BIO 460 - Topics in Ecology/Evolution

Institution:

University of New England

Subject:

Biology Undergrad/Grad

Description:

This upper-level seminar course explores an advanced topic in environmental biology such as: resource ecology, wildlife biology or environmental physiology. Three credits of 300 level Biology (C- or higher) required. Topics vary by semester. Evolution and Ecology of Human Health: This is an upper-level course designed to provide students with an appreciation for the contributions of evolutionary biology to medicine and public health. We will begin with a series of lectures which cover fundamental principles in evolutionary biology (and ecology), followed by a discussion of their relevance to topics such as antibiotic resistance and emerging infectious diseases. For the remainder of the semester, the course will function primarily as a seminar in which students will lead class discussions about topics of their choosing, drawing upon the evolutionary (and ecological) literature. Prerequisites include: Genetics or an introductory Ecology course, and third-year standing (or permission of instructor) Spring 2009:Foundations and Applications of Ecology Course description: This is an upper-level seminar designed to give students an appreciation for the foundations of ecological science, and the role of ecological research in improving our understanding of human-environmental problems. The first half of the course will include some lectures, as well as readings of classic papers in ecology, in order to build a common foundation with which to explore more advanced topics. In the latter half of the course, students will present analyses of current research papers in their areas of interest (e.g., marine biology, freshwater aquatic ecology, microbial ecology, animal behavior, plant ecology, etc.) The relevance of ecological science to real-world environmental issues will be emphasized throughout the course. Prerequisites: ENV 100/101 or ENV 104, CHE 111, Bio 350, and fourth-year standing or permission of instructor. Spring 2010: Chemical Ecology As humans we are mostly focused on sight and sound for communication. What we may not realize is that may organisms ¿ just like us ¿ also have an elaborate chemical communication system in place. The chemical signals frequently have a strong affect on behavior. This course will cover terrestrial and aquatic chemical interactions between organisms. We will discuss examples of animal, plant and human chemical ecology and the mechanisms involved in their chemical interactions. Examples of important plant defense compounds and their effect on animal and human health will be discussed.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

09/01/2006 - 09/01/2007 

Institution Website:

www.une.edu/

Phone Number:

(207) 283-0171

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Semester

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