課程目標及內涵 (Course Objectives and Contents) :
生態系統是一個區域的生物和非生物部分的整合，其中各部分之間存在著一個相互作用和相互依賴的網絡。森林作為陸地生態系統的最大部分，對支持森林的內部功能和連接周圍景觀和地球的各種過程發揮著至關重要的作用，直接影響能量和元素的運動以及生物。此課程將涵蓋塑造森林生態系統結構和功能的關鍵過程，包括水文和養分循環、生產力、干擾和入侵物種。還將討論人類引發的全球變化如何影響生態系統的穩定性和功能。在課程結束時，預期學生將了解生態系統生態學的基本原理和概念，並解釋為什麼這對社會具有相關性。
Ecosystem is an integration of biological and non-biological parts of an area, and there is a web of interactions and interdependencies among the parts. Forests, as the largest part of terrestrial ecosystem, play a critical role as various processes that support the internal functioning of the forest and connect it to surrounding landscape and the globe, directly affecting movement of energy and elements, and organisms. The key processes that shape the structure and function of forest ecosystem, including hydrologic and nutrient cycling, productivity, disturbances, and invasive species, will be covered in this course. Discussion of how human induced global change affects the ecosystem stability and function will also be covered. At the end of this course, students are expected to understand the basic principles and concepts of ecosystem ecology and explain why it is relevant to the society.
多元教學方式 (Muliti-Teaching Methods) :
說明：除了課堂講授與考試測驗之外，本課程在學期中可能會運用到以下哪些教學方式，以期能進一步提升學生學習成效。
1.小組討論
2.個案教學研討
3.專題研究或實習
4.實作示範或演示
5.期末報告/策展/發表
In addition to classroom lectures and exams, this course may incorporate the following teaching methods throughout the semester to further enhance students' learning outcomes.
1. Group Discussions
2. Case-Based Teaching and Discussion
3. Research Projects or Internships
4. Hands-on Demonstrations or Presentations
5. Final Reports/Exhibitions/Presentations
主要參考書籍/資料 (Textbooks and References)：
Perry DA, Oren R, Hart SC (2008) Forest Ecosystems. 2nd edition, The Johns Hopkin University Press, Baltimore.
