This course is an introduction to population, community, and ecosystem ecology; stressing the dynamic interrelationships of plant and animal communities of the Dalmatian Coast. The course includes such ecological concepts as energy flow and trophic levels in natural communities, population and community dynamics, biogeography and ecosystem ecology. Field trips to local Croatian ecosystems are included.

This course is part of a two-semester sequence that when combined presents an integrated approach to the interrelated, interdisciplinary principles of environmental science through case studies, site visits, and field work. Through assigned readings, classroom discussion and case studies dealing with global environmental issues as well as the environmental issues related to the Dalmatian coast, students will learn how to critically analyze environmental problems from a multidisciplinary perspective and to propose solutions.