Vernal pools have served as model systems throughout much of biology, with their inhabitants yielding insights into the evolution of sex, metapopulation theory, endosymbiosis, endangered species conservation and more. In this course we explore ecology, evolution, and conservation through the lens of the ephemeral wetland microcosm. Each week we will examine case studies from the scientific literature, exploring the system from many different angles. A primary focus of the course will be on developing and defending scientific study designs.

This course will explore the history of cell biology and the experiments that taught us what we know today. We will read primary literary about most organelles to study their structure and function, and students will choose one function of the cell to write a mini-review about. We will also spend some time working hands-on with cells and microscopy data, although this is not a lab course.

Disease has influenced our civilization, and our civilization has influenced disease. How have the food industry, the media, politics, and technology affected our health? How have different races, genders, sexual orientations, and geographic locations been affected by modern disease? In this course, we will examine the relationship between disease and culture and how life as we know it has been affected. Students will read case studies and have debates about selected topics, and are invited to bring in news articles and primary literature to discuss.

To understand who we are and our place in the biosphere, we need to know from where we came and how we got here. Despite concerted focus, however, there still is uncertainty about our biological origins, our evolution, and our future. This course will serve as a scientific overview of human speciation and evolution. Topics of discussion will include: early evolution of the genus Homo and primates in general, hypotheses for human adaptations and historical movements, molecular vs.

This course focuses on the biological and cultural components of reproduction from an evolutionary and cross-cultural perspective. Beginning with the evolution of the pelvis, this course examines the nutritional problems, growth and developmental problems, health problems, and the trauma that can affect successful childbirth. The birth process will be studied for women in the ancient world and we will examine historical trends in obstetrics, as well. Worldwide rates of maternal mortality will be used to understand the risks that some women face.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the leading international body for the assessment of climate change. It was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1988 to provide the world with a clear scientific view on the current state of knowledge on climate change and its potential environmental and socio-economic impacts. Students will learn new data analysis methods through readings of IPCC papers and related material. Online readings may be required.

This course is designed as an introduction to the immune system. Our goal is to understand the basic elements of the immune system and the mechanisms by which these elements protect us from infectious agents, growth of tumors and other pathological conditions. The overview design of the course will not preclude us from exploring a few areas in depth and students will also have an opportunity to dig deeply into an area of their choosing when writing papers and doing group presentations. We will stress the experimental basis of each concept we discuss.

This course teaches the basic skills of film production, including camera work, editing, sound recording, and preparation and completion of a finished work in film and video. Students will submit weekly written responses to theoretical and historical readings and to screenings of films and videotapes, which represent a variety of aesthetic approaches to the moving image. There will be a series of filmmaking assignments culminating in an individual final project for the class. The development of personal vision will be stressed.

This course emphasizes three objectives: first, the acquisition of basic photographic skills, including composition, exposure, processing, and printing; second, familiarity with historical and contemporary movements in photography and the development of visual literacy; third, the deepening and expanding of a personal way of seeing. Students will have weekly shooting and printing assignments and, in addition, will complete a portfolio by the end of the semester. Prerequisite: 100 level course in Media Arts (Introduction to Media Arts (photo, film or video), Intro to Digital.

Recent decades have seen unprecedented changes in the economic landscape of most developing nations. This course examines the gendered sites, processes and consequences of some of these changes: the spread of neoliberalism, the increased hold of globalization, the growing rampancy of economic and political crises, war and humanitarian disasters, and increasing disillusionment with the erstwhile promises of development.