COURSE OUTLINE

POPULATION THEORY

ENTOM

NATRS

ES/RP

ZOOL

529 Graduate Course

Objectives

For the student to

Learn the general rules of change in dynamic systems, including the concepts of feedback, stability, and complexity and their relationships to population dynamics.
Learn the principles of population dynamics, including geometric growth, intraspecific cooperation, intraspecific competition, mutual causality and limiting factors and how these principles govern the dynamics of populations.
Learn the elementary mathematical theory of population dynamics.
Understand the causes of dynamical behavior in biological populations, including cycles, complex dynamics, multiple stable states, pest outbreaks, and resource collapses.
Learn how to manage natural resource and pest populations and how to anticipate the effects of human actions on the dynamics of biological populations.

Course Structure

6 sessions on the Internet
Reading assignments
Exercises using computers
Instructor available for consultation via e-mail or in person
Interaction with instructor and other students via the conference Bulletin Board
Midterm and final examination

University Credit

1 credit hour

Prerequisites

Students are advised that a basic knowledge of general ecology and mathematics through calculus is necessary for this course.

Technical Requirements

Personal computer with Internet connection (e.g., a modum)
Java-enabled web browser, such as Netscape Navigator 3.0, or Microsoft Explorer 3.0 or higher versions.
Spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel.
E-mail communication and work submission (click here for information).

Text

Berryman, A. A. 1997. Principles of Population Dynamics and their Application. The text can be obtained from WSU bookstore or from the publisher Stanley Thornes Ltd., Cheltenham, England (distributed in the USA by International Specialized Book Services, 5804 NE Hassalo Street, Portland, OR 97213-3644) (see http://classes.entom.wsu.edu/book/ )
Computer Software, the Population Analysis System. The software can be downloaded fee-of-charge at this web site.

Grading

Homework 50%
Examinations 50%
Grading Policy

Instructor

Professor Alan A. Berryman (click here to obtain more information)
Questions concerning this course can be sent via e-mail to berryman@mail.wsu.edu

Schedule (Click Session # to access on-line course sessions)

Session	Topic
1	Introduction and Basics
2	Population Theory - the First Principle
First Examination	Covers Sessions 1 and 2
3	Cooperation - the Second Principle
4	Competition - the Third Principle
Second Examination	Covers Sessions 3 and 4
5	Circular Causality - the Fourth Principle
6	Limiting Factors - the Fifth Principle
Final Examination	Covers the complete course

Course Evaluation

We are interested in improving this course through feedback with students. Please give us your impressions of the course by filling out the Evaluation Form.