Ecology of Fishes (ENV 409/ NRE 409/ EEB 487)

General Information

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Dr. Edward Rutherford                                                             

218 Museum Annex Bldg                                                        

Ph. 663-3554 x104

Office Hrs: Thur 9-12 or by appt.

Email: edwardr@umich.edu

 

Tomas Höök

305 Museum Annex. Bldg.

Ph. 663-3554 x115

Office Hrs: Wed 10-12 or by appt.

Email: thook@umich.edu

 

Class Web Page: https://coursetools.ummu.umich.edu/2004/winter/nre/409/001.nsf

Class Hours MWF 9-10, Rm 1064 Dana
Laboratory Wed. 1:30-5 pm, G568 Dana Bldg


Objectives: This course is an introduction to the ecology of fishes. Fish ecology is the study of the physiological, behavioral, and numerical responses of fishes to their environment. We will learn how environmental factors influence energetics, growth, survival, behavior and reproduction of individuals, communities, and populations of fish. At the end of the course, we will learn how knowledge of fish ecology can be used in ecosystem restoration and conservation biology. Examples will be taken from freshwater and marine environments.

Assignments: Students are asked to participate in class discussions. To encourage participation, I will require all students to read a journal article in fish ecology each week. Each Friday, two different students will lead the discussion of the paper for 20 minutes. Students may pick their own article, but it must deal with that week's lecture topic. This will give students practice in thinking critically about their reading, as well as public speaking.

There will be 3 homework assignments due during the semester.

In addition, each student must write a 3-page literature review on a topic of their choice in fish ecology. I will propose suggested topics later.

Grading: %

1. Homework 10
2. 1st Exam 20
3. 2nd Exam 20
4. Final Exam 25
5. 3-page Literature Review 15
6. Class Discussion 10

The lecture course is 3 credits, with lab optional for 1 credit. All students are encouraged to take the lab, offered Wednesdays 2-5 pm in Dana G568.