486L, EnSci 486L.) (0-3) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: Concurrent enrollment in 486. Field trips and laboratory exercises to accompany 486. Hands-on experience with aquatic research and monitoring techniques and concepts. Nonmajor graduate credit. Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduate students

A Ecl 515. Ecology of Freshwater Invertebrates. (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2006. Prereq: 312; Stat 101 or 104. Identification, natural history, and ecological relationships of free-living freshwater invertebrates. Emphasis on community structure, function and sampling techniques.

A Ecl 516. Avian Ecology. (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2006. Prereq: 365, 312, or graduate standing. Current topics and theories including avian breeding and foraging ecology, community structure, habitat selection, field methodologies, and data interpretation. Strong evolutionary emphasis.

A Ecl 518. Stream Ecology. (Same as EnSci 518.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2006. Prereq: 486. Biological, chemical, physical, and geological processes that determine the structure and function of flowing water ecosystems. Current ecological theories as well as applications to stream management for water quality and fisheries.

A Ecl 520. Fisheries Science. (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2007. Prereq: 312, 321. Concepts, approaches, and techniques for assessment of recreational and commercial fisheries. Scope will range from individual fish to entire ecosystems, both freshwater and marine.

A Ecl 521. Fish Biology. (Dual-listed with 321.) (2-3) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 365. Anatomy, physiology, behavior and ecology of fishes.

A Ecl 523I. Fish Ecology. (Same as Ia LL 523I.) See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

A Ecl 525. Aquatic Insects. (Dual-listed with 425; same as Ent 525.) See Entomology.

A Ecl 526I. Advanced Field Ornithology. (Same as Ia LL 526I.) See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

A Ecl 531. Conservation Biology. (Same as EEOB 531.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2007. Prereq: 312; Biol 313 or graduate standing. Examination of conservation issues from a population and a community perspective. Population-level analysis will focus on the role of genetics, demography, and environment in determining population viability. Community perspectives will focus on topics such as habitat fragmentation, reserve design, biodiversity assessment, and restoration ecology.

A Ecl 531I. Conservation Biology. (Same as Ia LL 531I.) See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

A Ecl 535I. Restoration Ecology. (Same as Ia LL 535I.) See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

A Ecl 540. Fishery Management. (Dual-listed with 440.) (2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 120, 312, credit or enrollment in 486; Stat 101 or 104. Biological basis of fishery management, fishery problems, and practices for management of freshwater, anadromous, and marine fisheries.

A Ecl 542. Aquaculture. (Dual-listed with 442.) (3-0) Cr. 3.Alt. S., offered 2007. Prereq: 485, 486L, credit or enrollment in 321. Concepts related to the culture of aquatic organisms including culture systems, water quality, nutrition, genetics, and diseases.

A Ecl 544. Aquatic Toxicology. (Same as EnSci 544, Tox 544.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2006. Prereq: 486. Environmental chemistry and the biochemical, physiological, behavioral and population level effects of contaminants on aquatic organisms.

A Ecl 551. Wildlife Behavioral Ecology. (2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2006. Prereq: a course in ecology or animal behavior. The study of how an animal's behavior affects its ability to survive and reproduce in its environment. Wildlife defined broadly.

A Ecl 570. Landscape Ecology. (Same as EEOB 570.) See Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology.

A Ecl 573. Techniques for Biology Teaching. (Same as Ia LL 573.) Cr. 1 or 2 each time taken. SS. The development and implementation of laboratory exercises suitable for inclusion in elementary, middle, high school, and community college biology and environmental courses. Exercises will be built around common organisms and ecosystems in Iowa. Field trips.
A. Animal Biology (Same as Ia LL 573A)
G. Limnology (Same as Ia LL 573G)
H. Animal Behavior (Same as Ia LL 573H)
W. Project WET (Same as Ia LL 573W)

A Ecl 588. Population Ecology. (Same as EEOB 588.) See Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology.

A Ecl 590I. Graduate Independent Study. (Same as Ia LL 590I.) See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.

A Ecl 599. Creative Component. Cr. arr. Prereq: Nonthesis M.S. option only.

Courses for Graduate students

A Ecl 600. Seminar. (2-0) Cr. 1 each time taken. May be taken more than once for graduation credit. F.S. Current topics in ecological research, fish and wildlife management, and environmental problems related to fish or wildlife resources.

A Ecl 611. Analysis of Populations. (Same as EEOB 611.) See Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology.

A Ecl 698. Animal Ecology Teaching Practicum. Cr. 1 to 3 each time taken F.S.SS. Prereq: Graduate classification in animal ecology and permission of instructor. Graduate student experience in the animal ecology teaching program. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

A Ecl 699. Research.

A Ecl 699I. Research. (Same as Ia LL 699I.) See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.