ESPM 115B: Coral Reef Ecology

Coral reefs are biodiverse, productive, valuable ecosystems threatened by global change stressors. Through group activities, lectures, and discussion, we will explore the biotic and abiotic components of coral reefs, and the factors contributing to reef construction and decline over time and space. We will address how symbioses influence reef health and function, and how a given set of species may profoundly benefit or antagonize one another under different circumstances. We will examine the major disturbances and threats to coral reefs and evaluate proposed solutions in terms of their potential benefits, costs, unknowns, and feasibility.

LECT TuesThurs 9-10; DIS Wed 3-4, 9-10

Applicants: in your personal statement please include answers to the following questions:

1.  Why are you interested in teaching this course?

2.  What qualifications do you have for this course?

3.  How does teaching this course fit in with your educational plan for your graduate work?

4.  What else do you want us to know?