Kate Hanes

This course explores the science of ecology, including factors that control the distribution and population dynamics of organisms and the structure and function of biological communities. It regularly touches on applications of these principles such as ecological responses to global climate change, consequences of habitat fragmentation, and disease ecology/conservation medicine. Principles of experimental design, quantitative data analysis and interpretation, and mathematical models are critical to the field of ecology and are emphasized throughout the course. The class meetings have an active learning format includes lecture and regular student interaction during small group activities, discussions, and computer simulation labs. Assignments include regular homework reading and occasional problem sets and computer pre- and post-lab activities.

The course provides an introduction to cell biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. An understanding of cellular structure and mechanisms, and the properties of biological macromolecules are integrated with a discussion of the flow of genetic information within cells. Examples of how these concepts can be applied to selected areas in modern biology will be discussed. Weekly labs reinforce material from lectures and explore common laboratory techniques and computer-based resources.

A broad overview of genetics, including Mendelian assortment, linkage, chromosomal aberrations, variations in chromosome number, mutation, developmental genetics, quantitative genetics, population genetics, mechanisms of evolution, and phylogenetics.