BIOL 6903 - Stream Ecology
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 44124,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Thomas Diggins
Email: tpdiggins@ysu.edu
Course Description
6903. Stream Ecology. A study of the physical, chemical, biological, and ecological structure and function of stream ecosystems, and of their associated riparian zones. Prereq.: permission of instructor. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| No readings |
1) Allan and Castillo 2007. Stream Ecology: Structure and Function of Running Waters
2) Utz 2022. Field Guide to Rivers & Streams (Falcon Guides), recommended
3) Some primary literature articles will likely be distributed during the semester.
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | River systems of the world | ||
| 8/31 | Allan and Castillo (AC), ch 1 Utz (U), ch 1 and 2 |
River systems of the world Stream orders, watersheds, channel morphology |
|
| 9/7 | AC 1 and 3 U 2 and 3 |
Hydrology, erosion, transport, channel morphology (cont.) | |
| 9/14 | AC 1 | Fluviatile lakes and wetlands | |
| 9/21 | AC 4 and 5 U 4 |
Productivity and carbon fluxes | Midterm exam #1 |
| 9/28 | AC 13, 14 | Nutrient dynamics | |
| 10/5 | AC 6, 11, 12 U 4 |
Organic matter processing | |
| 10/12 | AC 6, 11, 12 U 5 - 8 |
Benthic macros and functional groups | |
| 10/19 | AC 7-10 (skim) | Food webs and ecology | |
| 10/26 | Zoar Valley NY feederbrook case study | ||
| 11/2 | Riparian zones | Midterm exam #2 | |
| 11/9 | Fluvial geomorphic and biological patterns and processes | ||
| 11/16 | Floral/faunal succession in riparian zones | ||
| 11/23 | Riparian zone case studies (Queets WA, Zoar Valley) | ||
| 11/30 | Riparian zone case studies (Queets WA, Zoar Valley) | ||
| 12/7 | Final Exam |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.