BackGeneral features of organic matter and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. The roles of fungi and bacteria in these processes and the interactions of these organisms with the soil fauna. Critical discussions of methods for studying the various processes involved in nutrient cycling.
Ecological perspective, diversity within areas, a , b and c diversity, keystone species, functional diversity, diversity between areas, magnitude and assessment of biodiversity, genetic diversity, diversity distribution and patterns, evaluation of rarity and endemism, processes of generation and maintenance of diversity, ecology of extinctions, dynamics of biodiversity, biodiversity and ecosystem services, inventorying and monitoring, biodiversity conservation in Sri Lanka.
Plant community structure and measurement, primary productivity and methods of quantification, indirect effects on food webs, top-down and bottom-up control, community stability and food web structure, empirical properties of food webs, nutrient limitations and food webs.
Forestry: History of forestry in Sri Lanka, Forestry policy, principles of sustainable forestry, current forestry practices, principles of silvicultural management, environmental change and forestry, restoration of degraded ecosystems.
Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (GIS): data sources for GIS, storing and analyzing data, application of GIS to environmental management.