Invasive Species and Novel Ecosystems

Course description

Invasive species are highly successful species often dispersed by people, frequently transported by commercial or recreational activities. In this course we’ll examine the biology of invasive species, focusing on the life-history adaptations and dispersal strategies that contribute to their success at both the individual and population levels.

Upon completing the course, you’ll be able to:

• identify common invasive species
• describe their distributions, life cycles, growth habits, reproductive characteristics and adaptation

You’ll also learn about control options including preventative, cultural, biological and chemical control methods.

Finally, you’ll explore novel ecosystems that are created when invasive species insert themselves into the fabric of natural ecosystems, and the problems they pose to traditional approaches to ecosystem management such as when an endangered species becomes dependent on an invasive species for its survival.

Format

Online format over a 14-week period, requiring approximately 10 hours of coursework per week.