This course emphasizes the evolutionary theory that is at the core of the science of biology. We will cover the central principles of natural selection and evolution, from populations to species to the entire diversity of life on earth. After obtaining a strong base in evolution, we will explore the variety of adaptations possessed by living organisms, from bacteria to pine trees to shrimp. As we tour the planet’s biodiversity, you will learn the ways in which scientists describe the connections among organisms based on their shared evolutionary history.

In this course, we study the fundamentals of ecology. It is typically taken by non-Biology majors but we explore some very complex concepts associated with evolution and conservation. Project-based learning is a large part of this class and students will produce a conservation podcast as the final exam.

In ecology, we work to understand fascinating patterns and processes in nature. We study the abundance, growth, and distribution of organisms; interactions among organisms in communities; and the flow of energy and cycling of nutrients through these communities. In this course we explore the multitude of interactions among plants, animals, and microbes, and between those populations and the physical and chemical environment. To accomplish all this, I combine lectures featuring examples of these concepts with field labs where we investigate local sites for team research that will develop into your own projects.

Our marine biology class this quarter will focus on both physical and biological aspects of the marine environment. The topics we will cover include oceanography, ecology, physiology, fisheries, and conservation. A considerable amount of the course content will be structured around field work and a special project.

Human-caused extinctions are creating a loss of species that rivals some of the largest mass extinctions found in the fossil record. The current crisis of biodiversity loss requires the effort of scientists, managers, and policy makers to come together to craft solutions. After taking this course, you will understand the scientific theory that is used to measure the degree of the crisis as well as the tools used for biodiversity conservation.

Water, the bloodstream of the biosphere, determines the sustainability of living systems. Despite the abundance of water on the Earth, the small proportion that is fresh is coming under increasing pressure as human populations increase and the climate changes. The objective of this course is to provide you with an understanding of the complex relationships between human societies, water resources, and aquatic ecosystems.

This course will examine “green” lifestyle choices from two perspectives: the more cerebral understanding of the science of sustainability facilitated by group discussions of readings/online content and the more visceral understanding afforded by experiencing sustainability issues in the real world.