This course is a hands-on introduction to common research methods in population and community ecology. Each method and its application are first presented in a lecture session, illustrated with published examples. The method is then practiced in a subsequent group field exercise, conducted in a local terrestrial, aquatic, or marine habitat. The course focuses on sampling methods, experimental designs, and statistical analyses used to investigate patterns of species distribution and abundance, interspecific associations, and local species diversity.

This course is a hands-on introduction to common research methods in population and community ecology. Each method and its application are first presented in a lecture session, illustrated with published examples. The method is then practiced in a subsequent group field exercise, conducted in a local terrestrial, aquatic, or marine habitat. The course focuses on sampling methods, experimental designs, and statistical analyses used to investigate patterns of species distribution and abundance, interspecific associations, and local species diversity.

The ecosystems of California are studied from both an ecological and historical biogeographical perspective with a focus on terrestrial plant communities. Students learn how to identify about 150 species of native plants (mostly trees, but also other dominant plants from the non-forest biomes). Field trips occur each Friday and over several weekends. Students conduct group projects that involve plant inventories and data collection as well as how to collect plant specimens and use the Herbarium.

The ecosystems of California are studied from both an ecological and historical biogeographical perspective with a focus on terrestrial plant communities. Students learn how to identify about 150 species of native plants (mostly trees, but also other dominant plants from the non-forest biomes). Field trips occur each Friday and over several weekends. Students conduct group projects that involve plant inventories and data collection as well as how to collect plant specimens and use the Herbarium.

An in-depth examination of the ecological and evolutionary bases for behavioral diversity. Topics covered include behavior as an adaptive response, sexual selection, animal mating systems, group living, and cooperative and competitive interactions. Current conceptual approaches to these topics are explored, with an emphasis upon rigorous testing of hypotheses drawn from primary literature. Hands-on laboratory training in the methods of experimental design, data collection, and data analysis.

An in-depth examination of the ecological and evolutionary bases for behavioral diversity. Topics covered include behavior as an adaptive response, sexual selection, animal mating systems, group living, and cooperative and competitive interactions. Current conceptual approaches to these topics are explored, with an emphasis upon rigorous testing of hypotheses drawn from primary literature. Hands-on laboratory training in the methods of experimental design, data collection, and data analysis.

Hands-on training in the methods of experimental design, data collection, and data analysis currently used in behavioral research. In additional to structured laboratory activities, students design and execute multi-week studies on topics such as resource competition, mate choice, and alloparental care. Laboratory reports plus short written assignments.

Laboratory will focus on studying medicinal plants from the major ecosystems and geographical regions of the world. Students will learn common names, scientific names, plant families, field identification, habitats, and ethnomedical uses of medicinal plants. How the medicinal plant is prepared, administered, and used as a phytomedicine will also be discussed. There will be reference to the phylogenetic relationships between the plant families and genera represented by the medicinal plants.

Laboratory will focus on studying medicinal plants from the major ecosystems and geographical regions of the world. Students will learn common names, scientific names, plant families, field identification, habitats, and ethnomedical uses of medicinal plants. How the medicinal plant is prepared, administered, and used as a phytomedicine will also be discussed. There will be reference to the phylogenetic relationships between the plant families and genera represented by the medicinal plants.

Biology of the vertebrates, exclusive of fish. Laboratory and field study of local vertebrates exclusive of fish.