Senior Seminar and Research Tutorial in Morphology Topics of current interest and significance in morphology, especially invertebrate morphology, are examined with critical readings and oral presentations of work from the primary literature. In addition, students are provided with hands-on experience in certain techniques used in morphological studies, e.g., preparation and staining of tissues, use of light and electron microscopes, and interpretation of micrographs. Students write, defend and publicly present one long research paper or thesis. Three hours of class lecture and discussion a week, supplemented by frequent meetings with individual students. Ecology A focus on the interactions among organisms and their environments.
Students read and discuss current and classic research papers from the primary literature.
Topics may be wide ranging, including biogeographic patterns, behavioral ecology, population and community dynamics, and ecosystem functioning. We may also take up current environmental issues, such as global warming, global nitrogen additions, habitat degradation and fragmentation, loss of biodiversity, and the introduction of alien species. The effects of these human-induced changes on the biota are also examined. Students write, defend and publicly present one long research paper or thesis. Three hours of class lecture and discussion a week, supplemented by frequent meetings with individual students.