Courses

• 812 - Agronomy

Selection Theory-Quantitative Traits (James Coors)

This course will review the process of selection with particular application to plants and plant breeding. The theory of selection with be developed for a single locus and expanded to incorporate all aspects of recurrent, pedigree, and other methods of selection using both traditional and molecular approaches. We will also deal with aspects of natural selection and evolution that directly relate to plant breeding. 3 cr/alt even spring

• 338 - Agronomy

Plant Breeding and Biotechnology (Shawn Kaeppler)

Crosslisted with Horticulture. Principles of transferring plant genes by sexual, somatic, and molecular methods and the application of gene transfer in plant breeding and genetic engineering to improve crop plants. Perequisites: Botany 130 or Genetics 160 or Biocore 301 or consent instructor. 3 cr/alt years.

• 105 - Anthropology

Principles-Biological Anthropology (John Hawks)

Recently, including Linear Models with Applications in Biology; Bayesian Methods and applications to Biology. Genetic basis of morphological, physiological and behavioral variations within and between human populations, and their origins and evolution. Lecture and discussion section. P: Open to Fr with HS biology or cons inst. 3 cr/every fall.

• 458 - Anthropology

Primate Behavioral Ecology (Karen Strier)

Examines the social behavior of primates from an evolutionary and ecological perspective. The lectures, readings, and films fall into three categories: the evolutionary and biogeographical history of primates and evolutionary theory; topics in primate ecology, social relationships, social organization, and communication; and conservation. Assumes a basic familiarity with biology for undergraduate or beginning graduate students. 3 cr/alteven spring

• 603 - Anthropology

Seminar in Evolutionary Theory (John Hawks)

Evolutionary theory relevant to human evolution, including morphological, behavioral, and genetical aspects. Consent of instructor & instruction in morphology, heredity, and statistics. 3 cr.

• 658 - Anthropology

Ecological Models-Behavior (Karen Strier)

Examines the theoretical assumptions and empirical development of optimality models in behavioral ecology. Explores the application of these models to the evolution of body size and life history parameters, foraging behavior, social organization, mate choice, and reproductive strategies. Assumes familiarity with evolutionary theory and animal behavior for advanced undergraduates and graduate students. 3 cr/even fall.

• 425 - Bacteriology

Environmental Microbiology (Paul Weimer)

Relationship of microorganisms to one another and to the physical, chemical, and biological environment. Theme of the course is on microbial life outside the laboratory, and emphasizes microbial response to continually-changing environmental challenges. Approximately one-half of the course is devoted to basic concepts in microbial ecology and a survey of microbial life in various aquatic and terrestrial habitats (including those of extreme temperature, pH, pressure, and salinity). The other one-half of the course emphasizes the use of microbes to mitigate environmental problems of agricultural, domestic, and industrial origins. Level is intermediate microbiology. 3 cr/spr.

• 607a - Bacteriology

Advanced Microbial Genetics (Gary Roberts)

The purpose of this course is to enable beginning graduate students to read and understand the literature on genetic and molecular biology of bacteria and lower eukaryotes. The course will utilize both standard lecture format as well as group discussion of primary literature. It will cover basic topics of genetic analysis, emphasizing methodology as well as important discoveries. While the course will address all major topics of importance, it will focus particularly on those that most likely to be utilized by students in their research or on areas which are of particularly broad biological importance. Approximately 2/3 of the course will focus on prokaryotic systems with the remainder devoted to lower eukaryotes. 3 cr/fall.

• 450 - Bacteriology

Diversity, Ecology, and Evolution of Microorganisms (Cameron Currie)

The curriculum will cover fundamental topics in the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology, with the explicit goal of providing students with a solid understanding of these sub-disciplines of biology. Equally important, by incorporating active learning methods, we will apply these key EEB concepts to questions related to microbes. In addition, the phylogenetic diversity of microbes will be explored. 2cr/TBA

• 450 - Bacteriology

Diversity, Ecology and Evolution of Microorganisms (Cameron Currie)

The curriculum will cover fundamental topics in the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology (EEB), with the explicit goal of providing students with a solid understanding of these sub-disciplines of biology. Equally important, by incorporating active learning methods, we will apply these key EEB concepts to questions related to microbes. In addition, the phylogenetic diversity of microbes will be explored. 2 cr/spr.

