BMSC Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre

This course will explore the experimental methods used to study the ecological effects of climate change. Climate change experiments have evolved over time, incorporating new methodologies to address emerging knowledge of environmental challenges. The course will start by reviewing the history of climate change ecology and experimental design, focusing on climate change scenarios, extreme events, and multiple stressors. Through a combination of lectures, fieldwork, and data analysis, students will develop a practical understanding of climate change impacts on ecosystems and species. Students will design, execute, and analyze experiments related to climate change ecology.

Research & Technical Skills:
By the end of this course, students will:

• Understand key concepts in climate change ecology and experimental design.
• Develop hands-on experience in collecting and analyzing ecological data.
• Evaluate the effects of climate change on ecosystems through experimental approaches.

General Skills:
Students in this course will also gain skills in teamwork, interpreting and discussing peer-reviewed scientific papers, scientific communication and critical thinking.

Boat Use:
Boat driving is optional for Experimental Climate Change Ecology. Students will have the opportunity to design an independent experiment which may include the use BMSC’s student-operated boats. Students who wish to drive boats at the BMSC must hold a PCOC and valid First Aid certificate and must participate in an introductory boat check-out on the first day of orientation.

Prerequisites:
Third year academic standing in an undergraduate program, Introductory Biology, and Introductory Statistics. It is also recommended that students have an interest in marine ecology, and in gaining practical and hands-on experience.

Physical requirements:
Field and lab work can be modified to suit a range of physical abilities but may include some or all of the following activities: walking to and traversing intertidal shore locations, lifting animals and equipment in and out of boats and tanks, and getting in and out of small and medium sized boats.

Required Text and Readings:

• Underwood, A. J. (1996). Experiments in Ecology: Their Logical Design and Interpretation Using Analysis of Variance. (Chapters 4-7, 10, and 13-14)
• IPCC Reports (selected excerpts)
• Selected peer-reviewed articles (provided in class)