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
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.