• 711 - Biochemistry

Sequence Analysis (Ann Palmenberg)

Cross-listed with AHABS 722. Lecture. Topics will include overview of: RNA, DNA, and protein structure; mechanisms of genetic change; sequence generation methods; comparison and alignment algorithms; motif recognition; 2D predictions; phylogeny calculations; database searching; discriminating coding criteria; phenotypic selection; phylogenetic reconstruction. Perequisite: graduate standing. 2 cr/fall even years

• 712 - Biochemistry

Sequence Analysis Lab (Ann Palmenberg)

Cross-listed with AHABS 712. Topics will include: Overview of UNIX including file and directory management; introduction to sequence analysis; database searching; comparsion methods; alignments; profiles and profile searching; pattern recogition; phylogenetic reconstruction; bibliographic information retrieval. Perequisites: graduate standing and concurrent registration in Biochemistry 711. 1 cr. lab/fall alt. even years.

• 301 - BioCore

Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics (Evelyn Howell)

Biocore is a four-semester interdepartmental honors sequence that provides a broad as well as a solid background for further work in any biological field. Biocore 301 is the first course in the sequence and serves as a foundation for the subsequent courses. Students are expected to have completed Math 221 and Chemistry 104 or 109 or 115 and to be concurrently (or previously) enrolled in Chem 343 when they begin Biocore. Students wishing to enroll in the Biocore program must apply for admission at the beginning of spring semester prior to fall enrollment. Biocore 301 is accompanied by a separate 2-credit lab course. (See the description for Biocore 302: Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics Laboratory.) Biocore 301 includes an introduction to the fundamental ideas of evolutionary thought: Darwin's life and ideas, the origin and diversity of species, mechanisms of speciation, phylogeny, and the history of life. The course also addresses ecology, focusing first on the distribution and adaptations of organisms and then on populations, communities, the flow of matter and energy through ecosystems, and some of the ways humans have changed ecosystems. The genetics section emphasizes transmission genetics, including Mendel's laws, cell division, and the structural and functional organization of chromosomes. The course concludes with a discussion of the ways in which genetics can help us to understand evolution. 3 cr/fall. Note: All of the Biocore courses are honors courses and very challenging; however, it is not necessary to be in the Honors Program to participate in Biocore. It is necessary to apply for admission to the program in the Biocore Office (345 Noland Hall, 262-5979) between mid-January and early March the semester before beginning the sequence.

• 302 - BioCore

Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics lab (Janet Batzli)

Biocore 302 is an intensive beginning laboratory course designed to be taken concurrently with Biocore 301 (Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics). The laboratory course gives students practical experience working with the concepts introduced in lecture. The ecology section of the lab centers around fieldwork activities at the Biocore Prairie restoration site and a nearby wetland during the first part of the semester. Later projects deal with Mendelian genetics, cell division, genetic linkage and phylogenies. This is a writing-intensive course with an emphasis on students making observations and generating and testing their own ideas. 2 cr/fall.

• 776 - Biostatistics

Advanced Bioinformatics (Colin Dewey)

Cross-listed with Computer Sciences 776. This course aims to provide an understanding of the fundamental computational problems in molecular biology and a core set of widely used algorithms. This is the second of two courses on bioinformatics. The topics it will cover include: probabilistic methods for sequence modeling, gene expression analysis, phylogenetic tree construction, protein structure prediction, RNA modeling, whole-genome analysis, and algorithms for exploiting biomedical text sources. Perequisite: Biostatistics and medical Informatics 576. 3 cr.

• 576 - Biostatistics

Introduction to Bioinformatics ( Faculty)

Algorithms for computational problems in molecular biology. Crosslisted with Computer Sciences. David Page (Fall)

• 330 - Botany

Algae (Linda Graham)

Biology of protists, focusing on photosynthetic ones, including evolution. 3 cr/fall.

