ERS 669: Applied Statistics in Environment and Ecology
Semester: Winter
The course covers study design, and data management, visualization, and statistical analysis. The primary focus will be the development and understanding of generalized linear models as they are foundational to most analyses in Environment and Ecology. Students will learn to fit models to data and assess model fit. Students will also be introduced to the use of the statistical software R and provided the opportunity to use that software to manage and analyze their own data. Special topics will be developed based on the needs and interests of the students and may include hierarchical modelling, multivariate statistics, survey analysis, non-linear modelling, or other topics. Students are expected to bring their own computer and data. For cases in which data have not been collected, students will work with the professor to source similar data or generate simulated data to support their progress through the course.
ENVS 200: Field Ecology
Semester: Fall
Introduces the main concepts and principles of ecology; the cycling of elements; energetics and structural organization of major ecological systems; population dynamics; impact of natural resource management practices and urban and industrial development on the environment; incorporating environmental quality considerations into development activities. The lab sessions include field trips to study natural and disturbed ecosystems, urban and applied ecology.
ERS 346: Wildlife Ecology
Semester: Winter
This course introduces the main concepts and principles of wildlife ecology. Topics covered include: population dynamics, animal behaviour, habitats, genetics, predation, and habitat use. The lab component will introduce students to the use of R statistical software, or equivalent, as a tool to understand the development of models in wildlife ecology.
ERS 669: Research Design and Methods
Semester: Winter
This course will examine different ways of knowing and modes of research design relevant for interdisciplinary environmental research. Students will also be introduced to an array of quantitative and qualitative research methods in the natural and social sciences and will explore methods relevant to their research through class discussions and assignments.
ERS 446: Wildlife Management
Semester: Not currently teaching.
This course introduces the main concepts and principles for the management of wildlife species. This course builds on ERS 346 and explores the application of the principles from that course to the management of wildlife. The lab component will continue with the use of R statistical software, or equivalent, as a tool to develop wildlife models to inform management decisions.
ERS 701: Sustainability in Complex Systems
Semester: Not currently teaching.
This course will be delivered in part joint with ERS 680, the roughly parallel core introductory course for ERS doctoral students. As a core offering in the doctoral program, this course is intended to help its participants establish a reasonable working base from which to explore different fields of interest within environment and resource studies. The course focuses on the theme of creating and maintaining a sustainable society in a world of complex socio-ecological systems and interactions.
