Freshwater Science: This is a 1 semester course where the emphasis will be placed on the fundamentals of inland freshwater ecosystems. Topics cover physical processes related to water circulation and hydrology, the chemistry of inland waters and processes involved in nutrient cycling, the controls of biological productivity, and aquatic community interactions. We will also investigate freshwater ecological systems, flora and fauna, and the human impact on these systems.

Pre-requisite: High School Biology or equivalent.

Unit Sequence TOPICS

1 Introduction

Review of Biological and Chemical properties and principles

Classification, Ecological principles, Metabolism and bioenergetics, Systems

2 Lentic and Lotic Systems

Physical and Chemical properties of Lakes and Rivers

3 Freshwater Plankton

Characteristics, Zonation, Adaptations,

4 Aquatic Plants

Characteristics, Zonation, Adaptations,

5 Aquatic Animals

Characteristics, Zonation, Adaptations,

6 Freshwater Ecology Primary Productivity and Energy Transfer

7 Estuarine Dynamics

Biological Characteristics, Life History

8 Biology of Salmon

Biological Characteristics, Life History