• 360 - Botany

Bryophytes (Linda Graham)

An intermediate course satisfying the breadth requirements for the BA/BS degrees. Prerequisites: a 5 credit course in Botany, or a course in the general biology that includes an introduction to cell and molecular biology, and principles of evolution, systematics and ecology. Ecology, evolution, systematics, taxonomy, physiology, biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology of mosses, liverworts and hornworts. Major lecture emphasis on the roles of mosses in peatland carbon cycling, diversity of bryophytes in temperate and tropical forests, and the evolutionary relationships of bryophytes and vascular plants. Laboratory focuses on techniques for identification and culture. 3 cr/summer.

• 400 - Botany

Plant Systematics (Kenneth Sytsma)

Plant systematicsthe integration of taxonomy (identification, nomenclature, classification emphasizing flowering plants), evolution (speciation, reproductive biology, adaptation, convergence, biogeography), and phylogenetics (phenetics, cladistics, morphology and molecules). Lab emphasis on representative families and genera of flowering plants in Wisconsin, use of keys and manuals, plant collection. 4 cr/fall.

• 422 - Botany

Plant Geography (Kenneth Sytsma)

Biogeography is the study of the distributions of plants through time. The theme of this course is taken from Leon Croizat "earth and life evolve together". The course will examine the distributions of plants from the perspectives of both ecology (biomes, climate, vegetation) and history (floristics, phylogenetics, paleobotany). 3 cr/alt odd spr.

• 828 - Botany

Evolutionary Plant Ecology (Donald Waller)

This course explores selected topics in contemporary evolutionary biology, concentrating on plant examples. We begin by reviewing mechanisms of selection and the nature of adaptation. We then consider the evolution of plant life histories, including longevity, iteroparity vs. semelparity, seed size and dormancy, plant architecture, and patterns of clonal growth. We then turn to ecological genetics, evaluating how population processes affect the genetic structure of populations and the metrics calculated from molecular data that are used to characterize population genetic structure. Finally, we review ideas concerning the evolution of plant mating systems and gender strategies with emphasis on the causes and consequences of inbreeding and how recombination affects the genetic load. Prerequisites include courses in genetics, ecology, and statistics.

• 940 - Botany

Seminar in Plant Systematics and Evolution (David Baum)

Graduate level seminar course focusing on systematic and evolutionary topics. Emphasis on cross-disciplinary areas of current research using recently published papers. Faculty and students share responsiblity for the weekly topics. Topics in recent semesters include phylogeography, systematics, evolution & development; key innovation and species radiations; Island biology; analytical biogeography; pollination biology; systematics of Asteraceae; hybridization and introgression; species & speciation. Also taught by Emshwiller, Larget, and Sytsma. 1 cr.

• 940 - Botany

Seminar in Plant Systematics and Evolution (Kenneth Sytsma)

Graduate level seminar course focusing on systematic and evolutionary topics. Emphasis on cross-disciplinary areas of current research using recently published papers. Faculty and students share responsiblity for the weekly topics. Topics in recent semesters include phylogeography, systematics, evolution & development; key innovation and species radiations; Island biology; analytical biogeography; pollination biology; systematics of Asteraceae; hybridization and introgression; species & speciation. Also taught by Emshwiller, Larget, and Sytsma. 1 cr.

• 260 - Botany

Introduction to Ecology (and evolution) (Donald Waller)

A survey course for non-biology majors wanting to learn how to critically evaluate ecological issues. Designed to inform you how human activities affect biotic systems and increase your interest in nature. Threats to natural systems, the global extinction crisis, global warming, habitat loss and fragmentation, invasions of exotic species, over-harvesting, and threats to particular ecosystems. We also consider what science is, what ecology is, and how it is applied. 3 cr/fall.

• 575 - Botany

Special Topics (David Baum)

Topics to cover effective teaching of evolutionary biology. 3 cr.

