Stream Ecology

Stream Ecology is a Natural Science class taught by Christina Cianfrani.

Course Description
Rivers and streams wind through the landscape moving water, sediment and other materials and provide habitat for a variety of organisms. In this class we will discuss the main processes that occur in rivers and the means for observing them. We will learn to interpret the morphology (shape) of rivers and fluvial landscapes. We will use both field measurements (i.e. get our feet wet in the stream) and computer models to analyze local river systems from both a hydrological and ecological perspective. Students will explore the primary literature, complete lab exercises, develop a stream project, and discuss the response of streams to natural and human induced environmental change.