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Plant-Animal Interactions (WIS 5521)

Credits: 3
Prerequisite: graduate student standing or advanced undergraduates with permission of the instructor

This course will (1) review the general principals underlying different types of plant-animal interactions, (2) evaluate cutting-edge research in the field’s major subdicsiplines, and (3) investigate the potential consequences of ongoing anthropogenic changes for the dynamics of these interactions. Examples will be drawn from a variety of tropical and temperate ecosystems, both terrestrial and aquatic.

Ecological Principles for Conservation & Development Professionals

Credits: 3
Prerequisite: graduate student standing; priority is for students in the MDP program

Course Description and Objectives: This course has four principal objectives: (1) To gain an understanding of the evolutionary and ecological factors that shape patterns of biological diversity at different temporal and spatial scales; (2)Learn the theoretical underpinnings of population, community, and ecosystem ecology; (3) To better understand the process by which scientists generate and synthesize knowledge and (4) To explore how ecological research can be used by conservation and development practitioners.

Ecology and Conservation of Tropical Wildlife (WIS 3434)

Credits: 3
Prerequisite: BSC 2011 and BSC 2011L.

The objectives of this course are (1) to gain an understanding of the ecological and evolutionary factors that shape patterns of tropical diversity, (2) to learn some of the ways in which humans use tropical wildlife, and (3) to understand the the threats faced by tropical ecosystems and explore alternatives for their conservation. Although examples will be drawn from a variety of tropical ecosystems, the course will focus primarily on the Neotropics.

Ecology Research Group (BOT 6935)

Credits: 1
Prerequisite: graduate student standing

This graduate seminar - co-led with Michelle Mack and Ted Schuur from Biology - provides a semi-formal forum for students to present results of ecological research. Topics presented cover a broad spectrum of issues related to the ecology of plants. Presentations range from moderated discussions of papers read by all group members, to presentations of preliminary data, to practice talks for job interviews. We strive to keep discussions dynamic, constructive, and focused on learning.