• 100 - Botany

Survey of Botany (Linda Graham)

Principles of bioscience are illustrated by a survey of microbes and plants. Major emphases on the roles of plants and microbes in the past and present global ecology, and the past and present uses of plants and microbes by humans, including emerging applications of biotechnology. 3 cr/spr.

• 201 - Entomology

Insects and Human Culture (Walter Goodman)

Entomology/IES 201 is a basic course in entomology designed for the non-major. The course covers the biodiversity of insects, their life styles, and basic physiological functions. Emphasis is also placed on medical entomology, agricultural entomology and environmental entomology.

• 302 - Entomology

Introduction to Entomology (Daniel Young)

A general introduction to the biology and classification of insects, the course surveys insect structure, function, development, and evolution. Concepts of physiology, ecology, and behavior are introduced, and the reasons for the success and diversity of insects are examined. Coevolved relationships and social structure are also covered. The laboratory introduces students to arthropod anatomy, insect morphology, development, and a survey of insect orders and major families. An insect collection is required. 4 cr/fall&spr.

• 473 - Entomology

Plant-Insect Intetractions (Kenneth Raffa)

Crosslisted with Botany, Zoology). This course describes the multiple ways in which arthropods exploit plants, and how these interactions can benefit or adversely affect plant growth, survival, and competition. Topics include plant traits that deter or augment insect behavior and development, insect behavioral and physiological counter adaptations, and environmental mediation of these interactions. Consequences of plant-herbivore interactions to insect population dynamics, plant succession and community ecology, and co-evolution are discussed. Possible implications of basic plant-insect interaction theory to natural resource management, environmental quality and sustainable development are considered. 3 cr/even spr.

• 903 - Entomology

Graduate Seminar in Organismal Entomology (Claudio Gratton)

This graduate-level course will meet once per week (1 hr) to discuss emerging areas in insect/arthropod community and ecosystem ecology. In particular, we aim to gain an understanding of the theory and the empirical state of knowledge of how interactions among organisms in terrestrial food webs are affected by, and in turn affect, processes at the ecosystem level. Relevant topics include: impacts of pest outbreaks on ecosystem porcesses (e.g., nutrient cycling), effects of atmospheric change in insect communities, land use change and soil food webs, community interactions in restoration and conservation, agricultural ecosystems, etc. Discussions will be centered on the primary literature. Students will be responsible for leading informal discussions on one or several topics over the course of the semester. We encourage the participation of students from a wide diversity of disciplines. 1 cr.

• 472 - Entomology

Molecular Evolution ( Faculty)

The aim of this course is to convey the basic principles of molecular evolution. All major areas of molecular evolution will be covered in this course. Topics will include: genes in populations, genetic variation, rates and pattersn of genetic change, phylogenetic principles, molecular clocks, polymorphisms in populations, gene duplications and concerted evolution, genome organization and evolution, and mutation and selection in molecular evolution. While there will be an emphasis on insect model systems, examples from other groups of organisms also will be presented and discussed. This course will meet the sub_organismal course requirement for entomology graduate students. Also, while not mandatory for undergraduates, this course will be part of core undergraduate entomology curriculum. This course also will be part of the core curriculum for Biology majors (Ecology and Evolution section). Perequisite: Genetics 466 or Biocore sequence or consent of instructor. 3 cr/NOT OFFERED AT THIS TIME.

• 342 - Entomology

Insect Ecology (Richard Lindroth)

Ecology of insects as individuals, populations, and components of communities and ecosystems. Emphasis is on interactions of insects with their biotic and abiotic environment. 3 cr/alt even fall

• 472 - Genetics

Molecular Evolution ( Faculty)

The aim of this course is to convey the basic principles of molecular evolution. All major areas of molecular evolution will be covered in this course. Topics will include: genes in populations, genetic variation, rates and pattersn of genetic change, phylogenetic principles, molecular clocks, polymorphisms in populations, gene duplications and concerted evolution, genome organization and evolution, and mutation and selection in molecular evolution. While there will be an emphasis on insect model systems, examples from other groups of organisms also will be presented and discussed. This course will meet the sub_organismal course requirement for entomology graduate students. Also, while not mandatory for undergraduates, this course will be part of core undergraduate entomology curriculum. This course also will be part of the core curriculum for Biology majors (Ecology and Evolution section). Perequisite: Genetics 466 or Biocore sequence or consent of instructor. 3 cr/NOT OFFERED AT THIS TIME.

