INTERMEDIATE ECOLOGY - BIOL 217

Offered each fall, Credits: 4

This is the required "sophomore" level ecology course for our core. I teach the first half of it. Over the semester, we explore ecology at the levels of populations, communities, and ecosystems, and examine the interaction of biotic and abiotic factors regulating population and community structure. Our approach will include use of case studies, field studies, and simulation models of life history attributes, competition, predation, parasitism, and mutualism. This course is open only to science majors. Instructor’s permission required for non-biology majors.

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR - BIOL 335

Offered each spring, Credits: 3

Animal Behavior is an introduction to the study of the "whys" and "hows" behind the actions of animals, including humans. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the evolutionary and ecological implications of behavior. When you have completed the course, you should have the background to better understand the behavioral aspects of other subjects in Biology and related fields, and also have the foundation for pursuing more advanced topics in behavior such as behavioral ecology or neurobiology.

CONSERVATION BIOLOGY - BIOL 502

Offered alternating springs, Credits: 3

Conservation biology is a relatively new area of biology that applies general principles from fields such as ecology, genetics, and behavior to the preservation of endangered species and the maintenance of wildlife diversity. The field has grown dramatically over the last twenty years, although it is in perhaps only the last ten years or so that it has received general recognition, as made evident by the blossoming of Conservation Biology departments, programs, and journals across the country. The course will be conducted in a discussion format, with the expectation of participation by all individuals.