Will Ambrose
Office: 413 Carnegie
Phone: 786-6114
email:wambrose@bates.edu
Lecture: Tuesday/Thursday 1100-1215, Carnegie 339
Lab: Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 1300-1600 (and as scheduled),
Carnegie 444
Course Description:
This course provides a rigorous examination of the ecology of marine and brackish water systems based on the principles of population biology and community ecology. The course begins with an overview of oceanography, ecology, and larval biology as background for the remainder of the course. We will then study the ecology of the major marine communities: intertidal and subtidal hard substrate, kelp, soft substrate, estuarine, plankton, coral reef and deep sea. Throughout the semester, emphasis is placed on current hypotheses concerning the processes controlling the distribution and abundance of organisms in these communities and critical evaluation of the primary scientific literature. Laboratories are designed to demonstrate some of the principles discussed in class and to provide an opportunity to write scientifically.
Reading:
Required
Optional
Eight O'clock classes:
There are no eight o'clock classes scheduled because we spend many extra hours on field trips. If we need the time, I will schedule them with ample advance warning.
Grading:
| Midterm Test | 20 |
| Exam | 25% |
| Class and Lab Participation | 10% |
| Lab Reports (2) | 45% |
Office Hours:
Monday 1330-1630. I try to always make my office hours, but occasionally they coincide with low tide and I am in the field. It is best to make an appointment. My office is always open and I am generally available for students anytime I am on campus from Monday - Thursday. Please do not try and meet with me the hour or so before class. I reserve Fridays for my thesis students and departmental meetings. I am most easily reached by e-mail. Feel free to class me at home at a reasonable hour.