An Introduction to Systems Ecology
Course Instructor(s):
Professor Sven E. Jørgensen – University of Copenhagen
msijapan@hotmail.com
Dr. Colin N. Yates – Waterloo Summit Centre for the Environment
cyates@uwaterloo.ca
Duration: Spring Semester (6 days field/lecture component)
Location: Online & Waterloo Summit Centre for the Environment
Credits: 0.5
Prerequisites: None (a strong background in biology, ecology and hydrology will be an asset)
Textbook: Introduction to Systems Ecology
Course Fee: $800
*includes textbook, 7 nights accommodations, lunches and dinners, transportation for field trips
Class Size: 30
Course Description:
The course will present the up-to-date, consistent ecosystem theory, that is increasingly applied as
the theoretical basis in ecological modeling, ecological engineering, the application of ecological
indicators, ecological informatics and calculations of ecological services. System ecology is the
prerequisite for the wide use of these sub-disciplines in ecological and environmental management
of today.
This course will provide students with a grounding in systems ecology theory and a profound
understanding of both qualitative and quantitative applications of ecological considerations in
environmental management. With a good knowledge to system ecology it is possible to predict of
course not yet all, but many ecosystem reactions to changed impacts, which will be demonstrated
several times during the course through field trips and the application of the model STELLA.
Program:
Students will spend six (6) days at the Waterloo Summit Centre for the Environment in Huntsville
working under the tutelage of renowned ecologist Sven E. Jorgensen. Several field trips to various
ecological systems (both man-made and natural) will occur throughout the course.
1
An Introduction to Systems Ecology
Grading Scheme:
Online Reading Reports:
Each student will complete five (5) online reading reports based on a reading of a seminal journal
article in systems ecology and systems thinking. These readings will be prepare you for the intense
week of reading and course work at the Waterloo Summit Centre for the Environment.
Reports will highlight the objectives or questions of the paper, the key findings or conclusions, as
well as discuss how this paper advanced the field of systems ecology and systems thinking.
Each report should be no longer than 1000 words.
Reports will be submitted online through UW LEARN.
Mark – 10% per assignment x 5 assignments: 50%
Final Project:
Report:
A series of topics will be provided to students at the beginning of the semester. Students will be
required to select a topic at the end of the first week of Spring Semester classes.
Each student will be required to submit a 5000 word report on their selected topic. A report will
consist of sufficient literature review to describe the problem. The methods and results generated
through the use of STELLA, followed by a comprehensive discussion and conclusions.
Mark – 25%
*Proposals for the group works will be given before the start of the course. If some of the
participants would like to work with a particular problem in systems ecology, please contact
msijapan@hotmail.com and cyates@uwaterloo.ca in due time before the course.
Group Presentation:
Each student will be partnered up with four (4) other students to form a group of five. Each group
will have to deliver a 30min presentation on their selected topic. Each student is expected to take
an equal turn presenting material.
Presentations will be delivered at the end (Day Five) of the field/lecture component.
Mark – 25%
2
An Introduction to Systems Ecology
Due Dates:
Online Reading Reports: May 16th, May 30th, June 13th, June 27th, July 11th
Group Presentation: July TBA
Final Report: August 1st, 2014
3
An Introduction to Systems Ecology
Daily Schedule:
Day One
9:00-10:45 The basic thermodynamic laws applied on ecosystems, Chapters 1-3
10:45-11:15 Coffee break
11:15-12:30 Growth and Development of Ecosystems, Chapter 4
12:30-13:30 Lunch
13:30-14:30 Biochemistry of ecosystems, Chapter 5
14:30-14:40 Short break
14:40-16:10 Presentation of STELLA
16:10-16:45 Coffee break and formations of the groups for the group works and selection of the
group work
16:45-17:30 Presentation of the groups and their group work selection
Day Two
8:00-16:00 Field Trip – Torrance Barrens
16:30-17:30 Group Application and Use of STELLA
Day Three
9:00-10:30 The Ecological Law of Thermodynamics, Chapter 7
10:30-10:45 Short Break
10:45-12:00 Ecosystems are open systems, Chapter 8
12:00-13:00 Lunch
13:30-15:15 Hierarchy Theory and Ecosystem Diversity, Chapters 9-10
15:15-15:30 Break
15:30-16:30 Ecosystems have high buffer capacity, resistance and resilience, Chapter 11
16:30-17:30 STELLA
Day Four
8:00-16:00 Field Trip
16:30-17:30 Group work
Day Five
9:00-10:30 Ecosystems form cooperative networks, Chapter 12
10:30-11:15 Group work with coffee break
11:15-12:30 Ecosystem Information and emergent properties, Chapter 13-14
12:30-13:30 Lunch
13:30-14.30 Ecosystem Information and emergent properties, Chapter 13-14 cont’d
14:30-16:30 Application of systems ecology in environmental management, ecological engineering
and for the assessment of ecosystem health and ecosystem services. Chapter 15
16:30-18:30 Group Work
Day Six
4
An Introduction to Systems Ecology
9:00 Group Presentations until complete
13:00 Course wrap-up
5