Official Yale
College program and course information is found in Yale College
Programs of Study,
available on line at www.yale.edu/ yalecollege/publications/ycps.
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Courses – 2012-2013
(undergraduate numbers 495 and below; graduate numbers 500 and
above.)
(##a = fall term; ##b – spring term)
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[ VIEW 2011/2012 COURSES ]
Note: The letter "a" following a course number indicates a fall term course; "b" indicates a spring term course; "G" indicates courses offered to undergraduate and graduate students; courses without an "a" or "b" are year-long; “*” indicates permission from the instructor is needed. Bracketed courses are not offered in the academic year 2012-2013.
REQUIRED: NEW INTRODUCTORY COURSES
BIOL 101a. Biochemistry and Biophysics. Michael Koelle M W 11.35-12.50, 1 HTBA
Introduction to the study of life at the molecular level. Topics include the three-dimensional structures and function of large biological molecules, the human genome, and the design of antiviral drugs to treat HIV/AIDS. Prerequisite: The first of four modules in a yearlong introductory biology sequence; meets for the first half of the fall term.
BIOL 102a. Principles of Cell Biology and Membrane Physiology. Mark Mooseker M W 11.35-12.50, 1 HTBA
Introduction to the study of cell biology and membrane physiology. Topics include organization and functional properties of biological membranes, membrane physiology and signaling, rough endoplasmic reticulum and synthesis of membrane/secretory membrane proteins, endocytosis, the cytoskeleton, and cell division. Prerequisite: The second of four modules in a yearlong introductory biology sequence; meets for the second half of the fall term.
BIOL 103b. Genes and Development. Frank Slack T Th 11.35-12.50, 1 HTBA
Introduction to genes, genetics, and developmental biology. How genes control development and disease; Mendel's rules; examples of organ physiology. Prerequisite: The third of four modules in a yearlong introductory biology sequence; meets for the first half of the spring term.
BIOL 104b. Principles of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Leo Buss T Th 11.35-12.50, 1 HTBA
Introduction to ecology, evolutionary biology, animal behavior, and the history of life. Evolutionary transitions and natural selection. Adaptation at genic, chromosomal, cellular, organismal, and supra-organismal levels. Distributional and social consequences of particular suites of organismal adaptations. Prerequisite: The fourth of four modules in a yearlong introductory biology sequence; meets for the second half of the spring term.
INTRODUCTORY COURSES & LABORATORY WITHOUT PREREQUISITES
[E&EB 115a/F&ES 315a, Conservation Biology]
[EEB 118a/ER&M 180a. Human Genetic Variation and Evolution]
E&EB 123LbG, Being REPLACED BY EEB223 (please see EEB223LbG)
Marta Martínez Wells
TWTh 1.30-4.30
Experimental approaches to organismal and population biology, including study of the
diversity of life. Enrollment limited to 16 per section.
*EEB 125b/G&G 125b. History of Life. Derek Briggs, Leo Hickey
TTh 11.35-12.50
Examination of fossil and geologic evidence pertaining to the origin, evolution, and history of life on Earth. Emphasis on major events in the history of life, on what the fossil record tells us about the evolutionary process, on the diversity of ancient and living organisms, and on the evolutionary impact of the changing environment of the Earth.
*EEB150b, Genomics, Evolution, and Human Biology. Howard Ochman
MW 9.25-10.15 1 HTBA
The biology of humans from an evolutionary perspective. Human genetics, genomics, and evolution as context for understanding the features that link us to all other organisms and those that make us unique. Designed for, but not limited to, majors in the biological sciences.
[EEB 160a. Diversity of Life.]
[EEB 171a. The Collections of the Peabody Museum]
INTERMEDIATE EEB COURSES
Note: Prerequisites for all EEB courses numbered 200 and above are BIOL 101,102, 103, and 104, or permission of the instructor.
[EEB202a/MCDB202a. Genetics. ]
EEB 210aG /STAT 101aG/MCDB 215a. Introduction to Statistics: Life Sciences. Walter Jetz, Jonathan Reuning-Scherer
TTh 1.00-2:15
Statistical and probabilistic analysis of biological problems presented with a unified foundation in basic statistical theory. Problems are drawn from genetics, ecology, epidemiology, and bioinformatics. Graduate students are expected to finish a course project in addition to regular homework and exams.
EEB 220aG. General Ecology. David Post, David Vasseur
MWF 10.30-11.20
The theory and practice of ecology, including the ecology of individuals, population dynamics and regulation, community structure, ecosystem function, and ecological interactions at broad spatial and temporal scales. Topics such as climate change, fisheries management, and infectious diseases are placed in an ecological context. Prerequisite: MATH 112a or b or equivalent.
