Coral reefs occupy a small portion of Earth’s surface, but their importance to the marine ecosystem is great. This course considers the geologic importance and ecological interactions of coral reefs. It focuses on the status of coral reefs worldwide, considering effects of environmental and anthropogenic disturbances (e.g., major storms, eutrophication, acidification, overfishing). Methods for reef conservation are examined. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required.

An advanced, applied course on ecological population modeling and data analysis. Students implement mathematical models describing population dynamics and species interactions as well as modern analytical approaches commonly applied to ecological data using the R computing language. Throughout this course students acquire skills in data analysis, data visualization, data management, code, reproducibility and modeling. Corequisite: BIO 372. Enrollment limited to 20.

An advanced course covering ecological modeling and data analysis. Students explore the principles of mathematical modeling to describe population dynamics and species interactions. Students also learn modern analytical approaches in the study of ecological communities and ecological experiments. In addition to theoretical quantitative foundations, students acquire the analytical skills to implement mathematical and statistical models using the R computing language. Corequisite: BIO 373.

This research-based lab allows students to explore the eukaryotic microbiomes associated with various environments on campus, including the greenhouse and marine aquaria. Students in the course master the basics of light microscopy, PCR and analyses of high-throughput sequencing data. Students also use the scanning electron microscope to survey their communities. The work in the course culminates in a poster presentation on the discoveries of the semester. Corequisite: BIO 370. Enrollment limited to 18.

This course focuses on the origin and diversification of microorganisms, with emphasis on eukaryotic lineages. The first weeks of lecture cover the origin of life on Earth and the diversification of bacteria and archaea. From there, students focus on the diversification of eukaryotes, examining the many innovations that mark some of the major clades of eukaryotes. Evaluation is based on a combination of class participation, short writings and an independent research paper. Concurrent registration in BIO 371 is strongly recommended but not required.

This course investigates key topics in the evolution of life history strategies, ranging from the molecular to the ecological, and emphasizes current research. Students explore concepts such as natural selection, evolutionary development (evo-devo), and sexual selection in an organism’s allocation of finite energetic resources to growth, survival, and reproduction. In addition to discussions of primary literature, students gain hands-on experience in presenting scientific concepts to a general audience.

This lab introduces the computational and quantitative tools underlying contemporary bioinformatics. Students explore the various approaches to phylogenetic reconstruction using molecular data, methods of data mining in genome databases, comparative genomics, structure-function modeling and the use of molecular data to reconstruct population and evolutionary history. Students are encouraged to explore datasets of particular interest to them. Corequisite: BIO 334. Enrollment limited to 16.

This lab introduces the computational and quantitative tools underlying contemporary bioinformatics. Students explore the various approaches to phylogenetic reconstruction using molecular data, methods of data mining in genome databases, comparative genomics, structure-function modeling and the use of molecular data to reconstruct population and evolutionary history. Students are encouraged to explore datasets of particular interest to them. Corequisite: BIO 334. Enrollment limited to 16.

This course focuses on methods and approaches in the emerging fields of bioinformatics and molecular evolution. Discussions include the quantitative examination of genetic variation, selective and stochastic forces shaping proteins and catalytic RNA, comparative analysis of whole genome data sets, comparative genomics and bioinformatics, and hypothesis testing in computational biology. The course explores the role of bioinformatics and comparative methods in the fields of molecular medicine, drug design and in systematic, conservation and population biology. Corequisite: BIO 335.

Instrument specific course highly recommended for students interested in using state-of-the-art microscopy techniques in research (special studies, honors, SURF, etc.). Participants get exposure to basic and advanced light and electron microscopy techniques available at Smith. Mechanical and optical components are reviewed. Operational parameters for improving image quality and data collection using digital imaging and image analysis techniques are discussed.