Foundations of Restoration Ecology — Spring 2018
Restoration ecology is an applied science that uses ecological theory to guide efforts to restore degraded ecosystem structures, functions, and/or services. This course will examine principles from systems theory and population, community, landscape, and ecosystem ecology as they relate to restoration, as well as critical issues of social context and values.
ECOL/FANR 4220/6220: 3 credits, no lab. Offered every other year. Meets Tues/Thurs 12:30 to 1:45pm
Principles of Integrative Conservation I (ICON 8001)
In this core course, incoming ICON PhD students from social and natural science fields learn about different disciplinary perspectives that influence the way scientists and practitioners engage with conservation and sustainability. ICON students are challenged to conduct a portion of their dissertation research using theory and methods from a distinctly different discipline than their own field, and must develop a strategic communication component in their research. The curricular readings and activities in this course give students theoretical background and a tangible experience of “walking in the shoes” of other disciplines.
Core course for Integrative conservation (ICON) Ph.D. students; Part 1 of core curriculum.
Principles of Integrative Conservation II (ICON 8002)
Case-based learning allows student to explore and apply the foundations of integrative conservation learned in ICON I. A broad topic and context are presented, students collaborate to develop an integrative research question and conduct the designed, place-based research project. Students also develop strategic communication products related to the topics.
Spring 2013 Theme ~ Climate Change Adaptation at Tybee Island, Georgia: Ecological Tradeoffs and Participatory Planning
Spring 2015 Theme ~ Sapelo Island: Analyzing interdisciplinarity and Integration among researchers, institutions, and end users of knowledge.
Core course for Integrative conservation (ICON) Ph.D. students; Part 2 of core curriculum.
The Scholarship and Practice of Resilience Studies (ECOL 8990 / ANTH 8500)
Partnering with Don Nelson (UGA Anthropology), this interdisciplinary course explores resilience through a social-ecological system perspective. This approach has arisen from theoretical studies of complexity and complex adaptive systems, which explain the patterns and processes that underlie the dynamics of both ecological and social systems. The course will provide students with strong grounding in academic concepts and their application in research and practice.
Offered Spring 2015
Principles of Ecology (Ecol/Biol 3500)
General ecology, taught at upper-division undergraduate level.
Text: Ricklefs Economy of Nature
Co-Instructor: Ford Ballantyne
Natural Resources Conservation (FANR/MARS 1100)
Introductory undergraduate course, meets UGA environmental literacy requirement. The University of Georgia was among the first institutions of higher eduction to require students to complete a course that enables them to attain knowledge of basic principles concerning environmental issues.
Text: Chiras & Reganold, Natural Resource Conservation: Management for a Sustainable Future, 10th Edition
Past Courses
- (Princeton University): Water, Savannas and Society: Resilience & Sustainability in African Drylands (offered 2008-2011)
- (Multi-campus): Sustainability Science: NCEAS-Sponsored Graduate Seminar (offered 2010-2011)