Did you know that our closest living fish relative can build a cocoon and hibernate for three years? Or that some fish make a living by eating scales? This class will conduct publishable research in evolution, ecology, and behavior by doing actual science on fishes. We will attempt to answer unknown questions about the evolution of fascinating adaptations in diverse groups of fishes in both the laboratory and field.

Did you know that our closest living fish relative can build a cocoon and hibernate for three years? Or that some fish make a living by eating scales? This class will conduct publishable research in evolution, ecology, and behavior by doing actual science on fishes. We will attempt to answer unknown questions about the evolution of fascinating adaptations in diverse groups of fishes in both the laboratory and field.

An advanced course in the biology of mammals. Topics covered include elements of modern mammalian biology such as morphology, physiology, ecology, and behavior. For all topics, the traits that define mammals are emphasized, as is the variation on these themes evident within modern mammalian lineages. Laboratory and field explore the biology of modern mammals. Laboratories use the extensive collections of the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology to introduce students to mammalian diversity in a phylogenetic context.

An advanced course in the biology of mammals. Topics covered include elements of modern mammalian biology such as morphology, physiology, ecology, and behavior. For all topics, the traits that define mammals are emphasized, as is the variation on these themes evident within modern mammalian lineages. Laboratory and field explore the biology of modern mammals. Laboratories use the extensive collections of the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology to introduce students to mammalian diversity in a phylogenetic context.

In this class, students study the natural history and evolutionary biology of island terrestrial and freshwater organisms and their communities, and of marine organisms in the coral reef and lagoon systems. The students also learn about the geomorphology of volcanic islands, coral reefs, and reef islands. Features of island biogeography are illustrated with topics linked to subsequent field studies on the island of Mo’orea, French Polynesia. The course trains students as independent scientists, as students develop, conduct, and communicate independent research projects on a topic of their choice.