Dr. Jessica Schedlbauer

• BIO 270: Ecology
• • In this course, you will learn about the relationships between organisms, as well as how organisms interact with their environment.  We will study classic concepts in ecology, including physical environments, organism adaptations, and species interactions, as well as population, community, and ecosystem ecology.  This foundation will allow us to explore pressing concerns in the field of ecology including biodiversity loss and climate change.  Students will have the opportunity to learn techniques for investigating ecological concepts through both field and laboratory activities.  This course serves as a gateway to more specialized upper-division courses in ecology and is also a foundational course for students in disciplines other than biology.
  • Course offered: Every semester, lecture & lab

 

• BIO 315: Terrestrial Ecosystem Ecology
  • In this course you will learn how materials and energy are transferred into, within, and out of terrestrial ecosystems. Particular emphasis will be placed on how carbon, water, and nutrients cycle through ecosystems. Knowledge of ecosystem ecology is essential to biologists because it links biotic elements of the environment (including humans) with underlying physical processes, providing a thorough understanding of ecosystem function. Once you have gained an understanding of interactions between biotic and abiotic ecosystem components, you will better comprehend ecosystem threats posed by anthropogenic disturbances, including climate change.
  • Course offered: Fall semester, lecture & lab

 

• BIO 415: Tropical Ecology and Conservation
  • This course will explore the ecology of the many biomes that comprise the tropics, including tropical wet, dry, and cloud forests, savannas, grasslands, and deserts. We will also study the ecology of tropical oceans and freshwater systems. Our study of tropical ecology will focus on interactions between biotic (ecosystem structure, plants, animals) and abiotic (climate, soils, nutrient cycling) ecosystem features. Students will also become familiar with a suite of contemporary conservation issues affecting tropical regions. Throughout the course we will draw on multiple fields of study including landscape, ecosystem, wildlife, and community ecology to enhance our understanding of tropical ecology and conservation.
  • Course offered: Spring semester, odd years, lecture

 

• BIO 435: Course Topics in Biology: Tropical Ecology of Costa Rica – field course
  • This course will explore aspects of tropical biology from a primarily field-based perspective, though the course will also incorporate structured lecture and discussions. Students will learn about lowland tropical rainforest ecology, Costa Rica's progressive environmental initiatives, and the Sarapiquí region's land-use history. While traveling, students will spend significant time in lowland tropical rainforests, meet with local scientists, and learn about ecologically-sound agricultural practices, coffee and chocolate production systems, and genetic/species diversity in tropical crop species. Note that field and classroom activities will typically require 10+ hours of student time per day during the trip.
  • Course offered: Spring semester, odd years, lecture & lab (travel over Spring Break) - on hiatus during the pandemic

 

• BIO 455/466: Plant Physiology
  • In this course you will learn about the interactions between plants and the environment from a physiological perspective. The course will focus principally on the movement of water, nutrients, and carbon through plants. Plant physiological processes will be examined in the context of the environments in which plants live. We will explore plant physiological responses to climate change, increasing atmospheric CO₂ concentration, and stressors such as drought, high salinity, and low-oxygen conditions.
  • Course offered: Spring semester, even years, lecture & lab

 

Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday 10-11 AM, Thursday 3:30-5:30 PM

Please email me for a link to book an appointment.