• 466 - Genetics

General Genetics ( Faculty)

(Crosslisted with Botany, Zoology 466.) Genetics in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Includes Mendelian genetics, mapping, molecular genetics, genetic engineering, cytogenetics, quantitative genetics, and population genetics. Illustrative material includes viruses, bacteria, plants, fungi, insects, and humans. Perequisites: Algebra, 1 yr chem and 1 yr biology or cons inst. 3 cr/fall,spr.

• 565 - Genetics

Human Genetics (Bret Payseur)

(Crosslisted with Medical Genetics 565.) I; Principles, problems, and methods of human genetics. Surveys aspects of medical genetics, biochemical genetics, molecular genetics, cytogenetics, quantitative genetics, and variation as applied to humans. P: Genet 466 or equiv or cons inst. Prolla/Payseur. 3 cr/fall

• 875 - Genetics

Genomic and Proteomic Analysis (Audrey Gasch)

Biology is being transformed by rapidly developing genomic and proteomic technologies that produce massive amounts of biological data. Central to this transformation is the analysis of that data to extract meaning and provide insights into biology. This course will survey genomic and proteomic approaches and methods of data analysis. We will cover conceptual aspects as well as methodology and technical advances that are central to obtaining and exploring genomic and proteomic data. Taught also with Nicole Perna and Ahna Skop. http://skop.genetics.wisc.edu/Genetics875.html

• 875 - Genetics

Genomics and Proteomic Analysis (Nicole Perna)

Biology is being transformed by rapidly developing genomic and proteomic technologies that produce massive amounts of biological data. Central to this transformation is the analysis of those data to extract meaning and provide insights into biology. This course will survey genomic and proteomic approaches and methods of data analysis. We will cover conceptual aspects as well as methodology and technical advances that are central to obtaining and exploring genomic and proteomic data. Also taught with Gasch, Skop.

• 610 - Genetics

Quantitative Genetics ( Faculty)

(Crosslisted with AnSci 610.) I; 3 cr. (B-A) An advanced approach with emphasis on statistical foundations. Classical theory with extensions to maternal and paternal effects. Selection theory is considered in depth. P: Genetics 466 and Statistics 572 or cons inst.

• 110 - Geology and Geophysics

Evolution and Extinction (Dana Geary)

An introduction to evolution. The first half of the course focuses on the process of evolution, including its molecular basis, adaptation, natural and sexual selection, and speciation. The second half surveys the history of life on earth over the past 3.5 billion years, with a focus on vertebrate evolution. We also discuss the major extinctions and their causes, and today's environmental situation in the light of the geologic past. Taught with Byers. 3 cr/fall, spr.

• 540 - Geology and Geophysics

Invertebrate Paleontology (Dana Geary)

An introduction to the most important groups of invertebrates in the fossil record. Surveys the morphology, paleoecology, evolution, and geologic history of the protozoans, sponges, cnidarians, bryozoans, brachiopods, molluscs, arthropods, and echinoderms. Lectures address the geologic history of each group, its range of habitats, functional morphology, paleoecological and paleoenvironmental significance, and basic patterns of diversification and extinction. Lab exercises will focus on the recognition of basic morphological features of fossils and identification of important taxa. 3 cr/alt odd fall.

• 541 - Geology and Geophysics

Paleobiology (Dana Geary)

We focus on what the fossil record reveals about the evolutionary process. Topics include: the study of form; resolution in the fossil record; interpreting character variation in the fossil record; the pace of evolution; driving or directing evolutionary change; extinction; long-term patterns in the fossil record. 3 cr/even fall.

