Courses in Ecology & Evolution


Bachelor of Science The Environmental Biology Option (Option II) of the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree prepares graduates for employment in positions such as ecologist or wildlife preserve manager; for positions with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Land Management, National or State Parks and other government agencies and private organizations; or for consulting positions in formulating environmental impact reports. A modified version of this option is appropriate for students seeking a teaching credential. This option also prepares the student for advanced graduate study.

The Marine Biology Option (Option V) of the B.S. degree prepares graduates for advanced graduate study and for employment in the marine sciences.

Master of Science The Graduate Program provides students an opportunity for advanced study in specialized areas of Biology and to develop the skills required to do independent research.

B.S. and M.S. students can enroll in 400 and 500 level courses. Only M.S. students can enroll in 600 level courses (not listed here, see catalogue).

Systematic and Comparative Biology

  • Comparative Anatomy and Lab (BIOL 311/L) Evolution of vertebrate structure. Comparative morphology of vertebrate types.
  • Plant Morphology and Lab (BIOL 403/L) Structure and evolution of plants; comparative lifecycles and reproductive mechanisms in the major phyla.
  • Mammalogy (BIOL 415/L) Classification, ethology and ecology of mammals. Adaptive and evolutionary significance of form and function are considered.

With Field Studies

  • Vertebrate Biology (BIOL 312/L/392F) Introduction to the Biology of Vertebrates including aspects of their evolution, ecology, life history, and behavior.
  • Invertebrate Zoology (BIOL 313/L/392B) Biology and classification of the invertebrate animals, with emphasis on marine forms. Evolutionary and adaptive implications of form and function will be considered.
  • Systematic Botany (BIOL 406/L/492K) Classification, identification and evolutionary relationships of vascular plants.
  • Phycology (BIOL 504/L/592P) Study of the algae with emphasis on their systematics, morphology, physiology and ecology.
  • Tropical Botany (BIOL 506/L/592R or 492R) Intensive, hands-on immersion into the biology of tropical plants including tropical plant anatomy, architecture, morphology, biochemistry, reproduction, systematics, and evolution.
  • Biology of Tropical Vertebrates (BIOL 508/L/592T or 492T) Intensive, hands-on immersion in the ecology and conservation of tropical organisms and ecosystems.
  • Herpetology (BIOL 512/L/592/E) Biology, ecology and evolution of amphibians and reptiles.
  • Entomology (BIOL 513/L/592F) Biology and classification of insects with emphasis on phylogeny and on adaptive implications of morphology.
  • Ichthyology (BIOL 530/L/592J) Biology, ecology, and evolution of fish. Emphasis placed on adaptive significance of form and function.

Systematic and Comparative Biology

  • Physiological Ecology (BIOL 422/L) Study of physiological, morphological and behavioral responses of organisms to physical environmental factors such as temperature, light, water salinity.
  • Ecological Modeling (BIOL 424/L/492G) Statistics is recommended. Use of simulation models in understanding ecological interactions, and the use of computers in such analyses. Students create models that simulate population, community, and ecosystem dynamics. Interested students may extend these techniques into other areas of biology.

With Field Studies

  • Plant Ecology (BIOL 407/L/492N) Examination of plants and their habitats from an ecological and evolutionary perspective. Concepts of adaptation, species diversity, and biological change over time are stressed.
  • Microbial Ecology (BIOL 419/L/492C) Examination of the natural distribution of bacteria, fungi, algae and protozoa in the biosphere, and a study of the physical, chemical and biological factors that govern their distribution. Inquiry into the role of microbes as they interact directly and indirectly with higher organisms in the ecosystem.
  • Marine Biology (BIOL 421/L/492B) Marine life of the world with special emphasis on the shore and shallow sea. Identification, distribution, physiological and morphological adaptation of marine forms.
  • Field Ecology (BIOL 423/492F) Techniques used in studying population dynamics, the development and functioning of biological communities and the interaction among organisms in the natural environment.
  • Biology of Deserts (BIOL 426/L/492P) Study of life in deserts with emphasis on the organisms of the deserts of southwestern U.S.; structural, physiological, and behavioral adaptations for survival; identification and ecology of desert organisms; techniques for studying desert ecology.
  • Principles of Ecology (BIOL 427/L/492H) Lectures summarize the major concepts and controversies of ecology. Discussions and activities focus on case studies from the classic and recent original literature.
  • Tropical Ecology and Conservation (BIOL 507/L/592S or 492S) Intensive, hands-on immersion in the ecology and conservation of tropical organisms and ecosystems.
  • Avian Ecology (BIOL 514/L/592A) Consideration of the interactions between birds and their environment, including such topics as habitat requirements, resource utilization, species interactions, territoriality and reproduction.
  • Tropical Biology/Regional Excursions (BIOL 524/326) Preparatory: At least 1 course which deals with the evolution and ecology of a major group of organisms. Examination of life functions and biotic interactions under conditions occurring in low latitude environments. Emphasis on characteristics and evolution of tropical biotas and their significance in relation to the total biosphere.
  • Animal Behavior with Field Studies (BIOL 525/592D) Ecology, genetics and evolution of behavior in vertebrates and invertebrates with emphasis on organisms in their natural environment.
  • Biology of Pelagic Organisms (BIOL 527/L/592L) Survey of organisms occupying the open ocean environment; ecological, morphological, and physiological adaptations of selected groups; population dynamics, community structure, and fisheries biology.
  • Behavioral Ecology (BIOL 528/L/592B) Study of the interactions between individuals and the environment. Emphasis placed on the behavioral adaptations of animals.
  • Marine Ecology (BIOL 529/L/592I) Marine community structure and dynamics. Study of the open seas, rocky and sandy shores and bays are used to illustrate the basic features of marine communities.
  • Ecology of Marine Fishes (BIOL 531/L/592Q) Species assemblages, general ecology, adaptations and behavioral ecology of near shore marine fishes.
  • Conservation Biology (BIOL 533/592C) Application of ecological and evolutionary principles to problems in environmental biology. Factors affecting biodiversity and causes of species extinction receive particular attention.