Restoration Ecology | Ecological Restoration | Ecology | Guided Independent Learning | Environment | Ecology Online | EcologyOnline.net | Robberecht

Professor Emeritus R. Robberecht
College of Natural Resources | University of Idaho
Moscow, Idaho 83844-1133 USA

Ecology@uidaho.edu EcologyOnline.net 208-885-7404
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Course & student objectives

Textbooks

Assessments: Project

Course outline

Learning achievement targets

Learning tips & Path to mastery

Restoration Ecology (REM 440, 3 credits) | Spring semesters

Course Description: Ecological principles and management practices involved in restoring and rehabilitating wildland ecosystems after disturbance or alteration to return damaged ecosystems to a productive and stable state.

The ecological restoration of disturbed ecosystems. Fundamental principles from ecology, ecophysiology, and community ecology are used in a systems ecology approach to examine how the structure and function of damaged ecosystems can be restored – with the goal of establishing a stable and self-sustaining ecosystem.

Prerequisite: General ecology, or permission
Recommended preparation: Introductory botany and zoology, and a good working knowledge of Windows-based computer systems.

Course Objectives
	Convey the fundamental principles and philosophy of restoration ecology
	Emphasize critical analysis of restoration approaches used in case studies
	Develop a systems approach to restoration
Student Learning Objectives - To Achieve Competence in ...
	Philosophy and principles of ecological restoration
	Critical analysis and written reviews of case studies
	Develop a restoration plan with a systems approach

Student Learning responsibilities
	Students are responsible for learning independently to master the course material with the materials provided and through the assessment It is therefore your responsibility to: (1) keep up with the course schedule, (2) master the material as per the learning achievement targets, (3) to regularly review the course announcements, and (4) to regularly study and review previous course material while you learn new material. Consult the Reading assignments and Announcements sections for course schedule and learning achievement targets.

Textbooks (optional)
Order online*: University of Idaho Bookstore (eBook available) | Amazon.com | CampusBooks | Direct from Publisher

Required textbook
No required textbook, but readings will be required.

Recommended references
Elements of Ecology, 9th Edition. R.L. Smith & T.M. Smith (2015) | Printed and electronic versions available
Oxford Dictionary of Ecology. M. Allaby. 2011.
A Dictionary of Ecology, Evolution and Systematics. R.J. Lincoln et al. 1998.
Units, Symbols, and Terminology for Plant Physiology. F.B. Salisbury. 1996.
Dictionary of word roots and combining forms of scientific words, by Tim Williams. 2005.

*These links are provided for your convenience. The University of Idaho and the professor have no connection with, and do not endorse or support these companies.

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.

Course assessments: Two projects

**Schedule for assessments**
Event	Date
Skills assignment: Definitions (not part of course grade)	Friday, February 7
Project I: Restoration case study analysis	Monday, March 16
Project II: Restoration proposal	Thursday, May 14

***Course assessments and final grading scale**
Event	Percent	Final Grade (% of total points)
Project I: Restoration case study analysis	40	A	90 -100%
Project II: Restoration proposal	60	B	80 - 79%
		C	70 - 79%
		D	60 -69%
Total	100%	F	< 60%

Note. The grade level of "A" represents outstanding performance on the projects.

Event \| UI calendar of events	Date
Course begins	January 15
Martin Luther King - Idaho Human Rights Day - UI closed	January 20
Final date to withdraw from courses without a grade of "W"	January 29
President's Day - UI closed	February 17
Spring recess - UI closed	March 16 - 20
Final date for withdrawal from course with a grade of "W"	April 3
Course ends	May 15

Course outline
Background and introduction to restoration ecology	Review and master Exploring Ecology Follow-up (optional) with interactive lessons on ecology Introductory articles on restoration ecology
Project I: Critical analysis of a case study	Summary Review the scientific literature to select a case study in restoration of a disturbed ecosystem Select a case study to analyze Analysis summary: goals, objectives, approaches, experimental design, methodology, results, and success.
Project 2: Scientific proposal on restoring a disturbed ecosystem	Summary Review the scientific literature to for different approaches to restoring disturbed ecosystems Select a disturbed ecosystem to restore Use a systems approach to restoration Develop a scientific proposal (goals, objectives, approaches, experimental design, methodology, results, and predicted results).