Have you ever heard someone mention Love Canal and been confused about what it was, what happened, and why it matters? Maybe you?ve seen signs up with the sentiment ?Not in my Backyard? or NIMBY and wondered what they mean? Perhaps you?ve heard the term environmental justice and been curious what exactly that implies and how we can reach it. If you?re at all interested in disasters, hazardous environmental conditions, or social and environmental equity and justice, this course is for you!

Have you ever heard someone mention Love Canal and been confused about what it was, what happened, and why it matters? Maybe you?ve seen signs up with the sentiment ?Not in my Backyard? or NIMBY and wondered what they mean? Perhaps you?ve heard the term environmental justice and been curious what exactly that implies and how we can reach it. If you?re at all interested in disasters, hazardous environmental conditions, or social and environmental equity and justice, this course is for you!

In the human body, bacteria and microorganisms outnumber your human cells 10 to 1. They have adapted ways to thrive in even the harshest of environments ? toxic hot springs, polar ice caps, hydrothermal vents, and the human body. In order to thrive in these varied environments, bacteria must be persistent, adaptable, diverse, resilient, strong, and even ?creative? and ?curious.? Using bacteria as our model, we will explore lessons about adapting to new environments to thrive at UMass and beyond.

In the human body, bacteria and microorganisms outnumber your human cells 10 to 1. They have adapted ways to thrive in even the harshest of environments ? toxic hot springs, polar ice caps, hydrothermal vents, and the human body. In order to thrive in these varied environments, bacteria must be persistent, adaptable, diverse, resilient, strong, and even ?creative? and ?curious.? Using bacteria as our model, we will explore lessons about adapting to new environments to thrive at UMass and beyond.

Bzzzz ? splat! These were almost certainly the last few seconds experienced by multiple mosquitoes hovering hopefully around you during the summer months. But how do they choose what organism to take a blood meal from? How did they find you when they?re just a small insect in a big, chaotic world? And how do they avoid being ?splatted?? This semester, we?ll explore the sensory capabilities of various invertebrate species including mosquitoes, wasps, spiders, and octopuses.

Bzzzz ? splat! These were almost certainly the last few seconds experienced by multiple mosquitoes hovering hopefully around you during the summer months. But how do they choose what organism to take a blood meal from? How did they find you when they?re just a small insect in a big, chaotic world? And how do they avoid being ?splatted?? This semester, we?ll explore the sensory capabilities of various invertebrate species including mosquitoes, wasps, spiders, and octopuses.

How do animals talk to each other if they can?t use words? The animal world has come up with some bizarre and amazing solutions to this problem. In this class we will dive into the diversity of methods animals use to exchange information and how these communication systems evolved. We will explore weird mating systems, outrageous physiological adaptations, extreme animal sounds and dances?all designed with the goal of communicating information to other individuals. Join us to develop a broader appreciation for the impact of ecology and evolution on animal behaviors.

How do animals talk to each other if they can?t use words? The animal world has come up with some bizarre and amazing solutions to this problem. In this class we will dive into the diversity of methods animals use to exchange information and how these communication systems evolved. We will explore weird mating systems, outrageous physiological adaptations, extreme animal sounds and dances?all designed with the goal of communicating information to other individuals. Join us to develop a broader appreciation for the impact of ecology and evolution on animal behaviors.

How do animals talk to each other if they can?t use words? The animal world has come up with some bizarre and amazing solutions to this problem. In this class we will dive into the diversity of methods animals use to exchange information and how these communication systems evolved. We will explore weird mating systems, outrageous physiological adaptations, extreme animal sounds and dances?all designed with the goal of communicating information to other individuals. Join us to develop a broader appreciation for the impact of ecology and evolution on animal behaviors.

Do you want to know what people all over the world eat? Are you interested in the health effects of your diet? Do you know how foods are processed from raw materials to products? If these questions interest you, this course is for you. In this class, we are going to explore the fantastic food kingdom together. We will go all over the world virtually to see different diets and you will create your own diet based on scientific principles. What?s more, dishes from every dining common will be analyzed and deciphered. Jump into this adventure together and enjoy!