Experimental Ecology Laboratory

The goal of this course is to provide skills in the design, interpretation, and written presentation of ecological and evolutionary experiments, with emphasis on sampling methodology, hypothesis testing, and data analysis. A key objective of this course is to familiarize students with the importance of statistics and experimental design as unified tool, rather than two separate processes. We will practice how to abstract theories, hypotheses, predictions, mathematically, how to contrast them with data, and interpret the results. The course does not seek to be exhaustive of all experimental designs or statistical techniques, nor intensive in any given one. Rather, its focus is on providing the tools and concepts for the critical evaluation, choice, interpretation and further independent learning of the experimental and statistical tools needed for research. Practical analysis of data will be taught in program R, but no prior knowledge is required. During the course, students will plan and execute their own ecological studies, within the limitations of the current pandemic. This is a writing intensive course and grades are based on written assignments, including final projects, and in-class participation. This course fulfills the upper-level laboratory requirement for the Biology major. Prereq: Permission of instructor and at least one of the following: Bio Bio 3501, Bio 372, Bio 381, Bio 419, or Bio 472. Enrollment is limited to 10 students. Credit 4 units.
Course Attributes: FA NSM; AR NSM; AS NSM; AS WI I

Experimental Ecology Laboratory

BIOLOGY AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES 4193

Section 01