Enhancement of Undergraduate Education in Aquatic Ecology

在过去的二十年里，水生生态学的一些最重要的进展包括认识到碳动态，特别是有机碳和微生物过程对许多湖泊、溪流和湿地的生产和整体功能有重要贡献。此外，在全球范围内，碳循环受到水生系统排放的深刻影响。该项目通过使用强调无机碳的固定(光合作用)、有机碳的降解(分解)和有机碳的微生物利用在淡水系统中发挥的作用的设备，使水生生态学的本科生教育现代化和加强。除了为学生提供新的实验室体验外，该项目还让学生参与到课堂内外的“科学过程”中。学生可以使用新设备就涉及整个水生系统和各种淡水生物的功能和调节的重要过程提出许多问题。作为一个示范项目，该项目可以影响美国湖湖学教育的方向。

Some of the most important advances in aquatic ecology in the past two decades include the realization that carbon dynamics, particularly organic carbon, and microbial processes contribute significantly to the production and overall functioning of many lakes, streams, and wetlands. Furthermore, on a global basis, the carbon cycle is profoundly influenced by emissions from aquatic systems. This project modernizes and enhances under- graduate education in aquatic ecology with the use of equipment that emphasizes the roles that fixation of inorganic carbon (photosynthesis), degradation of organic carbon (decomposition), and microbial utilization of organic carbon play in freshwater systems. Beyond providing new laboratory experiences for stu- dents, the project engages students in the "process of science," both within and outside the classroom. Students can use the new equipment to ask numerous questions about important processes involving the function and regulation of entire aquatic systems and various freshwater organisms. As a model program, this project can influence the direction of limnological education in the U.S.