AEC

to the Honey Bee and Beekeeping

Subject

AEC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

This course provides an introduction to the scientific principles and concepts that are the foundation of conservation science, with a particular focus on human relationships with nature. A diversity of topics will be covered, including 1) environmental and anthropomorphic pressures that threaten populations and ecosystems, 2) the importance of biotic and abiotic interactions for stability and resilience, 3) combining ecological theory with empirical data and community engagement to protect, preserve, and restore endangered species and ecosystems. Students will build on their conceptual, analytical, and communication skills and practice real-world decision making through collaborative research projects, in which they will gather data and apply their findings to develop measurable conservation outcomes. GEP Global Knowledge, GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives Typically offered in Spring only

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

credit hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Subject

AEC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Special topics and experimental offerings in Applied Ecology including developmental courses offered on a trial basis. Intended for students at an intermediate level of training in Biological Sciences. Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer AEC 360/PB 360 Ecology (4 credit hours) The science of ecology, including factors which control distribution and population dynamics of organisms, structure and function of biological communities, and energy flow and nutrient cycling in ecosystems; contrasts among the major biomes; and principles governing ecological responses to global climatic and other environmental changes. Typically offered in Spring only

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

credit hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Prerequisite

BIO 181 C- or better in BIO 181

or PB 360 Ecology

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

& AEC 371 and Parasite and Disease Ecology Lab

Subject

AEC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

This optional 1-credit laboratory section can be taken concurrently with

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

credit hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Policy, Management, and Advocacy

Subject

AEC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

The tropics have attracted the attention of scientist for a long time and tropical studies have help advance our understanding of ecology and ecological theories. This course will focus on understanding tropical ecosystems, their biodiversity, and complexity. Students will learn about major ecosystem types and their characteristics. We will discuss major tropical contributions to ecology and ecological theories. In addition, we will study how global change is affecting the tropics and the potential consequences. Students will gain a general understanding of tropical ecology in a changing world. P: AEC 360 / PB 360 or equivalent Typically offered in Spring only

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

credit hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

This course explores the various mechanisms structuring ecological communities. The course builds on community ecology topics introduced in other courses, by providing an advanced understanding of the theoretical and quantitative nature of community ecology. Topics covered include two-species interactions (e.g. predation, competition, parasitism, mutualisms), multispecies interactions, food webs and ecological networks, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, estimation of and regulation of species diversity at ecological and evolutionary time scales, higher order interactions, community succession, and biogeography. Emphasis will be on concepts and theory, quantitative and mathematical models, experimental and other empirical approaches, and hands-on use of data and computer software to address basic and applied questions in community ecology. (MA 121 or MA 131 or MA 141 or ST 311) Typically offered in Spring only

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

credit hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Prerequisite

(ENV 101 or AEC 360 or PB 360 or FOR 260) and

Global climate change, over-fishing, habitat loss, altered nutrient cycles, and the spread of invasive species are among the world's pressing global environmental issues. Solutions to these problems are complex, but firmly rooted in the fundamental tenets of ecological theory. The field of applied ecology is premised on using these fundamental ecological principles to help solve the environmental challenges we face. This course will provide an overview of the field of applied ecology, based on a series of case studies. Working from the individual to global level, the course will provide a broad perspective on the field of applied ecology. Typically offered in Fall only AEC 409/AEC 509 Ecology and Conservation of Freshwater Invertebrates (4 credit hours) This course will introduce the student to the identification and ecology of freshwater invertebrates, with an emphasis on their life histories and adaptation to diverse freshwater habitats, significance to higher trophic levels, such as fish, ecosystem functioning, as a major source of freshwater animal diversity, conservation of threatened species, and application to bioassessment of water quality. FOR 260 or equivalent Typically offered in Spring only AEC 419/AEC 519 Freshwater Ecology (4 credit hours) The course explores the structure and function of streams, lakes, and wetlands, including physical, chemical and biological controls of productivity and species composition of aquatic plants and animals and effects of pollution on organisms and water quality. The laboratory emphasizes modern, hands-on techniques for answering fundamental and applied questions. One local weekend field trip required. Credit in both AEC 419 and AEC 519 is not allowed. Typically offered in Spring only

