Ecology is the study of the structure and function of living systems. (Photograph courtesy of www.PDImages.com.)
Instructor(s)
Prof. Edward DeLong
Prof. Penny Chisholm
MIT Course Number
1.018J / 7.30J
As Taught In
Fall 2009
Level
Undergraduate
Translated Versions
Course Description
Course Features
- Selected lecture notes
- Projects and examples
- Assignments: problem sets with solutions
- Exams and solutions
Course Description
We will cover fundamentals of ecology, considering Earth as an integrated dynamic system. Topics include coevolution of the biosphere, geosphere, atmosphere and oceans; photosynthesis and respiration; the hydrologic, carbon and nitrogen cycles. We will examine the flow of energy and materials through ecosystems; regulation of the distribution and abundance of organisms; structure and function of ecosystems, including evolution and natural selection; metabolic diversity; productivity; trophic dynamics; models of population growth, competition, mutualism and predation. This course is designated as Communication-Intensive; instruction and practice in oral and written communication provided. Biology is a recommended prerequisite.
