- Teacher: Stuart Allison
The purpose of this course is to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the rapidly developing field of Conservation Biology. The field originated from the merging, in the late 1970’s, of several biological disciplines. Many of the practitioners of these disciplines were concerned with the loss of biodiversity and natural ecosystems. Currently many conservation biologists are especially concerned with species decline and loss, habitat fragmentation, invasive species, and the effects of global climate change. As you shall see, Conservation Biology touches on all areas of biology as well as some areas of the social sciences. In order to help you develop an appreciation for the complexities inherent in conservation issues, we will have weekly discussion periods in which we read and discuss classic and/or recently published literature from the field. You will also be required to write an in-depth term paper that examines a particular conservation problem and that should propose some novel solutions to the problem.
- Teacher: Matthew Jones-Rhoades
- Teacher: Matthew Jones-Rhoades
- Teacher: Jennifer Templeton
This course examines the mechanisms and functions of behavior, and considers both pure and applied research. Topics include the evolution of behavior, behavioral genetics, behavioral development and learning, the neural basis of behavior, foraging behavior, fighting and game theory, mate choice and sexual selection, parental care, and kin selection. By the end of the course, you should be able to: understand the different approaches to the study of animal behavior, discuss critically various aspects of behavioral research, develop testable hypotheses about behavioral questions, and carry out behavioral experiments. My hope is that you find this course interesting, challenging, and fun!