Biological Sciences 145 - Topic: Symbiotic Interactions

'From mutualism to parasitism, symbiosis is a universal feature of life. In this course we will study the mechanisms of symbiotic interactions and consider their significance for the ecology and evolution of organisms. We will explore some of the most spectacular and important examples of contemporary symbioses, from coral reefs to infectious diseases, and learn how symbiosis is responsible for major developments in the history of life, such as the origin of the eukaryotic cell and the evolution of sex. Along the way we will cover fundamental concepts in ecology, evolution, population genetics, and epidemiology.'