The University required syllabus statement (PDF)
Core Courses
BEE 550 Principles of Ecology
Population dynamics, interactions of organisms, theoretical concepts of community structure and their biological and evolutionary implications.
BEE 551 Principles of Evolution
Biological evolution, including the genetics of populations, speciation, evolution of higher taxa, and the fossil record.
BEE 552 Biometry Syllabus
An intensive course in statistical theory and methodology. The analysis of real biological data is emphasized. Topics include analysis of variance, simple multiple and curvilinear regression analysis, correlation analysis, and goodness of fit tests.
Elective Courses
BEE 553 Multivariate Analysis in Biology Syllabus
An introduction to multivariate statistical analysis for biologists. Topics include general least squares analysis, MANOVA, cluster analysis, and factor analysis.
BEE 554 Population Genetics and Evolution
A general introduction to mathematical population genetics and evolutionary theory. The effects of mutation, recombination, selection, and migration are studied. Modern concepts in both theoretical and experimental population genetics are covered.
BEE 555 Mathematical Methods in Population Biology
This course covers a variety of mathematical methods used in modern theoretical biology. Topics include linear algebra and applications, ordinary and partial differential equations, and stochastic processes. Examples from population biology, i.e., mathematical ecology and population genetics, are used throughout.
BEE 561 Macroevolution
This course emphasizes the processes generating large-scale evolutionary trends and patterns. Topics include rates of evolutionary change; patterns of speciation and extinction, including radiations and mass extinctions; the role of constraint and innovation in molding evolutionary patterns; adaptive landscapes and complex character evolution; development and evolution; the origin and importance of major body plans; and the role of biogeography and climate in evolution.
BEE 564 Geometric Morphometrics Syllabus
An introduction to theory and methods used in geometric morphometrics. Image analysis, outline methods, landmark methods, and shape statistics are covered.
BEE 565 Molecular Evolution
An introduction to the use of molecular information in population genetics, evolution, and taxonomy. This course combines discussions of methodology, data, and theory to illustrate how molecular information is changing our view of the evolutionary process.
BEE 567 Molecular Diversity Laboratory
This course will provide hands-on experience in established and recently developed methods of detecting and analyzing molecular variation (DNA, RNA, Proteins) in nature. Natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster will be the model material for this laboratory. The main theme of this course is that molecular variation is abundant in nature and is an important tool for understanding adaptive evolution and species relationships.
BEE 571 Ecology Laboratory
This course stresses the collection, analysis, and interpretation of ecological data, mostly in terrestrial settings. Laboratory and field exercises demonstrate the operation of general ecological principles in specific populations and communities.
BEE 575 Evolutionary Ecology
The approach is to understand the theoretical basis and review empirical tests of diverse topics. The format includes both lectures and student-led discussions of primary literature.
BEE 585 Research Design and Analysis in Ecology
This course covers topics relevant to carrying out ecological research, including sampling and quantitative description of ecological communities, spatial pattern and spatial heterogeneity, design and analysis of field experiments, application of demographic models, analysis of meta-population dynamics, and population estimations.
BEE 586 Introduction to Ecological Modeling
This course will provide students with a familiarity of the major concepts, approaches, and underlying rationale for modeling in the ecological sciences. Topics will include reviews of theoretical and empirical models, the use of models in adaptive management, and how to confront models with data to evaluate alternative hypotheses. Roughly one third of the course will be devoted to the use of models in management, focusing on the problems of fitting models to data and management pitfalls that follow. Course work will consist of readings, in-class exercises, and group assignments that involve the construction, analysis, and interpretation of ecological models.
BEE 587 Applied Ecology and Conservation Biology Laboratory
A computer laboratory course introducing students to ecological risk analysis and conservation biology. Laboratories are based on interactive software. Computer simulation techniques for addressing problems in applied ecology are emphasized.
Seminar Courses
BEE 588 Current Topics in Ecology and Evolution
Subject matter varies from semester to semester, depending upon the interests of students and staff.
BEE 670 Informal Seminar
Presentation of preliminary research results and current research problems by students and faculty.
BEE 689 Seminar on Adaptations of Marine Organisms
Seminars on selected topics concerning ecological, genetical, and evolutionary problems in the marine environment.
BEE 690 Seminar on Evolutionary Processes
Seminars on selected topics concerning evolutionary processes.
BEE 691 Seminar on Systematics and Phylogeny
Seminars on selected topics in systematics. Topics will include the theory of classification and
numerical taxonomy, both phenetic and cladistic.
BEE 692 Seminar on the Environment and Human Affairs
Student seminars on selected topics concerned with the effect of man on the environment. Application
of ecological and evolutionary theory to the solution of human problems.
BEE 693 Seminar on Population and Community Ecology
Student seminars on selected topics in population and community ecology.
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