Program DescriptionCoursesJob Opportunities 

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 – 2007-2008
(undergraduate numbers 495 and below; graduate numbers 500 and above.)
(##a = fall term; ##b – spring term)
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[ VIEW 2006/2007 COURSES ]

Undergraduate
Course Number

Graduate
Course Number

Course Title

Instructor

EEB 115a/F&ES 315a
M W & HTBA
10:30-11:20
OML 202
E&EB 515a Conservation Biology. An introduction to the basic ecological and evolutionary principles underpinning efforts to conserve the Earth’s biodiversity. These principles examined in the context of efforts to halt the rapid increase in disappearance of both plants and animals. Case studies examined in detail.  Sociological and economic issues are discussed. Powell/Wells
E&EB 122b
MWF 11:35-12:25
OML 202
E&EB 522b Principles of Evolution, Ecology and Behavior. The major principles of evolution, ecology, and behavior explained and illustrated by recent advances that have changed the field. Emphasis on major events in the history and key transitions in the organization of life. Ecological processes from organisms through populations and communities to the biosphere. Foraging, mating, selfish and cooperative behavior placed in evolutionary and ecological context.  Recommended preparation: MCDB 120a or equivalent. Writing Intensive. Stearns
E&EB 123Lb
TWTH 1:30, OML, 212, 213
E&EB 523Lb Lab for Principles of Evolution, Ecology & BehaviorExperimental approaches to organismal and population biology, including study of the diversity of life. Concurrently with or after E&EB 122b. Wells
E&EB 125b
G&G 125b
T TH 11:35-12:50; lab TBA
  History of Life. 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. Gauthier, Briggs, Hickey
E&EB 160a
KBT 102
M, W 2:30-3:45
110 ESC
E&EB 560b Diversity of Life. A survey of the diversity of organisms on Earth with a focus on their evolutionary history, biology, and adaptations to their environment. (1 WR section) Wells
E&EB 171b
M, W 1-2:15
ESC 110
 

***CANCELLED***

The Collections of the Peabody Museum. A freshman seminar exploring scientific problems in which understanding has been wrought from the accumulation and sequential study of physical artifacts deposited in the Peabody Museum of Natural History, directed specifically toward freshmen. Course will provide students with an entrée to the extraordinary educational opportunities inherent in the collections of the Peabody Museum.

Buss
E&EB 210a
MCDB 215a
STAT 101a
T, Th 1-2:15
OML 202
OML 201
After 10/31 – breakout
E&EB 510a Intro to Statistics: Life Sciences. A basic introduction to statistics, including numerical and graphical summaries of data, probability, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, and regression. Each course focuses on applications to a particular field of study and is taught jointly by two instructors, one specializing in statistics and the other in the relevant area of application. The Tuesday lecture, which introduces general concepts and methods of statistics, is attended by all students. The course separates for Thursday lectures, which develop the concepts with examples and applications. Reuning-Scherer (in charge, Wagner
E&EB 220a
MWF 10:30-11:20
ESC 110
E&EB 520a General Ecology. A broad consideration of the theory and practice of ecology, including the ecology of individuals, population dynamics and regulation, community structure, ecosystem function, and ecological climate change, fisheries management, and infectious diseases will be placed in an ecological context. Prerequisites:  Math 112a or b or 115a or b or equivalent. Post/Buss
E&EB 225b
T, Th 11:35-12:50 KBT 102
E&EB 525b Evolutionary Biology. An introduction to the study of evolution from both a macro- and micro-evolutionary perspective. Principles of population genetics, systematics, paleontology, and molecular evolution are addressed as well as application of evolutionary thinking to issues in animal behavior, ecology, and molecular biology. After 122b. Turner/Townsend
E&EB 226Lb
W 1:30OML 204
E&EB 526Lb Laboratory for Evolutionary Biology. The companion laboratory to E&EB 225b. Study of 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.  Concurrently with or after E&EB 225b. Caccone
*E&EB 230a
*Evst 221a, *F&ES 30022
T 1-2 Th 1-5
OML 122
E&EB 530a Field Ecology. A field-based introduction to methodology used by ecologists in field studies.  Descriptive studies, comparative analysis, modeling, and experimental approaches are explored using class or small-group projects relevant to major topics in ecology. Post
E&EB 246b
M, W 1-2:15
ESC 110
E&EB 646b

***CANCELLED***

Plant Diversity and Evolution. In recent years, great progress had been made toward understanding the evolutionary relationships of plant lineages. This course will explore the relationships and characteristics of the major plant groups including the green algae, mosses, ferns, conifers and flowering plants within a phylogenetic context. The depths of our understanding of ecology and development in the formation of the complexity and diversity among these plant groups will be addressed. Students should have a general understanding of introductory biology and evolution.

Tank
E&EB 247Lb
T,1
Marsh Gardens, Greenhouse I 227 Mansfield St.
E&EB 647Lb

***CANCELLED***

Lab for Plant Diversity and Evolution. This required lab is in conjunction with the lecture course.  Laboratory sessions will include local flora field research. Labs will include hands on experience in the plant groups examined in the course. Students should have a general understanding of introductory biology and evolution.