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

credit hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Prerequisite

AEC/PB 360 ENV 101 or BIO 105 or BIO 181 or AEC 360 or PB 360 or C- or better in BIO/PB 360

3 Invertebrates

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Hours AEC 441 Biology of Fishes 3 4 AEC 442 Biology of Fishes Laboratory 1 4 AEC 519 Freshwater Ecology 4 4 BUS 350 Economics and Business Statistics 3

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

This course will introduce students to the fundamental principles of fisheries science. Class material will focus on the role of fish in aquatic ecosystems and will cover concepts including life history, population dynamics, fish-habitat relationships, fish sampling, fisheries management, and aquatic conservation. Content spans freshwater to marine ecosystems and includes insights from diverse fisheries professionals. By the end of the semester students will have a better understanding of focal concepts across various systems and geographic regions. Typically offered in Spring only

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

credit hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Prerequisite

C- or better in AEC/PB 360

hours) General anatomy and identification of common freshwater, estuarine and marine fish, functional morphology, age and growth analyses, fish health and diets. Computer analyses of bioenergetic and population dynamics. Typically offered in Spring only

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

credit

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Corequisite

FW/BIO 420

This course covers the life history, stock concept, fishing gears, stock assessment approaches, fish-habitat relationships, socio-economics, and management of marine fishes. Several field trips to state and federal agency laboratories and fish houses/docks are used to emphasize fish sampling, biological sample processing, and gear design. This course is part of the semester at CMAST program and requires students to be on site in Morehead City, NC. Typically offered in Spring only AEC 437/AEC 537 Gut Microbial Ecology (3 credit hours) Gut microbiome research has expanded exponentially in recent years, with rapidly accumulating implications for understanding host-microbial relationships and what constitutes health and disease. As such, the field is highly relevant to both basic science and medical careers. However, the interdisciplinary nature of the microbiome--as well as advances in sequencing technology and analytical methods--requires that scientists collaborate to achieve a firm grasp of methodological principles, analyze large data sets, and evaluate the results judiciously. In this course we will work together to analyze and compare data from human, clinical, and comparative/wildlife studies to synthesize a holistic understanding of the relationship between mammals and their gut microbes, communicate current knowledge with the general public, and identify lifestyle practices to leverage the gut microbiome for optimal health.

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

credit hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Prerequisite

BIO 181 Junior or Senior standing and completion of BIO181

120

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Behavior, evolution, physiology and ecology of fishes, emphasizing their adaptations for life in streams, lakes, and oceans.

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

credit hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Prerequisite

C- or better in BIO/PB 360 Corequisite: AEC 442 Biology of

Field and laboratory exercises with the common fish species and communities of North Carolina. Field trips to local streams and lakes plus weekend trips to coastal, estuarine, and mountain habitats. Typically offered in Fall only

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

credit hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Corequisite

AEC 441

Subject

AEC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Subject

AEC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Field Ecology and Methods will expose senior students with interests in Ecology and Evolution to the diverse field approaches used to address ecological questions. The course considers and implements a variety of field approaches ranging from microcosm experiments to global studies of patterns and diversity. Course is restricted to seniors. Typically offered in Fall only AEC 470/AEC 570 Urban Ecology (3 credit hours) Developing design, conservation, and management strategies to serve humans and biodiversity in urban areas is an ongoing challenge. This course examines cities as unique physical environments and as social- ecological systems: How urban factors drive physiology, abundance and distribution of plants and animals, with consequences for biodiversity, ecosystem function, and human well-being. We will discuss the role of ecology in urban design and management, and emphasize the question of whether urban systems, and the role of humans therein, are adequately described by existing ecological principles. P: AEC360 / PB360 or equivalent Typically offered in Fall only

