URBDP 498A Practical Ecology for Planners
Summer 2011
Instructor: Julia Michalak
SLN: 13731

Course description:

Humans are transforming the ecology of our planet at a massive scale
and nowhere are these changes more evident than in the urban
environment…

Traditional ecological conservation approaches have focused
on separating and protecting “nature” from people. However, it is
increasingly clear that successful ecological resilience and
sustainability will not be achieved without improving the ecological
value and integrity of the lands where people live and work, the
so-called “domesticated landscapes.” In the coming decades, planners,
designers, and developers are poised to play a key role in improving
land use practices, development patterns and landscape designs. To do
so, they need a solid understanding of how ecosystems work and how
changes associated with urban development alter ecosystem structure and
function.

In this class, students will gain a working understanding of the
fundamental ecological theories relevant to urban and transportation
planning and design. The main areas covered include urban ecology,
landscape ecology, and behavioral ecology all of which we will explore
through the lens of the urban ecosystem. In addition, students will
learn some of the methods used to generate ecological knowledge through
a series of GIS and field lab exercises. We will use the UW campus as
our laboratory as we explore the structure and function of urban
ecosystems.

The general course structure will include Tuesday lectures/discussion
and Thursday GIS or field labs. No prior experience with GIS is
required. Assignments will include readings, photo and observational
journals, lab exercises and a final exam. The class is a full summer
term. Please contact Julia Michalak with any questions:
michalaj@u.washington.edu <mailto:michalaj@u.washington.edu>. Students
from all disciplines are welcome and encouraged to attend.“