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.

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.

Natural history and evolutionary biology of island terrestrial and freshwater organisms, and of marine organisms in the coral reef and lagoon systems will be studied, and the geomorphology of volcanic islands, coral reefs, and reef islands will be discussed. Features of island biogeography will be illustrated with topics linked to subsequent field studies on the island of Moorea (French Polynesia).

Chemical composition of pesticides and related compounds, their mode of action, resistance mechanisms, and methods of evaluating their safety and activity.

Chemical composition of pesticides and related compounds, their mode of action, resistance mechanisms, and methods of evaluating their safety and activity.

A comprehensive course on the biology of terrestrial and aquatic insects, their morphology, physiology, behavior, taxonomy, and ecology. The lab covers the identification and classification of insect orders and common families, insect collecting and sampling methods, and includes a required insect collection project. Course includes an overnight field trip to a research property.

Study of the influence of fire, insects, and diseases on species diversity, succession, and the survival of North American forests including the evolution of these interactions due to modern human policies of preservation and management and exploitation.

A survey of the unique physiological mechanisms of insects, including the analysis of physiological systems at the cellular-molecular level. The roles of the nervous and endocrine systems in coordinating physiological processes are emphasized.

Field observation, recording and interpretation of insect relationships to habitats, their behavior and plant-insect interactions. Collection and preparation of specimens with important biological data.

Practical and conceptual presentation of techniques for using remote sensing, specifically aerial photography, for natural resource management. Includes photo measures of scale, parallax area, and object height; flight planning; photo geometry; an introduction to the electromagnetic spectrum; and photo interpretation and mapping. Course concludes with an introduction to digital remote sensing data.