Ecological Biology    

An introduction to the study of the interrelationships among organisms and their physical and biotic environments. Topics include natural selection and adaptation, population growth and regulation, competition, predation, mutualism, productivity, energy flow, and nutrient cycling. Emphasizes doing hands-on scientific research and problem-solving using the primary ecological literature.

Biological Diversity                          

A survey of plants, animals, fungi, protists, and bacteria emphasizing basic principles in organismal biology. Topics include the origin of life, evolution, structure and function, homeostatic mechanisms, reproduction and life history phenomena, and systematics.

Field Ornithology                      

A look into the behavior, ecology and evolution of birds. Provides students with theoretical and hands-on experiences with birds. Integrated lectures and laboratory exercises expose students to topics such as the origin and evolution of birds, avian anatomy, avian behavior, and reproductive strategies, among others. The second half of the semester constitutes an intensive field experience, stressing bird identification and natural history.

Animal Behavior                        

An introduction to the evolutionary and ecological processes that promote the diversity of animal behaviors found in nature. Topics include development of behavior, biological rhythms, the evolution of foraging behavior, reproductive behavior, mating systems, parental care and social behavior.

Vertebrate Zoology                       

This course involves a survey of the vertebrate groups with special emphasis on lower vertebrates (fishes, amphibians, reptiles) and mammals with lesser emphasis on birds. The evolution of vertebrates is the central theme of the course and is approached through the study of adaptive radiation in form and function. Lab periods include laboratory exercises and field trips.

Population & Community

​Ecology                                                  

Examines interactions among populations and their environments from empirical and theoretical perspectives. Topics include life history evolution, optimality, population growth, competition, predation, community structure and theories of species coexistence. Emphasizes ecological inquiry via experimental design and statistical analysis of data from student-initiated field research projects.

Human-Animal Interactions 

Anthrozoology, or Human-Animal Studies, is an emerging interdisciplinary field. This class will focus on the psychological ramifications of the interactions between human and non-human animals. Students will attempt to start understanding why people squeal over baby animals, salivate over meat, sob over the loss of pets, and more.

Engaging Audiences with Outreach & Interpretation     

This course will examine the fields of interpretation and engagement, in which mission-driven programs are used to creatively engage communities at a variety of institutions, especially educational non-profits and governmentally operated sites (e.g. parks, museums, libraries).

Outdoor & Environmental Education                                             

This course will explore the evolution of educational pedagogy over time with a focus on environmental and outdoor education. We will discuss the philosophies at the center of different educational eras and consider the ways in which these practices are still utilized today, or the ways in which they have changed.

Uses & Abuses of Museums      

An inquiry into the development, philosophy and management of museums, especially as they relate to education, interpretation, research and conservation. Through lectures, discussions and field trips, students investigate science, natural history, art and history museums.