ALS 6935 Topics in Biological Invasions
Description
This course focuses on non-native species invasions and environmental effects of these invaders. Students will develop analytical capabilities to assess the consequences of biological invasions. This course is oriented toward students in the biosecurity track major in the entomology department.
Prerequisites
- Integrated Principles of Biology 1 and Laboratory (BSC 2010 and 2010L) or equivalent.
- Integrated Principles of Biology 2 and Laboratory (BSC 2011 and 201lL) or equivalent.
Course Format
Location: Online
Course Goals
From the lecture and course assignments, students will gain an understanding of the following concepts:
- A global awareness of the economic costs and environmental impacts of biological invasions.
- An understanding of the principles and basic practices of pest exclusion, eradication, and management tactics for biological invaders from six continents.
- An ability to assimilate information on biological invaders, and develop inferences from case study examples.
- A perspective on the research, extension, and regulatory components of biological invaders.
- An awareness of biological invader sin current events reported in the popular and scientific media.
Topics
| Week | Lecture |
| 1 | Review of Syllabus and Delivery PlatformActivity 1 (DueWeek 12): Present a 5-10 minute PowerPoint presentation on an invasive species of your choice. Include information on its origin, biology, environmental and economic impacts.Introduction: Non-Native Species in the World |
| 2 | The Impacts of Alien Plants in Australia |
| 2 | Invasive Vertebrates in Brazil |
| 3 | The IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas |
| 3 | Alien Plants in Britain |
| 4 | Economic, Environmental and Social Dimensions of Alien Vertebrate Species in Britain |
| 4 | Impacts of Alien Vertebrates in Europe |
| 5 | Invasive Patterns of Alien Terrestrial Invertebrates in Europe |
| 5 | EXAM 1-NO LECTURE (WEEKS 1-5) |
| 6 | Invasive Plant Pathogens in Europe |
| 6 | Invasive Plant sin the Indian Subcontinent |
| 7 | Invasive Invertebrates in India: Economic Implications |
| 7 | Economic Impacts of Weeds in New Zealand: Some Examples |
| 8 | Ecological and Economic Costs of Alien Vertebrates in New Zealand |
| 8 | The Economic Consequences of the Environmental Impacts of Alien Plant Invasions in South Africa |
| 9 | Spring Break |
| 10 | Invasive Vertebrates of South Africa |
| 10 | Rodents and Other Vertebrate Invaders in the United States |
| 11 | Environmental and Economic Costs Associated with Alien Invasive Species in the United States |
| 11 | EXAM 2-NO LECTURE (WEEKS 6-11) |
| 12 | Review of IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants Activity 2 |
| 12 | Student Presentations |
| 12 | Student Presentations |
| 13 | Student Presentations Activity 2 Due |
| 14 | Student Presentations |
| 15 | Student Presentations |
| 15 | Student Presentations |
| 16 | Student Presentations ( if necessary)Course and Instructor Evaluation (5 points for completing evaluation) Review for Final Exam |
| 16 | READING DAY-NO CLASSES |
| 17 | EXAM 3-COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM |
