Students will study the general ecological principles regarding the relationships between organisms and their physical and biological environments in both lecture and the laboratory. These principles will be used to interpret patterns in the distribution, abundance, and characteristics of organisms over space and time. Students will study the differences among the various segments of ecology including individuals, populations, communities and biomes. The focus of this course is on the scientific and ecological principles basic to understanding environmental issues. Coursework will include lecture, laboratory exercises, field trips and in-class discussions