Graduate academic calendar 2012 - 2013 - Trent University

GRADUATE PROGRAMS Environmental & Life Sciences
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ENLS 5009H – Trends in ecology and evolution
This course examines developments in ecology, behaviour and evolution, based upon the current
journal literature. Topics include sexual selection, game theory, optimality and assessing biodiversity
and ecosystem stability. Students will take an active role in the presentation of course material,
.specific choice of topics to be determined by course participants. Students should have taken one
course in animal behaviour and ecology. A familiarity with population genetics, ecology and basic
evolutionary theory will be assumed.
ENLS 5012H – Introduction to environmental models and modelling
Development, verification and application of models, human construct to help better our
understanding of real world systems, is fundamental to scientific research. The course examines key
principals and processes of model development and application, offering students an introduction to
modelling through exploration of the stages in the ‘modelling processes’.
ENLS 5013H – Topics in molecular ecology
An introduction to molecular tools and methods for studying individuals and populations, as well as
some example applications. The course includes discussion of seminal and current relevant literature.
Students will lead and participate in discussion of published papers, present seminars, and write a
review paper on a selected topic.
ENLS 5014H – Fish ecology
This course explores literature and methods in the study of ecological processes in fish populations
and communities as well as the current research of participating faculty. Topics include processes
shaping riverine fish communities, scale and sampling issues in study design, habitat, fish community
dynamics and conservation biology issues in Ontario. Excludes BIOL 3140H (314H).
ENLS 5015H – AMOD 5510H – Statistical aspects of modelling
An intensive study of the application of statistical techniques to research questions and designs,
introducing the use of software for data entry, data management, and statistical analysis. Topics
include: multiple regression, logistic regression, analysis of variance techniques (and analysis of
covariance), factor analysis, discriminant function analysis, and structural equation modelling.
ENLS 5026H – Wetland restoration and creation
This is a seminar course that explores the global literature on wetland restoration and creation. The
course will compare explicitly the technological and ecological experiences with different wetland
types and situations, in order to determine opportunities and limitations. At least one field trip will
be required. The course assumes a basic knowledge of wetland ecology and is designed for students
who have taken a first course in wetland biology or who have equivalent experience.
ENLS 5027H – Ecological applications of GIS and spatial analysis
This course focuses on practical and theoretical issues in applying GIS and spatial analysis to the
natural sciences, particularly animal ecology, Topics may include spatial experimental design, georeferencing
systems, data management, landscape ecology, derivation of surfaces and analysis of
point patterns, spatial associations and animal habitat use patterns. . Knowledge of multivariate
statistics is a prerequisite for the course. Enrollment is limited.
ENLS 5028H – Communicating science
Emphasis in this course is on technical science writing for peer-reviewed journals and giving
effective presentations to both scientific and non-scientific audiences. In addition to strategies and
styles of writing and presenting, issues pertaining to authorship, language and journal selection
are discussed. Recommended for graduate students in their final year of study. This is a half credit
course that runs the entire academic year. The course is offered alternate years.
ENLS 5030H – Advanced aquatic geochemistry
The course focusses on geochemical factors affecting inorganic contaminants , reflecting research
interests of participants. Topics include: sources of dissolved organic compounds and their role in
mobilization and fate of metals and metalloids, trace metal speciation, thermodynamics vs. kinetics,
reactions on solid surfaces, equilibrium modeling, critical load models, and whole ecosystem fate
models. It is assumed that participants have had an introductory course in geochemistry or aquatic
chemistry.