Undergraduate Course Directory

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Click on the links below for a list of courses in that subject area. You may then click “View Classes” to see scheduled classes for individual courses.

1893. Foreign Study

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Special topics taken in a foreign study program.

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2100E. Global Change Ecology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Causes and ecological consequences of anthropogenic environmental change. Topics include: ecological consequences of human modification of the earth, sea and air; biotic responses to environmental change; and sustaining future ecosystems functions. CA 3.

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2202. Evolution and Human Diversity

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

The biological bases of human diversity from genetic and evolutionary perspectives. Topics include the genetic basis for human variation and race; adaptations of human populations; the role of genes and environments in producing human variability; cultural evolution; origin and spread of "modern" humans. CA 3. CA 4-INT

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2208E. Introduction to Conservation Biology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Recommended preparation: BIOL 1102 or 1108.

Grading Basis: Graded

Patterns of biodiversity and extinction; causes of extinction and population declines; ecological restoration; conservation planning; protection of ecosystem services; implementing conservation actions; conservation economics; conservation law; effects of global change. CA 3.

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2214. Biology of the Vertebrates

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Three credits of introductory Biology.

Grading Basis: Graded

Evolutionary history and diversity of vertebrates with emphasis on classification, fossil history, feeding, locomotion, physiological ecology, reproduction, defense, and social behavior.

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2222E. Plants in a Changing World

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

The central role that plants play in human life and how they influence, shape, and control both our lives and the rapidly changing world. The role of plants in environmental, social, and political issues such as climate change; biodiversity; food quantity, quality, and security; human health and disease; and environmental quality and sustainability. CA 3.

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2244E. General Ecology

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 1108.

Grading Basis: Graded

Fundamental ecological dynamics of communities, populations, and ecosystems, including how humans impact the health and well-being of the natural world, the concept of ecosystem services, and the synergy between conservation of the biota and sustainability. Emphasis in discussion sections is on reading primary literature, problem-solving, scientific method, and sampling techniques.

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2244WE. General Ecology

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 1108; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011.

Grading Basis: Graded

Fundamental ecological dynamics of communities, populations, and ecosystems, including how humans impact the health and well-being of the natural world, the concept of ecosystem services, and the synergy between conservation of the biota and sustainability. Emphasis in discussion sections is on reading primary literature, problem-solving, scientific method, and sampling techniques.

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2245. Evolutionary Biology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Six credits of college biology.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduction to evolutionary mechanisms, biogeography, and the history of major groups of plants and animals.

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2245W. Evolutionary Biology

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: Six credits of college biology; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduction to evolutionary mechanisms, biogeography, and the history of major groups of plants and animals. Requires major writing assignment.

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2250. Introduction to Plant Physiology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 1107 or 1108 or 1110 or instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Exploration of the distinct physiological processes of plants that underlie their capacity to grow, develop, and sense and respond to the environment. Topics include photosynthesis, water and nutrient uptake, long distance transport, signals and signal transduction, growth and development, and environmental interactions (biotic and abiotic), including climate change. CA 3.

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2254W. Current Research Topics in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; three credits of coursework in BIOL, EEB, MCB, or PNB.

Grading Basis: Graded

Engagement with primary research literature in ecology and evolutionary biology, and development of written communication skills through writing, editing, revising, and peer feedback.

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2256W. Current Topics in Evolutionary Medicine and Disease Ecology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011. Three credits of coursework in BIOL, EEB, MCB, or PNB.

Grading Basis: Graded

Engagement with primary research literature in evolutionary medicine and disease ecology, and development of written communication skills through writing, editing, revising, and peer feedback.

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2258W. Current Topics in Conservation and Climate Change Biology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011. Three credits of coursework in BIOL, EEB, MCB, or PNB.

Grading Basis: Graded

Engagement with primary research literature in conservation and climate change biology, and development of written communication skills through writing, editing, revising, and peer feedback.

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2893. Foreign Study

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Special topics taken in a foreign study program.

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3200W. Writing in Evolutionary Biology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; EEB 2245/W or instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Critical engagement with primary research literature in evolutionary biology through written communication; skills in editing, revising, and peer feedback.