• 304 - Geology and Geophysics

Geobiology (Clay Kelly)

An introduction to the most important groups of invertebrates in the fossil record. Surveys the morphology, paleoecology, evolution, and geologic history of the protozoans, sponges, cnidarians, bryozoans, brachiopods, mollusks, arthropods, and echinoderms. Lectures address the geologic history of each group, its range of habits, functional morphology, paleoecological and paleoenvironmental significance, and basic patterns of diversification and extinction. Lab exercises will focus on the recognition of basic morphological features of fossils and identification of important taxa. 3 cr/spr. 3 cr/spr..

• 740 - Geology and Geophysics

Micropaleontology I (Clay Kelly)

Microscopic fossils; conodonts, foraminifera, and ostracodes in particular; their biology, ecology, evolution, and stratigraphic distribution. Perequisite: Geol 541. 3cr.

• 107 - Geology and Geophysics

Life of the Past (Richard Slaughter)

Minerals, rocks, geologic time; origin of life; paleobiology, evolution and classification of fossil plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Lecture, lab. Field trip optional. P: Not open to those who have had Geol 204. Open to Fr. 3 cr/spr., fall

• 117 - Geology and Geophysics

Life in Extreme Environments (Eric Roden)

Mechanisms of evolution, major groups of the fossil record, primary events in life history, and connections between biosphere and physical earth. Perequisite: Geology 204.

• 544 - Geology and Geophysics

Evolution of Vertebrates ( Faculty)

Irr.; 2 cr (P-I). Vertebrate paleontology. Elements of vertebrate morphology, ecology, and the stratigraphic significance of vertebrate evolution. P: Geol 100, 101, 107, 204 or Zoology 101 or 151.

• 333 - History of Science

History of Modern Biology (Lynn Nyhart)

This course focuses on the history of biology since the mid-nineteenth century. The central stories concern the history of genetics from its agricultural origins in the nineteenth century to the recent history of recombinant DNA and the history of evolution from Darwin's time through the 'new synthesis' in the mid-twentieth century up to the sociobiological 'synthesis' of the 1970s; some attention will also be paid to the rise of ecology. Through these stories, we will grapple with biologists' ideas about reductionism, holism, and levels of biological organization; analyze different modes of scientific practice (lab work, fieldwork, theorizing); and consider the institutional and broader social politics of biology as it has developed over the last century or so. Finally, we will also consider how these various themes are reflected in the ways that the history of biology as been written, by critically examining and comparing scientists' and historians' accounts.

• 343 - History of Science

The Darwinian Revolution (Lynn Nyhart)

The publication of Charles Darwin's famous book, On the Origin of Species, has often been viewed as a pivotal event in both the history of biology and the broader history of civilization. This course explores the validity of the claim of a Darwinian "revolution," examining the state of evolutionary thought before and after Darwin's famous publication. We will follow two chief aspects of evolutionary thoery: its scientific twists and turns, and its significance as a broader cultural way of thought, with both religious and sociopolitical implications. At the border between these two realms lies the subject of human evolution, which will form a third distinct theme in the course. Coverage will extend across Britain, Europe, and America, and across audiences from elite scientists to the broader reading public. While concentrating mainly on the nineteenth century, the course will also take the story forward through the 'Modern Synthesis' of evolution and genetics in the 1940s to recent issues. 3 cr./ junior standing or consent of instructor.

• 501 - Horticulture

Principles-Plant Breeding (Irwin Goldman)

Crosslisted with Agronomy. The primary purpose of this course is to expose students to the artistic and scientific pursuit of plant improvement. We draw heavily upon genetics, plant biology, statistics, horticulture, agronomy, biotechnology, and supporting sciences in an effort to present a comprehensive package of the mechanisms, concepts, and philosophy behind plant breeding. We endeavor: ? To develop an understanding of the biological principals that limit and enhance the improvement of plant populations through breeding. ? To understand ways in which plants may be manipulated to meet breeding objectives. ? To understand which breeding methods are optimal for a particular situation. ? To develop an ability to approach the solution of breeding problems systematically using appropriate principals, procedures and techniques. The course is developed through lectures, discussions, hand-on experiences, and examples from the literature. 3 cr/spr.

