Water quality
Aquatic Ecology
Purdue University Calumet
Instructor: Leslie E. Dorworth
Course Perspective:
Emphasis will be placed on the fundamentals of inland freshwater ecosystems. Topics cover the formation of lakes, the physical processes related to water circulation and hydrology, the chemistry of inland waters and processes involved in nutrient cycling, the controls of biological productivity, and aquatic community interactions.
Desired Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:
- Describe water with regard to its physical and chemical properties.
- Describe how natural lakes were formed and the role of morphometry in lake ecology.
- Explain the hydrological cycle on a global basis as it affects distribution and movement of water.
- Explain water balance in lakes, streams, and soil.
- Explain the role of energy in stratification, turnover, and productivity.
- Explain nutrient balance in aquatic systems.
- Describe the role of nutrients of the watershed in the productivity of an aquatic ecosystem.
- Explain the light in productivity of aquatic environments.
- Explain the interaction of producers, consumers, and decomposers in an aquatic ecosystem.
- Describe the seasonal changes in populations.