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

credit hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Prerequisite

C- or better in ST 311 and BIO 360

3 AEC 501 Ornithology 4 3 AEC 509 Ecology and Conservation of Freshwater 4

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Subject

AEC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027-undergraduate

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

s

Subject

AEC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Total Hours 16-19

Subject

AEC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

This course provides an opportunity for students to gain experience with some aspect of teaching, including: leading or facilitating lessons, producing educational resources, or education research. A minimum of 45 hours must be completed for each credit hour earned, with 3 credit hours maximum for each experience. The experience must be arranged by the student and approved by the Applied Ecology Department prior to the start of the experience. To gain approval, a student must submit the completed AEC 494 contract and have it approved by their teaching supervisor, academic advisor and the AEC 494 coordinator. If the experience involves education research, the research mentor is encouraged to require a research paper or poster presentation as part of the work expectations when appropriate. In addition to the work described in the contract, students will complete a series of reflective assignments during and at the end of the experience. Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

credit hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

hours) Special topics and experimental offerings in Applied Ecology including developmental courses offered on a trial basis. Intended for students at an advanced level of training in Biological Sciences. Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

credit

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

The biology of birds. Lecture topics include evolution, functional morphology, physiology, ecology and behavior. Field and museum laboratories emphasize particular aspects of morphology, ecology and behavior, as well as taxonomy and identification.One coastal weekend field trip required. Typically offered in Fall only This course is offered alternate even years

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

credit hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Prerequisite

BIO 181, BIO 183, and (BIO 250 or BIO/PB 360)

The main objectives of this course are to introduce and develop the tools and skills useful for excelling in graduate programs in Biology. Topics range from practical skills, such as selecting a committee, communication, data management, generating a thesis topic, and formulating hypotheses, to those that are more philosophical. There is a focus on scientific writing, especially grant proposals, and other professional skills, such as oral discussions of topics related to diversity and inclusivity, collaboration, publishing and reviewing, and developing professional skills and relationships that will be important throughout the graduate tenure of the students. Typically offered in Fall only

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

credit hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

This course covers major concepts, themes, and theories in ecology, including population, community and ecosystem ecology, and evolutionary ecology. Students are introduced to the core skill of critically evaluating scientific papers. The format of the course is readings from the primary literature and student-lead discussions. This course is focused toward first- and second-year graduate students, especially those in preparation for their preliminary exam. Typically offered in Spring only

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

credit hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Prerequisite

Graduate standing

3 Invertebrates 3 AEC 515 Fish Physiology 3 3 ENT 582 Medical and Veterinary Entomology 3 3 MEA 449 Principles of Biological Oceanography 3 3 MEA 549 Principles of Biological Oceanography 3 3 PHY 503 General Physiology I 3

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

eir Sciences heir

Subject

AEC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Subject

AEC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

AEC 586 AEC 587

Subject

AEC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Subject

AEC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

AEC 710 AEC 726

Subject

AEC

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Special Topics in AEC Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

6

Credit unit

credit hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Course will demonstrate the analysis of fisheries-dependent and scientific survey data using theories of fish population dynamics for management purposes. Methods for estimating fish population parameters (e.g., growth, recruitment, and mortality) will be conducted. This course is intended for graduate students and will provide students with a foundation of fisheries management and knowledge of commonly used analytical techniques employed by fisheries managers to manage fisheries. We will use R and Microsoft Excel in the course. The course will be taught at the Center for Marine Sciences and Technology (CMAST), Morehead City, NC and broadcast synchronously to remote students via Zoom. Typically offered in Fall only

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

credit hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Animal community structure and function. Effects of competition, predation, coevolution and disturbance on community composition. Emphasis on ecological and evolutionary controversies from empirical and theoretical approaches. Typically offered in Spring only This course is offered alternate odd years

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

credit hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu

Prerequisite

BO 360 or ZO 260, BO(ZO) 760; BO(ZO) 365

Conservation Science applies principles from ecology, genetics, and other biological disciplines and social sciences to the conservation of biological diversity. This course will train students in techniques in population ecology such as population viability analysis; community ecology and theories of biodiversity; and reserve selection algorithms. The course will also expose and trains students to understand climate science and using climate data for ecological studies. The class will examine threats to biodiversity such as habitat fragmentation and loss, climate change, and invasion by exotic species. These issues will be considered within the context of economic, social, and legal constraints. Graduate status or permission of instructor. Typically offered in Fall only This course is offered alternate odd years

Subject

AEC

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

credit hours

Type

course

Edition

2026-2027

Source

catalog.ncsu.edu