This course examines the ecological factors that cause fluctuation and regulation of natural populations and emphasizes the utility of mathematical models to assess the dynamics of populations.  The course includes lecture, discussions and computer labs using the programming language MATLAB.  Emphasis is placed on principles as applied to conservation and management.  Topics include assessing extinction risk of rare species, invasion dynamics of exotic species, demographic and environmental stochasticity, metapopulation dynamics, structured populations, the role of species interactions, and microevolutionary processes.  Prerequisite:  Biol 2970 or Biol 295, Math 131 and Math 132.  Small class.  Credit 3 units.  (fall, odd years)