On-Site Courses

Summer Session Courses

The Forest Carbon Cycle (3cr)

In this class we will examine ecosystem input/output and storage of CO2 . Exercises will include measures of biomass input through primary and secondary production, output through decomposition and respiration, and storage in above and below ground pools. The class will entail lecture and hands on laboratory and field work. In the field we will learn about micrometerological techniques (eddy covariance) to measure CO2 exchange between the atmosphere and the forest canopy, and how these measures can be extended from regional to global scales. Aboveground biomass will be measured using forest census and allometric equations and remote sensing techniques (LIDAR). We will also measure aboveground and belowground biomass production, soil carbon pools and respiration. In the laboratory we will analyze a number of different soil carbon pools such as microbial biomass, soil organic matter and dissolved organic carbon. Students will be required to keep a journal of activities. Final grade will be dependent on production of a final report.

Instructor: Dennis Gray

Analytical Methods in Environmental Studies: Nitrogen & Phosphorus (3cr)

In this class we will discuss the nitrogen and phosphorous cycles and appropriate extraction and analysis methods for different environmental conditions. The majority of the class will entail hands on laboratory and field work. We will collect and analyze water and soil samples to determine pool sizes of important N and P species (TN, DON, NH4, NO2, NO3, T-P, extractable PO4) We will also learn to use indicators of soil N and P status and availability (mineralization, protease and phosphatase activity).

Instructor: Dennis Gray

Field Ecology: (3 cr)

The course is designed to immerse students in the practicalities of conducting ecological research. The course introduces the basis of a number of sampling methodologies in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystemsand some of the basic statistics needed to design and interpret data from field surveys and collections. The course is hands-on and in the field. The course is offered through the Camden summer school and is open to both graduate (56:120:514) and undergraduate (50:130: 430) students.

Instructor: John Dighton