E&EB 223LbG, Evolution, Functional Traits and the Tree of Life
Marta Martínez Wells
TWTh 1.30-4.30
Study of evolutionary novelties, their functional morphology, and their role in the diversity of life. Introduction to techniques used for studying the diversity of animal body plans. Evolutionary innovations that have allowed groups of organisms to increase their diversity.
Prerequisites: BIOL 101–104 or equivalent. For Ecology and Evolutionary Biology majors, counts toward the introductory biology laboratory prerequisite.
EEB 225bG. Evolutionary Biology. Nancy Moran, Michael Donoghue
TTh 11.35-12.50
An overview of evolutionary biology as the discipline uniting all of the life sciences. Reading and discussion of scientific papers to explore the dynamic aspects of evolutionary biology. Principles of population genetics, paleontology, and systematics; application of evolutionary thinking in disciplines such as developmental biology, ecology, microbiology, molecular biology, and human medicine.
*EEB 228bG. Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases. Paul Turner
TTh 10.30-11.20 1 HTBA
Overview of the ecology and evolution of pathogens (bacteria, viruses, protozoa) and their impact on host populations. Topics include theoretical concepts, ecological and evolutionary dynamics, molecular biology, and epidemiology of ancient and emerging diseases.
*EEB 235aG. Evolution and Medicine. Stephen Stearns
MWF 11.35-12.25 1 HTBA
Survey of evolutionary insights that make important differences in medical research and clinical practice, including evolutionary mechanisms and the medical issues they affect. Individual genetic variation in susceptibility; evolutionary conflicts and tradeoffs in reproductive medicine; the evolution of antibiotic resistance and virulence in pathogens; emerging diseases; the evolution of aging; cancer as an evolutionary process.
EEB 240aG. Animal Behavior. Suzanne Alonzo
MW 11.35-12.50 1 HTBA
An introduction to the study of animal behavior from an evolutionary and ecological perspective. History and methods of studying animal behavior. Topics include foraging, predation, communication, reproduction, cooperation, and the role of behavior in conservation. Enrollment limited to 15 per section.
EEB 246aG. Plant Diversity & Evolution. Michael Donoghue
MW 1.00-2.15
Introduction to the evolutionary relationships of plant lineages. The complexity, diversity, and characteristics of the major plant groups, including the green algae, mosses, ferns, conifers, and flowering plants, within a phylogenetic context. To be taken concurrently with EEB 247Lb.
Prerequisite: a general understanding of introductory biology and evolution.
EEB 250aG. Biology of Terrestrial Arthropods. Marta Martínez Wells
TTh 11.35-12.50
Evolutionary history and diversity of terrestrial arthropods (body plan, phylogenetic relationships, fossil record); physiology and functional morphology (water relations, thermoregulation, energetics of flying and singing); reproduction (biology of reproduction, life cycles, metamorphosis, parental care); behavior (migration, communication, mating systems, evolution of sociality); ecology (parasitism, mutualism, predator-prey interactions, competition, plant-insect interactions). To be taken concurrently with EEB 251La
[EEB 255bG. Invertebrates I. ]
[EEB 257aG. Invertebrates II. ]
EEB 264aG. Ichthyology. Thomas Near
MWF 1.30-2.20
A survey of fish diversity, including jawless vertebrates, chimaeras and sharks, lungfishes, and ray-finned fishes. Topics include the evolutionary origin of vertebrates, the fossil record of fishes, evolutionary diversification of major extant fish lineages, biogeography, ecology, and reproductive strategies of fishes. To be taken concurrently with EEB 265La
EEB 272bG. Ornithology. Richard Prum
MWF 9.25-10.15
An overview of avian biology and evolution, including the structure, function, behavior, and diversity of birds. The evolutionary origin of birds, avian phylogeny, anatomy, physiology, neurobiology, breeding systems, and biogeography. To be taken concurrently with EEB 273Lb Enrollment limited to 50
*EEB 275aG /*EVST 400a. Biological Oceanography. Mary Beth Decker
T Th 11.35-12.50
Exploration of a range of coastal and pelagic ecosystems. Relationships between biological systems and the physical processes that control the movements of water and productivity of marine systems. Anthropogenic impacts on oceans, such as the effects of fishing and climate change. Includes three Friday field trips. Enrollment limited to 15
[*EEB 280bG /*ANTH810/ANTH310. Mammalogy.]
EEB290b, Comparative Anatomy. Günter Wagner
MWF 2.30-3.20
A survey of the structure, variation, and evolution of major vertebrate groups. Topics include the microanatomy of major organ systems, the embryology of the vertebrate body plan, and the structure and evolution of the major organ systems such as the locomotory system, sensory organs, digestive tract, reproductive tract, and nervous system.