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3201. Animal Behavior

Also offered as: PSYC 3201

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 1102 or 1107; PSYC 1100.

Grading Basis: Graded

Principles of animal behavior derived from a review of descriptive and analytic studies in laboratory and field. Sometimes offered in multimedia format.

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3203. Developmental Plant Morphology

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 1108 or instructor consent; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Analysis of diversity in plant form; principles of plant construction and development.

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3205E. Current Issues in Environmental Science

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to honors students, others with instructor consent. Recommended preparation: eight credits of college level science. May not be taken concurrently with EEB 3894.

Grading Basis: Honors Credit

Readings and discussions of current issues in environmental science, emphasizing linkages between earth, oceans, atmosphere, and biosphere. Topics include climate change; watershed changes; alternative energy; population growth; endangered biodiversity; genetically-engineered organisms; deforestation/restoration; risk assessment; tradeoffs; problem-solving; alternative futures. Includes attendance at departmental seminar and field trips. CA 3.

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3220. Evolution of Green Plants

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 1108 or 1110 or instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Evolution of morphological and genomic traits marking the conquest of land, the diversification of land plants, and the significance of plants in the evolution of life on earth, global climates and human civilizations. Laboratory session includes study of morphological and anatomical characters of extant and fossil plants, phylogenetic inference from morphological and molecular characters, and discussion of primary literature.

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3220W. Evolution of Green Plants

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 1108 or 1110; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduction to morphological, ultrastructural, and molecular characters used for inferring evolutionary relationships of green plants, from green algae to flowering plants, with emphasis on evolutionary changes involved in the transition from aquatic to terrestial habitats. Major writing assignment required.

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3230. Marine Biology

Also offered as: MARN 3014

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: One year of laboratory biology.

Grading Basis: Graded

The study of the kinds and distributions of marine organisms. Particular attention is paid to biotic features of the oceans, organism-habitat and relationships and general ecological concepts influencing marine populations and communities. Field trips are required.

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3240. Biology of Bryophytes and Lichens

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: Six credits of 2000-level or above biology or instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Diversity, evolution, ecology, development and taxonomy of the bryophytes (mosses, liverworts and hornworts) and lichen-forming fungi.

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3244W. Writing in Ecology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; EEB 2244E or permission of the instructor.

Grading Basis: Graded

Critical engagement with primary research literature in ecology through written communication; skills in editing, revising and peer feedback.

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3245. Evolutionary Medicine

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 1107 or 1108.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduction to evolutionary concepts and hypotheses related to disease and human health, and applications of evolutionary thinking in drug discovery, vaccine design, and development of treatment plans for various diseases.

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3250. Biology of the Algae

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 1108 or 1110 or instructor consent; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Laboratory and field-oriented study of major groups of algae, emphasizing structure, function, evolution, systematics, and ecology.

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3254. Mammalogy

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: Six credits of 2000 or above level biology. Recommended preparation: EEB 2214.

Grading Basis: Graded

Diversity, behavior, reproduction, ecology, and evolution of mammals. Laboratories cover anatomy, systematics, and distribution of major groups of mammals. Field trips required.

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3256. Plants and Civilization

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Three credits of introductory biology.

Grading Basis: Graded

Plants and animals used by people; origin, history, biology, distribution, and role in development of civilizations.

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3260. Medical Botany

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 1108; CHEM 1122 or 1124Q or 1127Q or instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Plants used for medicine: their origin, history, biology, distribution, chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and role in the development of civilizations.

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3264. Field Parasitology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 1107 or 1108.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduction to local parasites, their evolution, identification, and common methods used for collection and preservation. Adaptations and evolutionary trends seen in various parasitic groups and how they affect their hosts. Laboratories, collection outings, and field trips required.

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3265. Herpetology

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: Six credits of 2000 or above level biology. Recommended preparation: EEB 2214.

Grading Basis: Graded

Physiological ecology, reproductive biology, behavior, and community ecology of amphibians and reptiles. Laboratories cover evolution, systematics, and distribution of amphibians and reptiles of the world. Field trips required.