• 523 - Philosophy

Philosophy of Biology (Elliott Sober)

This course will examine a range of philosophical questions concerning the theory of evolution. We'll begin with the debate between evolutionism and creationism. Then we'll discuss questions concerning fitness, adaptation, the units of selection, and systematics. We'll also consider whether there are laws in evolutionary biology and whether biology is "reducible" to physics. Finally, we'll consider the bearing of evolutionary theory on the question of whether there is such a thing as "human nature," the relevance of evolutionary theory to explaining features of human mind, behavior, and culture, and the relevance of evolutionary theory to ethical questions.

• 525 - Plant Pathology

Comparative Ecology-Micro and Macroorganisms (John Andrews)

An integration of the principles of microbial ecology and plant/animal ecology. Course topics include genetic variation, nutritional mode, size, growth form, life cycle, and environment. 3 cr/even spring.

• 992 - Statistics

Statistical Phylogenies (Bret Larget)

The topic of this seminar courses changes each semester. Irregularly offered by Cecile Ane or Bret Larget is a course statistical phylogenetics

• 360 - Wildlife Ecology

Extinction of Species (Stan Temple)

A comprehensive treatment of the ecology, causes, and consequences of species extinctions. Factors considered include ecology and problems of individual species, socio-economic pressures, and conservation techniques and strategies. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and an introductory biology course. Perequisite: sophomore standing and intro biology. 3 cr/fall.

• 260 - Zoology

Introductory Ecology (Anthony Ives)

This course will introduce you to a broad range of ecological ideas. My choice of topics is based on three criteria: (1) Is the topic so basic to ecology that any course in ecology has to discuss it?; (2) Is the topic important for understanding current social and political issues?; and (3) Is the topic just plain neat? Many of the topics will fall into the third category, and I have taken a fair amount of liberty in selecting the course material. I hope to convince you that ecology is fun and exciting, but also that there are many problems facing the world that can be solved only with a greater understanding of ecology. This course is not a course in politics, sociology, environmental management or philosophy. Instead, the course is about the science of ecology, and what ecology has to say about the way in which the world works. Although ecology is a young science, it already has a very solid scientific foundation based on observations and experiments. I want to show you some of this foundation. 3 cr/spr.

• 410 - Zoology

Evolutionary Biology (Andrew Peters)

Crosslisted with Anthro, Botany. Emphasis throughout is on how modern scientists actually study (do research in) evolutionary biology. History of Evolutionary Thought; Overview of Evidence for Evolution; DNA and Heredity; Variation, Natural Selection, and Mutations; The Theory of Natural Selection; Non-Random Mating; Basic Statistics; Genetic Drift; Molecular Evolution and the Neutral Theory; Multi-locus Population Genetics; Polygenic Characters and Quantitative Genetics; The Idea of a Species; Speciation; Reconstructing Phylogenies and Character Evolution; Systematics and Taxonomy; Adaptive Explanations; The Comparative Method and Phylogenetic Statistics; Allometry and Novelty; Darwinian Medicine; Defining and Studying Adaptation; Sexual Selection; Evolutionary Biogeography; Rates of Evolution; Macroevolutionary Change; Macroevolutionary Trends, Coevolution, Species Selection; The Fossil Record; Extinction and Mass Extinction. 3 cr/spr

• 425 - Zoology

Evolution of Behavior (Jenny Boughman)

This course investigates how evolutionary processes shape behavior, focusing on the influence of natural, sexual, and kin selection. The course will provide the background needed to understand behavioral evolution, including the basic principles of behavioral genetics, natural selection, sexual selection, kin selection, cultural evolution, optimality, game theory & evolutionary stable strategies, and the comparative method. In the context this background provides, we'll study the evolution of a variety of behaviors, including communication, mate choice, parental care, mating systems, social behavior, cooperation, foraging, anti-predator behavior, territoriality, and orientation. Examples will be taxonomically broad and include insects and other arthropods, other invertebrates, and vertebrates. 3 cr/fall.