Tank
E&EB 248b
T, Th 1-2:15
ESC 110
E&EB 548b Insect Development and Evolution. This course focuses on the diversity of developmental mechanisms that give rise to the spectacular diversity in insect form. Topics range from the study of the evolution of key innovations such as wings, butterfly wing scales, or the process of metamorphosis, to the control of alternative casts or seasonal forms within a species by hormonal mechanisms. We cover basic developmental processes of insect body plan determination (body segments, wings, legs), as well as more detailed mechanisms of color patterning butterfly wings.  Focus on how variation in these developmental processes affects the shape, color and form of insects.  Monteiro 
E&EB 249Lb
T 2:30
ESC
E&EB 549Lb Laboratory for Insect Development and Evolution.  Focus on experiments with live butterflies, examining mechanisms of development and developmental plasticity and of micro-evolution. Experiments range from (1) classical perturbations of signaling groups of cells that differentiate certain wing color patterns during pupal wing development, 60 (20 extracting wing discs from larvae and visualizing gene expression patterns on the wings, to (3) rearing cohorts of larvae at different temperatures to study  phenotypic plasticity of the wing patterns, to (4) visualizing the shift in the mean size of a certain morphological trait in a population by the application of artificial selection to that trait. Monteiro 
EEB 264a
MWF 1:30-2:20
ESC 110
EEB 664a Ichthyology. 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 Near
EEB 265La
W 1:30
ESC 210
EEB 665La Laboratory for Ichthyology. 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. Near
E&EB 272b
9:25-10:15
ESC 110
E&EB 672b Ornithology. A general overview of avian biology and evolution, including the structure, function, behavior, and diversity of birds. Topics include the evolutionary origin of birds, avian phylogeny, anatomy, physiology, neurobiology, breeding systems and biogeography. Prum
E&EB 273Lb
T 2:30
E&EB 673Lb Ornithology Lab. Laboratory and field studies of avian morphology, diversity, phylogeny, classification, identification, and behavior. To be taken concurrently with E&EB 272b. Prum
E&EB 310b
Th 2:30-4:30
E&EB 610b

Evolutionary Genetics.:  This will be an introduction to the basics of population genetics including both theory and experimental data.  The course will go beyond classical population genetics in also addressing quantitative genetics and phylogenetics (interspecific genetics).  The first 2/3 of the course will cover the material in the text.  The final 1/3 of the course will cover related topical subjects such as: 
Comparative population genomics
Use of dominant markers (e.g. AFLP) in population genetics
Detecting selection in population genetic data
Topics chosen by interests of participants.
Format:  Combination of informal presentations by instructor and discussion by participants.  Emphasis will be placed on participants teaching each other.  Reading will be assigned each class period and following a brief summary of key points by the instructor, the class will be open to discussion and questions on material not understood.  Participants will answer the questions.  Thus, preparation and careful reading of the material is a requirement for participation.
Evaluation:  There will be a take-home exam after the 2/3 of the course covering the text material.  A term paper based on participants’ particular interests will be due one week after the last class.  Final grade will be assigned with about equal weighting (1/3 each) of participation in class, take-home exam, and term paper.
Eligibility:  Open to Graduate Students and Undergraduates who have taken the Genetics course.  A basic knowledge of general genetics will be assumed; individuals wishing to take the course who have not taken a genetics course should obtain permission of instructor.
Text:  Introduction to Population Genetics, Richard Halliburton, Prentice Hal

Powell
E&EB 326a
T, Th 11:30 - 12:50
ESC 110
E&EB 626b Molecular Ecology. An overview of the molecular genetic tools used to investigate ecological and evolutionary processes in natural populations.  Exploration of the use of molecular markers through the hierarchy of life, using studies of genetic individuality, parentage, kinship, population substructure, species boundaries, and phylogenetics of closely related species. Special topics include conservation genetics, microbial biology, ecological genomics, and environmental impact of genetically modified organisms.  After E&EB 122b or with permission of instructor. Caccone
E&EB 340b/EVST 363b/F&ES 340b
3 HTBA
E&EB 640b Community Ecology. The dynamics of multiple species, including predation, competition, and food chain and food web interactions. Emphasis on mathematical modeling to formalize ideas about how species interactions structure ecological communities and to specify the appropriate focus of empirical research, study design, and data gathering. Contemporary issues in community ecology, including scaling from individual behavior to community dynamics, the link between biodiversity and system stability, alternative dynamic regimes, spatially extended systems, and metacommunities. Prerequisite  E&EB 220a and MATH 222a or b, or equivalent. A course in calculus is recommended. Schmitz
E&EB 365a
F&ES a,
 T, Th
9-10:15
Bowers Hall
E&EB 565a Landscape Ecology. An introduction to the study of large-scale ecological patterns and processes.  Topics include species viability, ecosystem management, and the design of nature reserves.  Focus on when and how to integrate a spatial perspective into consideration of major ecological questions. After E&EB 220a. Skelly
EEB 370a
F&ES 32011a
T 1-2:15
Th 1-5
 Marsh Hall
E&EB 670a Aquatic Ecology. An intensive introduction to the ecology of populations and communities in freshwater systems. Concepts, patterns, and organisms important in lakes and streams; techniques of information collection and analysis.  Weekly field trips to gather data. Familiarity with ecological concepts and terminology is presumed.  After E&EB 220a. Skelly
E&EB 390b
T, TH 9-10:15
OML 201
EEB 690b

***CANCELLED***

Evolution of Development. 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.

