Exploring the recent, rapid decline of honey bees in the United States. A focus on the importance of the pollinators, the barriers to their survival, and the controversy buzzing about them will covered. Our discussions will emphasize critical thinking in science experimentation, the broad impacts of our decisions, the biological ramifications of species introduction/decline, and the social dynamics that complicate and create many of the problems that scientists, animals, and all of us experience.

Exploring the recent, rapid decline of honey bees in the United States. A focus on the importance of the pollinators, the barriers to their survival, and the controversy buzzing about them will covered. Our discussions will emphasize critical thinking in science experimentation, the broad impacts of our decisions, the biological ramifications of species introduction/decline, and the social dynamics that complicate and create many of the problems that scientists, animals, and all of us experience.

This seminar is designed to help international students who have never studied in the USA make a successful start at the university in the College of Natural Sciences. We will review campus resources and opportunities, give students the chance to ask lots of questions, and help students integrate into campus life. Undergraduate teaching assistants will mentor students and assist with the transition to the university.

What causes extinction? What can scientists and the public do to protect and conserve species diversity? This course will explore conservation biology: a mission-oriented field that uses science to protect and restore species and ecosystems. Students will construct case studies of conservation problems, debate controversial issues like genetic engineering of extinct species, and think critically about how to tackle pressing conservation challenges through science and community action.

What causes extinction? What can scientists and the public do to protect and conserve species diversity? This course will explore conservation biology: a mission-oriented field that uses science to protect and restore species and ecosystems. Students will construct case studies of conservation problems, debate controversial issues like genetic engineering of extinct species, and think critically about how to tackle pressing conservation challenges through science and community action.

Landing a date can be hard and sometimes you just can't find the right words to attract your love interest. But don't fret - you're not alone! Across the animal kingdom, many other species are in a similar predicament, and have evolved fascinating communication systems in order to advertise themselves in hopes of finding a companion. This course will explore the brains and behavior that lead to complex communication acts different animals employ to attract a mate, including birds that moonwalk, and fish that talk through electricity.

Ever wonder why birds sing or how bats catch prey in the dark? Animals use sound for a variety of functions critical to survival and reproduction: to attract mates, to navigate complex environments, to signal approaching threats, and more. In this seminar, we'll dive underwater with singing whales and clicking dolphins, and learn how scientists all over the world are decoding animal communication and exploring nature's acoustic landscape, one sound wave at a time.

This course will examine the intersection of ecology and economy of one of New England's iconic products: maple syrup. We will explore sugar maple's unique tree biology; the history of maple syrup production, including how technology, policy, and economics affect the industry; and the impacts of climate change on maple syrup and the forests it comes from. Students will learn to "think like a scientist" and develop skills in observation, making hypotheses, and understanding data while learning about nature's sweetener.

Paging Dr. Frankenfish! Is the genetic modification of other species by human scientists "ethical"? How do biologists approach moral problems and how can we make ethical decisions in our own everyday lives? In this class we will analyze such issues as animal testing, genetic modification, and eugenics practices from both a biological and a philosophical perspective. We will learn how to deconstruct academic articles and begin to navigate our way through the complex and often murky world of bioethics.

Did you know that dragonflies are the world's deadliest hunters? Or that mosquitoes kill over 1 million people every year? Join me in exploring topics in ecology, conservation, human-insect interactions, and what it means to be a scientist through the fascinating world of insects. Topics include mosquitoes: the good, the bad and the ugly, how to read a scientific paper, humanizing scientific research, and a workshop in catching and preserving insects. Come prepared to be curious, think critically, and learn new skills; it'll 'bee' delightful.