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3266. Field Herpetology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 1108.

Grading Basis: Graded

Field-intensive study of diversity, ecology, physiology, behavior, adaptation and identification of the amphibians and reptiles of the region; herpetofaunal research methods. Field trips required.

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3267. Field Study of Animal Behavior

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 1108 or consent of instructor.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduction to animal behavior, focusing on observational methods, collecting techniques, and analysis of behavioral data. Topics include foraging theory, territoriality, navigation, social behavior, communication, mating systems and sexual selection. Field trips required.

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3271. Systematic Botany

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 1108 or 1110 or instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Classification, identification, economic importance, evolution and nomenclature of flowering plants. Laboratory compares vegetative and reproductive characters of major families.

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3273. Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 1108.

Grading Basis: Graded

Anatomy, development, functional morphology, and evolution of living vertebrate animals.

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3360. Physiological Ecology of Plants

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 1108 or 1110 or instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

The complex relationships between plants and their environment, with a focus on the unique physiological processes of plants that underlie their ecology. The impact of human-driven global change is a cross-cutting theme.

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3390. South African Ecosystems and Diversity

Also offered as: NRE 3390

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Taught in South Africa. Understanding South Africa's diverse ecosystems with an emphasis on savannas. Classroom instruction and fieldwork in Kruger National Park, South Africa. Form and function of individual organisms and ecosystems. This course is offered in partnership with the Organization for Tropical Studies.

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3490. Conservation, Biodiversity, Management, and Protected Area Design in South Africa

Also offered as: NRE 3490

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Study abroad in South Africa. History of conservation biology as a science and practice. Emphasis on the links between pattern and process, strategies and tools available to conservationists to maintain biodiversity; the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning and debates on the maintenance of biodiversity in human-dominated landscapes. This course is offered in partnership with the Organization for Tropical Studies.

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3881. Summer Internship Experience

Zero credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Internship with a non-profit organization, a governmental agency, or a business under the supervision of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology faculty. Activities relevant to the practice of ecology, biodiversity, evolutionary biology, or conservation biology will be planned and agreed upon in advance by the job site supervisor, the faculty coordinator, and the intern. Combines with EEB 3891 in subsequent semester. Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).

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3891. Internship in Ecology, Conservation, or Evolutionary Biology

1.00 - 9.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 15 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Internship with a non-profit organization, a governmental agency, or a business under the supervision of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology faculty. Activities relevant to the practice of ecology, biodiversity, evolutionary biology, or conservation biology will be planned and agreed upon in advance by the job site supervisor, the faculty coordinator, and the intern. One credit may be earned for each 42 hours of pre-approved activities up to a maximum of nine credits. Students taking this course will assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). May be repeated for a total of up to 15 credits using either EEB 3891 and/or EEB 5891.

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3893. Foreign Study

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Special topics taken in a foreign study program.

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3894. Undergraduate Seminar

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Content varies with instructor.

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3895. Special Topics

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites and recommended preparation vary.

Grading Basis: Graded

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3898. Variable Topics

3.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites and recommended preparation vary.

Grading Basis: Graded

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3899. Independent Study

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Independent investigation of special problems in ecology and evolutionary biology.

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4100. Big Data Science for Biologists

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: MCB 2400 or 2410 or EEB 2245.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduction to basic concepts and approaches associated with big datasets in the biological sciences. Online laboratories include examples from molecular biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and systems biology. Topics include data creation, integration, curation, manipulation, and visualization.

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4120. Paleobiology

Also offered as: ERTH 4120

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: ERTH 1050; or both ERTH 1052 and one of ERTH 1010 or 1051 or 1055 or 1070 or GEOG 1070; or BIOL 1108.

Grading Basis: Graded

Ancient life, including the preservation of organisms as fossils, evolution, ecology, geobiology, biostratigraphy, and major events in the history of life. Includes microorganisms, animals, and plants. Formerly offered as GSCI 4120.

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4200. Biology of Fishes

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 1108.

