Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Advanced discussions of ecology, evolution, and behavior focus on 50 fundamental papers. This course continues the discussion of EEB 502, q.v. The two courses are offered in alternate years, and may be taken in either order. Two meetings per week early in the term; one later. (This is a core course.)

This course will cover the essential topics of what constitutes responsible conduct in research.

Systematic reviews of recent literature in areas of ecology, evolution, and animal behavior are made. The general survey of literature is supplemented with detailed discussion of selected research papers of unusual importance and significance. (This is a core course.)

These are courses intended to help students develop and apply skills in the application of scientific, technological, and environmental analyses to problems of policy interest. Fall courses are numbered 585, Spring courses are numbered 586.

Intensive three-week field course undertaken in January or February in a suitable tropical locality. There are readings, discussions, and individual projects. The content and location are varied to suit the needs of the participants. Students provide their own travel funds. (This is a core course.)

Discussion of the central problems of population biology and approaches that have proved fruitful. Topics ranging throughout ecology, evolution, biogeography, and population genetics are usually related to presentations by visiting speakers and students.

Discussion of current topics in evolutionary biology, ranging from historical processes inferred from the fossil record to microevolution demonstrated by observation and experiment. Topics vary from year to year, depending on current controversial issues.

This half-term topics course offers students exposure to current issues in conservation across the globe. Faculty choose compelling and topical issues that introduce students to the "big" questions in the area, the salient issues under contention, the techniques used to answer the questions, and appropriate case studies that illustrate successes and failures in conservation action.

Discussion of the growing points in population and community ecology is held. Topics vary from year to year and include such subjects as the regulation of population numbers, the organization of communities, conservation, and the variation in ecological processes at different spatial and temporal scales.