Bruna Lab Home Page

Tropical Forest Community Ecology (BOT6935/LAS6905)

Credits: 1
Course Web Page
Prerequisite: intructor permission

Comprehensive overview of the conceptual foundations and advances in community ecology of tropical forests, with a strong emphasis in Latin American forests from which most examples are drawn. Co-taught with Kaoru Kitajima.

Ecology Research Group (BOT 6935)

Credits: 1
Course Web Page
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.

Design & Methods of Research (LAS 6935)

Credits: 3
Prerequisite: graduate student standing

The objective of this course is to enhance methodological knowledge and skills for carrying out interdisciplinary, applied research. The class is team-taught with Dr. Charles Wood (Center For Latin American Studies/Sociology).

Plant-Animal Interactions (WIS 5521)

Credits: 3
Prerequisite: graduate student standing

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.

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.