Grading Basis: Graded

An introduction to the biology of fishes, with an emphasis on adaptation and evolutionary diversification. Topics include the evolution of major groups, morphology, physiology, behavior, and population and community ecology. Lectures, critical discussions of current journal articles, student presentations, and exercises in the field and laboratory. Field trips required.

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4215. Physiological Ecology of Animals

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 1107 and 1108.

Grading Basis: Graded

Physiology of animals in an evolutionary context: how individuals cope and how species adapt to natural environments. Lectures, student-led presentations, and critical discussions of current journal articles.

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4230W. Methods of Ecology

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: EEB 2244E or instructor consent; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011. Recommended preparation: One course in statistics and one course in calculus.

Grading Basis: Graded

An intensive introduction to field and laboratory methods in ecology. Emphasis will be placed on the use of quantitative and analytical techniques in physiological, population, community and ecosystem ecology. An introduction to sampling procedures, data collection and statistical analysis. Computers will be used to model population and community dynamics and to analyze ecological data sets. Laboratory periods will consist of field and laboratory problems; field trips required, including occasional weekend trips.

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4250. General Entomology

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 1108 or instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

The biology of insects: anatomy, physiology, ecology, behavior, development, evolution, and diversity.

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4252. Field Entomology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Recommended preparation: BIOL 1108.

Grading Basis: Graded

Collection, identification, and ecology of insects. Includes extensive field trips.

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4260. Ornithology

2.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Adaptations, habits, and importance of birds.

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4261. Ornithology Laboratory

2.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open only to students who are currently taking or have completed EEB 4260.

Grading Basis: Graded

Methods of field study and identification of birds; functional morphology, preparation of study skins and specimens. Field trips, including at least one required day-long weekend trip.

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4262. Field Methods in Ornithology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Six credits of college biology, including BIOL 1108.

Grading Basis: Graded

Design of bird population surveys, census methods, behavioral studies of wild birds, data collection and reporting, bird identification skills. Field trips required.

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4272. The Summer Flora

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Three credits of college botany.

Grading Basis: Graded

Identification of Connecticut's native and exotic plants; lecture, laboratory and field study.

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4274. Introduction to Animal Parasitology

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 1108 or instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Protozoan and metazoan parasites of humans and other animals.

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4275. Invertebrate Zoology

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: Six credits of introductory biology.

Grading Basis: Graded

Body organization, functional morphology and evolution compared among major invertebrate phyla. Field trips required.

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4276. Plant Structural Diversity

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: BIOL 1108 or 1110 or instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Evolution, development, and functional consequences of structural variation in plants.

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4390. Fundamentals of Tropical Biology

Also offered as: NRE 4390

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Taught in Costa Rica. Fundamental principles of tropical biology, the natural history of local ecosystems, and field methods for biological studies. Natural, tropical ecosystems are used as the platform to develop hypotheses and methods, analyze data, and present the results of scientific projects. This course is offered in partnership with the Organization for Tropical Studies.

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4490. Tropical Biology on a Changing Planet

Also offered as: NRE 4490

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Taught in Costa Rica or South Africa. Fundamental principles of tropical biology and natural history of local plants and animals. Coursework highlights ecological complexity of the tropics, patterns of species diversity, and species interactions. Field visits to a variety of ecosystems including tropical wet forest, dry forest/wetland, premontane wet forest, cloud forest, páramo, oak forest, mangrove forest, or coastal marine. This course is offered in partnership with the Organization for Tropical Studies.

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4896W. Senior Research Thesis in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Three credits of EEB 3899, which may be taken concurrently; ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011 or 2100; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Honors Credit

A W course for students writing a senior thesis on their independent research. Not limited to honors students.

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4990. Directed Field Experience

Also offered as: NRE 4990

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Taught in Costa Rica or South Africa. An introduction to research design, field methods, and basic data analysis in a tropical context. Hypothesis testing and statistical analysis, including orientation to basic software packages. Students design, implement, and analyze data for their own field projects. This course is offered in partnership with the Organization for Tropical Studies.

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