EEB LABORATORIES
EEB 226LbG. Laboratory for Evolutionary Biology. Gisella Caccone
Th 1.30-4.30
The companion laboratory to EEB 225b. Patterns and processes of evolution, including collection and interpretation of molecular and morphological data in a phylogenetic context. Focus on methods of analysis of species-level and population-level variation in natural populations.
EEB 247LbG. Laboratory for Plant Diversity & Evolution. Michael Donoghue
T 1.00-4.00
Local flora field research; hands-on experience with the plant groups examined in the accompanying lectures. To be taken concurrently with EEB 246b.
EEB 251LaG. Laboratory for Biology of Terrestrial Arthropods. Marta Martínez Wells
W 1.30-4.30
Comparative anatomy, dissections, identification and classification of terrestrial arthropods; specimen collection; field trips. Concurrently with or after EEB 250a.
[EEB 256LbG. Laboratory for the Invertebrates I]
[EEB 258LaG. Laboratory for the Invertebrates II]
EEB 265LaG. Laboratory for Ichthyology. Thomas Near
T 1.30-4.30
Laboratory and field studies of fish diversity, form, function, behavior, and classification. The course primarily involves study of museum specimens and of living and fossil fishes. Concurrently with E&EB 264a.
*EEB 273LbG. Laboratory for Ornithology. Richard Prum
T 1.30-4.30
Laboratory and field studies of avian morphology, diversity, phylogeny, classification, identification, and behavior.
EEB 291La, Laboratory for Comparative Anatomy. Günter Wagner
Th 1.30-4.30
Microscopic examination of histological and embryological preparations. Dissection of selected vertebrate species including shark, bony fish, frog, lizard, and rat. To be taken with E&EB 290.
ADVANCED EEB COURSES
[*EEB 310bG. Evolutionary Genetics. ]
[*EEB 315aG Ecology and Evolution of Plant-Insect Interactions.]
[*EEB 320bG Conservation Genetics.]
[EEB 330a/F&ES 330a. Ecosystem Ecology.]
*EEB335b. Probabilistic Modeling in Ecology, Evolution, and Disease. Jeffrey Townsend
T 1.30-3.20
Ways in which probabilistic, mathematical, and computational modeling can be used to explore questions about ecology, evolution, and the epidemiology of infectious diseases. How probabilistic modeling is performed in the context of modern research.
[EEB 340bG/EVST 363b/F&ES 340bG. Community Ecology]
*EEB 342 bG /ANTH 335bG , Primate Diversity and Evolution. Eric Sargis
W 1.30-3.20
Examination of the diversity and evolutionary history of living and extinct primates. Focus on major controversies in primate systematics and evolution, including the origins and relationships of several groups. Consideration of both morphological and molecular studies. Morphological diversity and adaptations explored through museum specimens and fossil casts
[EEB 365a/EVST 365a/F&ES 365aG. Landscape Ecology. ]
[*EEB 370aG/*EVST 370a/*F&ES 370aG. Aquatic Ecology]
*EEB380bG , Life History Evolution. Stephen Stearns
TTh 11.35-12.50
Life history evolution studies how the phenotypic traits directly involved in reproductive success are shaped by evolution to solve ecological problems. The intimate interplay between evolution and ecology. After E&EB 220 and 225, or with permission of instructor.
EEB 390aG. Evolution of Development. Antónia Monteiro
TTh 9.00-10.15
An introduction to the ways that developmental mechanisms change through time to give rise to organismal diversity. Topics include how mutations influence the processes of gene regulation, tissue growth, and cell and organ differentiation.
[EEB 426aG. Phylogenetics and Macroevolution]
[EEB 427LaG. Phylogenetics Laboratory]
EEB 460bG. Studies in Evolutionary Medicine I. Stephen Stearns, Durland Fish, Alison Galvani, Paul Turner
TTh 4.00-5.15
This two-term course begins in January. Students learn the major principles of evolutionary biology and apply them to issues in medical research and practice by presenting and discussing original papers from the current research literature. Such issues include lactose and alcohol tolerance; the Hygiene Hypotheses and autoimmune disease; human genetic variation in drug response and pathogen resistance; spontaneous abortions, immune genes, and mate choice; parental conflicts over reproductive investment mediated by genetic imprinting; life history tradeoffs and the evolution of aging; the evolution of virulence and drug resistance in pathogens; the evolutionary genetics of humans and their pathogens; the ecology and evolution of disease; the evolutionary origin of diseases; and the emergence of new diseases. Students are required to develop a research proposal based on one of their own questions in spring term, to spend the summer on a research project related to their research proposal, and to write a paper based on the results of their research in fall term. Students must take both terms, fulfill the summer research project, and attend additional lectures to be scheduled in both terms. Admission is by competitive application only. Forms are available on the EEB department web site.
