This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of ecology. Students acquire a working knowledge of the systems that govern interactions within and among living organisms and the environment. They explore how the biotic and abiotic environments can affect an organism's life cycle, and study how ecological processes affect individuals, populations, communities, ecosystems and the planet. Emphasis is placed on how anthropogenic disturbances threatens the environment and the existence of life. Topics include the ecology of individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems. In addition, there is a focus on terrestrial and aquatic biomes and an introduction to aspects of applied ecology. Laboratory and fieldwork emphasize methods of acquiring, analyzing, and interpreting ecological data.