SAFS 500-Level Course Descriptions
FISH 510: Current Topics in Genetics and Physiology
Advanced Population Genetic Analyses: Methods and Applications (Hauser, Fall '05)—2, C/NC
The past few years have seen the development of a plethora of new methods of population genetic analysis, moving far beyond the assumption-laden approaches developed in the 1930s and 1940s. Rather than just estimating genetic differentiation and diversity, these methods now allow the estimation of migration rates and time since divergence, identification of migrants, estimation of population sizes and even separation of samples into genetically homogenous groups. Although most of these new methods are computationally intensive, advances in PC computer power, together with a multitude of freely available programs, make their application on desktop computers feasible. The large number of approaches and easy availability of programs, however, adds further importance to the choice of a specific method for the biological question under study. The aim of this class is to provide an overview of the various methods, with a critical evaluation of its application to real world examples and hands-on experience with computer programs.
FISH 511: Current Topics in Evolution, Ecology and Behavior
Riparian Ecology and Management (Naiman, Fall '05)—2, C/NC
Riparian systems are associated with nearly all continental waters—lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands, springs, and estuaries. This course will focus on the riparian zones of small to medium-sized floodplain rivers where we'll explore fundamental patterns and processes that can be applied to all riparian systems. We'll examine heterogeneity at multiple scales of space and time, describe interactions among scales, and formulate conceptual models that integrate major system components. We'll explore how climatic and geological processes shape an array of physical templates, discuss how disturbances re-distribute materials, and understand how soils and subsurface processes form and are sustained on the major physical templates. Ultimately, the class will develop a perspective on how riparian characteristics integrate climate (past and present), geological materials and processes, soil development and attendant microbial transformations, subsurface characteristics, plant productivity, animal activities, and woody debris characteristics - and the active, continuous and variable feedbacks between the individual components and the human societies that utilize them in so many diverse ways. Class readings are from the textbook Riparia (to be published by Academic Press in March/April 2005) and from other manuscripts that are currently submitted or in press. Upper division undergraduates are welcome.
Monitoring Watershed Restoration (Roni, Winter '06)—2, C/NC
Watershed restoration is a key part of fisheries and environmental protection and restoration throughout the world. Its evaluation is no less important yet often more scientifically challenging than implementing the actual on-the-ground restoration. The objective of this course is to expose students to the challenges and tools necessary to develop rigorous monitoring and evaluation programs for a variety of stream and watershed restoration. We will examine critical considerations (i.e., scale, study, design, replication, variable selection) and the key steps for designing effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) for different types and scales of restoration. Each two hour class will consist of presentations and discussions by experts in the field as well as in-class discussions and exercises where students design monitoring and evaluation programs or interpret results of data from real restoration projects. Class readings will be primarily from the recently published book Monitoring Stream and Watershed Restoration (2005), with supplemental readings and case studies from other sources. Upper division undergraduates are welcome. Additional information can be found at http://faculty.washington.edu/philroni/.
FISH 513: Current Topics in Management, Conservation and Restoration
Diversity, Ecosystem Services, and the Millenium (Horner-Devine, Fall '05)—2, C/NC
The purpose of this course is to examine the relationships among diversity, community composition and ecosystem function and how changes in ecosystem services can affect human well-being. Using the primary literature, this course will examine the different approaches used to untangle these relationships and the implications for managing ecosystem services. We will focus on (1) definitions of diversity (genetic, species, functional groups), (2) various functional aspects of ecological systems (e.g., variability, stability, productivity, invasibility, and biogeochemical processes), and (3) the provision and valuation of ecosystem services. We will tie these ideas together by examining the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and its potential to guide management and future research in the context of human development and sustainability goals.
