Courses

BIOL286: INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGY

Interactions between the biotic and abiotic components of natural systems. The process of natural selection and how it affects adaptive change in ecological systems. Ecological principles associated with individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems.

BIOL289: LABORATORY IN INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGY

Lab for honors students. The general idea is to discuss the scientific method from the perspective of three general areas: genetically modified organisms, evolutionary scaling, and animal communication. Each module includes a discussion of recent literature, hypothesis and prediction generation, data collection and analysis.

BIOL 595G: ANIMAL COMMUNICATION

This is a broad-based analysis of animal communication. Topics will include the physics of the production, propagation and reception of both sound and light, the use of communication as a means of information transfer, and the evolution of signaling systems. The course is geared to graduate students and advanced undergraduates.

BIOL 592: EVOLUTION OF BEHAVIOR

The course covers a broad range of aspect of animal behavior. I start with an overview of natural selection and adaptation, then cover proximate mechanisms of behavior (genetics, neuroethology, hormone effects, development, sensory input), cover a bit of phylogenetic aspects, then finally go over behavioral ecology (including foraging, animal communication, mating, territoriality, sociality and kin selection). The course is geared to graduate students and advanced undergraduates.

BIOL 695: Dynamic Programming