Biology 608 -- Limnology -- Fall 2004
Dr. Stephen Threlkeld, Professor of Biology; 318 Shoemaker; 662-915-5803; stt@olemiss.edu; Office hours: TuTh 8-9 am, Th 11-12 am, or by appointment.
Catalog Description of Course Content The physical, chemical, geological,
and biological aspects of lake
and stream environments.
Required readings One copy of each assigned reading from the current literature will be provided for your use. A general limnology test such as 'Moss, Brian. 1998. Ecology of Fresh Waters: Man & medium, past to future. 3rd edition. Blackwell Scientific' or 'Wetzel, Robert G. 2001. Limnology: Lake and river ecosystems. 3rd edition. Academic Press' is also recommended for students with a weak or dated undergraduate background in aquatic sciences.
Course grading Grades will be based on discussion of assigned readings (30%), expertise in a limnological case study (15%), a research paper (20%), and a final examination (35%). Grades will be assigned on a straight scale: A, > 90%; B, 80-90%; C, 70-80%; D, 60-70%; F, < 60%.
Schedule of discussion topics (F, 8:00 - 10:50 am, 219 Shoemaker), except as noted.
27 Aug Introduction; course objectives and requirements
3 Sep Geology and origin of lake bathymetry and chemistry
10 Sep Physics of water: light attenuation, temperature and pressure
17 Sep Water movement: advection, convection and diffusion
24 Sep Water column stability, light attenuation, and primary production
1 Oct Nutrient supply and eutrophication
8 Oct Phytoplankton succession and community structure
15 Oct Microbial plankton
18 Oct (Monday) Zooplankton community structure
25 Oct (Monday) Benthic communities and interactions with the plankton
1 Nov (Monday) Fish and food webs
12 Nov Aquatic biogeography
19 Nov Paleolimnology and climate change
22-26 Nov Thanksgiving Holiday
3 Dec Water use, policy, regulation and law
8 Dec Final examination, 8 a.m.