Skagit Valley College

Catalog Course Search Details

This course has been changed from the previous catalog, the changed field(s) are highlighted in red:

 Course Title:   Ecology of Ecosystem Edges/Ecotones

 Title Abbreviation:   ECOSYSTEM EDGES/ECOTONES

 Department:    ENVC

 Course #:    221

 Credits:    3

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    3.75

 CIP:    030101

 EPC:    165

 REV:    2019


 Course Description  

Importance of ecotones between freshwater systems and upland areas. Essential biological processes shaping ecological properties of ecotones at various scales of time and space. Students must conduct research and give a short seminar.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: ENVC 101 and 202 or department chair approval.

Additional Course Details

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 33

Lab: 11

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0


Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Vocational Preparatory Required for ATA degree  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Other Institution Equivalencies Table
Institution Course # Remarks
N/A

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate the biological values of riparian ecosystems and their ecotones at different temporal and spatial scales.
  2. Apply ecotone concepts when solving fish and wildlife problems during landscape restoration of biodiversity.
  3. Recognize different cultural and socio-economic constraints in ecotone management.
  4. PROGRAM OUTCOME: Utilize ecological processes in an ecosystem context; flow diagrams.
  5. PROGRAM OUTCOME: Communicate climate change effects to park environments.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

Course Contents

  1. The ecotone perspective. The importance of land-water ecotones.
  2. Landscape disturbances and lotic systems. Functions of ecotones in fluvial systems.
  3. The characteristics of wetland ecotones. The role of ecotones in aquatic landscapes.
  4. The socio-economic value of ecotones.