Restoration ecology is a discipline within the science of ecology that uses fundamental ecological principles for the restoration of disturbed ecosystems – with the goal of establishing a stable and self-sustaining ecosystem. Knowledge and understanding of ecology, ecophysiology, and community ecology are required to understand the complex interactions between the physical environment and organisms, and the structure and function of ecosystems. A systems ecology approach, which includes ecosystem modeling, is required for the effective and successful restoration of disturbed ecosystems.

It is essential that you take the initiative to seek out additional readings in ecological journals, books, and magazines at your university.
 
Mastery of the subject matter requires diligence, focused study, and daily practice. A three-credit course requires a minimum of nine hours of effective study per week. This flow diagram summarizes the steps you should follow – continuously alternate study, assessment, and review until you achieve mastery.

The path to mastering the fundamental principles of ecology involves a set of highly integrated learning procedures. It is not a simple method of study and memorization. The objective is attaining a level of knowledge and understanding where you can orally explain topics in a succinct manner an in technically correct terms - as if you were teaching the subject.

 
  Study the course content
 Performance on assessments (interactive lessons and games,
 daily quizzes, and examinations)
 Evaluation of your performance
 Review and study of the course content
 
 

 

 
Your path to mastery
Follow the dynamic integration and flow among the learning levels
Regular and diligent oral practice
Repetition and refinement

 

 Achieve confidence in the subject matter

 
Learning tips. An excellent way to prepare for the quizzes and examinations is to orally explain a topic, concept, or term to a colleague. Do this regularly as if you are teaching a course in ecology. If you can explain the course subject matter in a succinct and technically correct manner, then you have mastered the topic.

In order to increase your performance on the quizzes and the examinations, please be sure to follow the recommended learning procedures on a regular bases. Cycle through these steps repeatedly until you have mastered the material.
 
Additional study and learning methods for mastering the subject
Carefully study the textbook for detailed information
Regularly study the glossary to master all terms and understand their meaning
Study and review the lecture presentations, and the study questions in the enhanced lecture presentations
Study and review the interactive lessons and games to guide your study and to evaluate your understanding
Take the quizzes on the recommended schedule

Study and review the sample questions for each examination

 
Recommended learning resources on Internet
Tutoring & Academic Assistance Programs, University of Idaho
Online Learning Center - learning skills, University of Idaho
Excellent study resources at HowToStudy.org
Study skills guide, Saint Benedict - Saint Johns' University

 

 Videos at Academic Skills Center, Dartmouth University

 
Recommended writing resources
Electronic style guides, University of Idaho

 

 Writing Center, University of Idaho

 
Specialty services - University of Idaho

Disability Support Services