Monteiro
E&EB 426b
MWF 2:30-3:45
110 ESC
E&EB 826b

***CANCELLED***

Phylogenetics and Macroevolution. The course will provide students an in depth understanding of theory on multiple species interactions and dynamics including predation, competition, food chain and food web interactions. Considerable emphasis is placed on mathematical modeling to formalize ideas about how species interactions structure ecological communities and to specify the appropriate focus of empirical research, study design and data gathering. The course will address contemporary issues in community ecology including scaling from individual behavior to community dynamics, the link between biodiversity and system stability, alternative dynamic regimes, spatially extended systems and metacommunities. Prerequisites MATH 222a or 222b or equivalent; EEB 220a or equivalent. A course in calculus is recommended.

Near
E&EB 427Lb
T 1:30
STATS Lab
827Lb

***CANCELLED***

Lab for Phylogenetics and Macroevolution.  Introduction to methods of phylogeny reconstruction and evolutionary comparative analysis. Computer lab-based exercises and lessons in obtaining genetic data from Internet resources and building phylogenetic trees.  Additional topics and methods include biogeographic analyses, estimating divergence times with molecular data, and independent contrast analysis. Prerequisite:  E&EB 225b or permission of instructor.

Near
E&EB 470 a or b   Tutorial. 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 Thursday, September 12, for the fall term and Wednesday, January 22, for the spring term. The final paper is due in the office of the director of undergraduate studies by the beginning of reading period. (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. One term of this course fulfills the senior requirement for the B.A. degree if taken in the senior year. Wells
E&EB 475a or b   Research. One term of original research in an area relevant to ecology or evolutionary biology. This may involve, for example, laboratory work, field work 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 will oversee the research and be responsible for the rigor of the project. Students must submit a research proposal that has been approved by the faculty sponsor to the office of the director of undergraduate studies. This should be done late in the term preceding the research. A research paper is due at the end of the term. The proposals are due Thursday, September 12, for the fall term and Wednesday, January 22, for the spring term. The final paper is due in the office of the director of undergraduate studies by the beginning of reading period. One term of this course fulfills the senior requirement for the B.A. degree if taken in the senior year. Wells
E&EB 495   Intensive Senior Research (4 credits - yr only) Two terms of intensive original research during the senior year done under the sponsorship of a faculty member. Similar to E&EB 475a or b except a more substantial portion of the student’s time should be spent on the research project. A research proposal approved by the sponsoring faculty member must be submitted to the office of the director of undergraduate studies before reading period of the term preceding the course, usually the spring term of the junior year.  Interim oral reports and a written research paper are required. Fulfills the senior requirements and leads to the intensive B.S. degree. Wells
  E&EB 617b
F&ES 30024
T 1:30-3:20
ESC 158

***CANCELLED***

Topics in Evolutionary and Conservation GeneticsThe course will include discussion of original research from students and post-doctoral associates and reading and discussion of recently published papers in evolutionary and conservation genetics with special emphasis on population level questions. Discussion of experimental design, project feasibility, and presentation of preliminary data will be stressed. It is intended for graduate students interested in research in these fields at various stages of their career. Open to advanced undergraduates by permission of the instructor.

Caccone
  EEB 500a/b
M 2:30 - 4:30
OML 551
Advanced Topics led by individual EEB faculty members in weekly 2 hour seminar discussion.  Spring semester hot topics in individual labs science; 4 week ethics seminar; science writing workshop Turner
  E&EB 710a
T 2:30 - 4:30
OML 551
Seminar in Evolutionary Functional Genomics. Discussion of the burgeoning new literature on the evolution of gene expression especially focused on genomic approaches to understanding organismal biology, evolution of gene expression, models of the evolution of gene expression, and consideration of how the “central dogma” of molecular biology (DNA-.>, RNA->Proteins) constrains or facilitates evolution of adaptive traits. This graduate course is composed of a mix of instructor- and student-led discussions of key papers. Students are expected to present a paper on a topic and to actively participate in the discussions. Townsend
  E&EB 729a
Microbial Ecology and Evolution.
(Fall 2007)
  E&EB 810b
T, Th 11:30-12:50
OML 201
Dynamics of Evolving Systems. An introduction to the ways in which the structure and behavior of evolving biological systems can be described, modeled, and analyzed. Examination of model systems as well as modeling of laboratory and field phenomena. Vaisnys
  E&EB 900a/b First Year Introduction to Research and Rotations. Turner
  E&EB 930b
G&G 703b
F 2:30-4
ESC 110
Seminar in Systematics. Donoghue/Gauthier
  E&EB 950 Second Year Research by arrangement with faculty and by permission of DGS. Staff

 

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