• 511 - Zoology

Ecology of Fishes Lab (Jake Vander Zanden)

Laboratory course on fishes to go with Zoology 510, Ecology of Fishes. Meets one afternoon per week. Purposes of the laboratory are (1) to learn the classification of Wisconsin fishes and how to identify them, along with sufficient anatomy for that purpose; (2) to conduct laboratory exercises on fish ecology, and (3) to sample fishes in a local aquatic habitat. May be taken concurrently with or after Zoology 510.

• 525 - Zoology

Animal Structural Design (Karen Steudel)

GOALS: By the end of this course you should be able to: 1) Have a good understanding of the biomechanics underlying animal locomotion in aquatic, aerial and terrestrial systems. 2) Understand why animal size is so important and how it can be both a complication and a tool in the analysis of animal form. Know how to avoid the problems of size variation and know how to use that variation to your advantage. 3) Understand how factors other than biomechanics influence animal form. 4) Know how biologists evaluate the actual relationship between structure and performance. 5) Know how the study of form can be used to tell us about the adaptations of fossil specimens. 6) Understand the field of locomotor energetics well enough to design and carry out a novel experimental test of an actual problem in that area. In addition to the factual knowledge given above, this course should also help you in collaborating and developing interpersonal interaction abilities in scientific settings, and in developing your capacity for critical thinking, experimentation and other conceptual skills. 3 cr/spr.

• 611 - Zoology

Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology (Carol Lee)

Evolution of physiological function across habitats and across animal lineages examines functional adaptation to the environment makes comparisons among animal taxa. 3 cr/spr. Taught with Gammie.

• 612 - Zoology

Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology Lab (Carol Lee)

This 2 credit laboratory requires previous or concurrent enrollment in the Comparative Physiology Lecture course, Zoology 611. The labs, limited to 16 students per section, are designed to encourage independent, critical, and hypothesis-driven thinking. Students will propose experiments and methods for testing hypotheses. After experiments are completed, students will write a paper in a scientific publication format. 2 cr/spr.

• 619 - Zoology

Biology of Mind ( Faculty)

Crosslisted with Anthropology, Neuroscience, Psychology I. This course is now taught by John Hawks (Anthropology Dept.) in the fall term, Deric Bownds (Zoology) or Ruth Benca (Psychiatry, Psychology) in the spring term. The content indicated below is for the Bownds course, Hawk and Benca cover similar material, but put more emphasis on their respective areas of anthropology or medicine. This is an interdisciplinary writing intensive course that integrates material from different academic areas. It develops the description that each of us is a society of minds that emerge from our evolutionary history and from the way our brains form as we grow up in a particular natural ecology and cultural setting. The transitions from primate through early hominid to modern human intelligence are discussed, along with modern studies of brain mechanisms underlying vision, emotions, language, memory and learning. The course emphasizes critical thinking skills, is intended primarily for seniors, and requires as prerequisite a college level elementary course in biology or psychology. See also http://mind.bocklabs.wisc.edu/mind.html

• 957a - Zoology

Theoetical Population Genetics (Andrew Peters)

Special topics seminar. Graduate standing or consent of instructor. 1 cr.

• 957b - Zoology

Speciation (Jenny Boughman)

This seminar will cover theoretical and empirical work on speciation - from the development of ideas during the modern synthesis to present day work investigating the processes of speciation (natural and sexual selection, drift, chromosomal changes). We'll cover topics such as reinforcement, sympatric speciation, phylogenetic approaches, and genetics of speciation. 1 cr/fall.

• 151 - Zoology

Introductory Biology ( Faculty)

First semester of a two semester course designed for majors in biological sciences. Topics include: cell structure and function, cellular metabolism (enzymes, respiration, photosynthesis), information flow (DNA, RNA, protein), principles of genetics and a survey of the five major kingdoms of organisms. Perequisite: High school chemistry, or concurrent enrollment in college chemistry. Open to Freshmen. Not for full credit for those who have taken Botany 100, 130; Zoology 101,102; or equivalent. 5 cr/fall, spr.