Courses taught at KSU

Biology 810: Analysis of Ecological Gradients (Spring odd years)

Objectives – Quantifying patterns of species occurrences and abundance along ecological gradient is central to the field of ecology. Because communities can have many species and those species responses to environmental gradients are often complex, characterizing these patterns can be challenging for ecologists. Multivariate analyses have helped simplify these complex data sets and facilitate the interpretation of ecological data. The objective of this course is to introduce students to a variety of statistical approaches for analyzing these complex data sets. This course will include lectures, paper discussions, and computer laboratories to familiarize student with software.

Biology 682: Fish Ecology (Fall odd years)

Objectives – Fish ecology is the general study of factors influencing the distribution and abundance of fishes and how they interact with their environment. We will begin this course with an overview of patterns of fish diversity and how fishes interact with their environments over both evolutionary and recent time scales. Next, we will examine the biotic interactions among fishes; including competition and predator-prey dynamics. Finally, we will explore the important rolls that fishes play in aquatic ecosystems. Throughout the course we will emphasize the conservation and management implications of fish ecology.

Biology 542: Ichthyology (Spring even years)

Objectives – Lecture: Ichthyology is a broad science that includes the study of fish physiology, anatomy, ecology, management, and evolution. Considering that more than 23,000 species of fishes have been described, this is an enormous field, and it would be impossible to cover all aspect of Ichthyology in one semester. Thus, our emphasis will be on the evolutionary relationships of major groups of fishes along with a detailed examination of North American species. In addition, we will explore the diverse ways this group of organisms has adapted to aquatic environments. The objective of the class is for students to gain an understanding and appreciation for the amazing diversity of fishes by exploring the physiological, behavioral, structural, and, ecological aspects of these organisms.

Lab: There are three primary goals of ichthyology lab: 1) to understand the structure and function of fishes, 2) to be proficient at using taxonomic keys to identify fishes, and 3) understand evolutionary trends in the structure and function of fishes. Because some of the laboratory exercises will involve observation of live specimens in the field, it is recommended that student purchase or barrow a pair of waders in order to fully participate in class activities.

Biology 696: Fisheries Management and Techniques (Fall even years)

Objectives – Lecture: The primary objective of lectures will be to review both the conceptual background of and current approaches to fisheries management. This will include coverage of sampling design and methodology, harvest strategy, data analysis, habitat evaluation, and common techniques used to assess fish populations. The emphasis of this class is the management of fish populations, thus we will often discuss the human dimensions of fisheries management.

Lab: The laboratory exercises will provide hands on experiences with various sampling gears, laboratory analysis, and data analysis. Because we have a limited number of waders, you are encouraged to purchase or borrow a pair so that you can fully participate in the field activities.

Biology 433: Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation (Spring)

Objectives – This class is designed as an introduction to wildlife and fisheries biology. Topics will include the history of wildlife and fisheries conservation and management, principals of ecology, habitat ecology, habitat management techniques, and animal management techniques. Guest lectures will provide information on the variety of careers available in wildlife and fisheries.