*EEB 461aG. Studies in EvolutionaryMedicine II. Paul Turner, Stephen Stearns
TTh 4.00-5.15
Principles of evolutionary biology applied to issues in medical research and practice. Lactose and alcohol tolerance; the "hygiene hypothesis"; genetic variation in drug response and pathogen resistance; spontaneous abortions, immune genes, and mate choice; the evolution of aging; the ecology and evolution of disease; the emergence of new diseases. Students develop proposals for research to be conducted during the summer Prerequisite: EEB 460b or with permission of instructor. Continuation of EEB 460b.
EEB RESEARCH AND TUTORIALS
*EEB 470a or b. Tutorial. Marta Martínez Wells
HTBA
Individual or small-group study for qualified students who wish to investigate an area of ecology or evolutionary biology not presently covered by regular courses. A student must be sponsored by a faculty member who sets requirements and meets weekly with the student. One or more written examinations and/or a term paper are required. To register, the student must submit a written plan of study approved by the faculty instructor to the director of undergraduate studies. Students are encouraged to apply during the term preceding the tutorial. The proposal must be submitted by Friday, September 7, for the fall term and Tuesday, January 22, for the spring term. The final paper is due in the hands of the director of undergraduate studies by Friday, December 7, for the fall term and Friday, April 26, for the spring term. In special cases, with approval of the director of undergraduate studies, this course may be elected for more than one term, but only one term will count as an elective for the major. Normally, faculty sponsors must be members of the EEB department
*EEB 475a or b. Research. Marta Martínez Wells
HTBA
One term of original research in an area relevant to ecology or evolutionary biology. This may involve, for example, laboratory work, fieldwork, or mathematical or computer modeling. Students may also work in areas related to environmental biology such as policy, economics, or ethics. The research project may not be a review of relevant literature but must be original. In all cases students must have a faculty sponsor who oversees the research and is responsible for the rigor of the project. Students are expected to spend ten hours per week on their research projects. Using the form available from the office of undergraduate studies or from the Classes server, students must submit a research proposal that has been approved by the faculty sponsor to the director of undergraduate studies, preferably during the term preceding the research. Proposals are due Friday, September 7, for the fall term and Tuesday, January 22, for the spring term. The final research paper is due in the hands of the director of undergraduate studies by Friday, December 7, for the fall term and Friday, April 26, for the spring term. Fulfills the senior requirement for the B.A. degree if taken in the senior year.
*EEB 495a, Intensive Senior Research. Marta Martínez Wells
HTBA
One term of intensive original research during the senior year under the sponsorship of a Yale faculty member. Similar to other research courses except that a more substantial portion of a student’s time and effort should be spent on the research project (a minimum average of twenty hours per week). A research proposal approved by the sponsoring faculty member must be submitted to the instructor; forms are available from the office of undergraduate studies or from the instructor. For the fall term, approval is encouraged during the spring term of the junior year and must be done by Friday, September 7; for the spring term, submission of the research proposal is encouraged during the fall term and must be done by Tuesday, January 22. Students who wish to take both E&EB 495 and 496 under the sponsorship of the same faculty member may submit a single proposal by the fall deadline; in this case, the grade assigned at the end of the spring term applies to all four credits. Students who take 495 and 496 under the sponsorship of different faculty members complete an interim oral report and submit a final paper in each term; a separate grade is assigned in each term. The due date for papers in E&EB 495 is Friday, December 7; the due date for E&EB 496 only or for 495 and 496 is Friday, April 26.
*EEB, 496b. Intensive Senior Research. Marta Martínez Wells
HTBA
One term of intensive original research during the senior year under the sponsorship of a Yale faculty member. Similar to other research courses except that a more substantial portion of a student’s time and effort should be spent on the research project (a minimum average of twenty hours per week). A research proposal approved by the sponsoring faculty member must be submitted to the instructor; forms are available from the office of undergraduate studies or from the instructor. For the fall term, approval is encouraged during the spring term of the junior year and must be done by Friday, September 7; for the spring term, submission of the research proposal is encouraged during the fall term and must be done by Tuesday, January 22. Students who wish to take both E&EB 495 and 496 under the sponsorship of the same faculty member may submit a single proposal by the fall deadline; in this case, the grade assigned at the end of the spring term applies to all four credits. Students who take 495 and 496 under the sponsorship of different faculty members complete an interim oral report and submit a final paper in each term; a separate grade is assigned in each term. The due date for papers in E&EB 495 is Friday, December 7; the due date for E&EB 496 only or for 495 and 496 is Friday, April 26. Fulfills the senior requirement and leads to the intensive B.S. degree.
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