In recent years, it has become possible to develop intuitions and gain insights into such organization by using computers to explore the properties that emerge from various kinds of interactions among various elements. In this course, students are introduced to some existing computer-based simulations of living systems, and use them to further develop their own insights into biological organization. Two three-hour laboratory sessions a week. 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.