CEB Courses
30300 | Key Issues in Early Vertebrate Evolution
ORGB 31300
The course addresses questions about the origin of vertebrates, the interrelationships of major gnathostome clades, and the fish-tetrapod transition. Undergraduate level chordate biology required; familiarity with methods in systematic biology advantageous. M. Coates
30400, 30500 | Vertebrate Paleobiology
ORGB 31400, 31500
Systematics, morphology, ecology, and evolution of fossil vertebrates. Open to undergraduates. M. Coates, P. Sereno, N. Shubin.
30600 | Molecular Evolutionary Genetics
ECEV 30600
This course deals with advanced topics in evolutionary genetics and molecular evolution. the main goal is to survey the frontiers and to develop research projects of the future. C.-I.Wu.
30700 | Computational Biology
ECEV 30700
This course provides mathematical and statistical backgrounds and computational skills in computational biology. Laboratory sessions are an integral part of the course, so students can have hands-on practice of computer skills. Topics will cover theory and methods for comparative analyses of DNA and protein sequence data; statistical tests of molecular clocks; methods of phylogenetic reconstruction and statistical tests of phylogenies; gene identification in DNA sequences; protein homology detection; and structure prediction methods using protein sequences. Prerequisite: BIOS 18200; Math 15300; Stat 24400-24500 (or equivalent), or consent of instructor. W.-H. Li.
30800 | Current Topics in Evolutionary Genomics
ECEV 30800
This course will cover current topics in evolutionary genomics including comparative genomics, evolution of duplicate genes, evolution of genome structure and organization, evolution of protein-protein interaction network, and evolution of gene expression. It will also review methods for data analyses. Some background in molecular evolution is required. W.-H. Li.
30900 | Evolution and Medicine
ECEV 30900
A seminar-reading-discussion course on medical implications of different areas in the evolutionary half of biology. L. Van Valen, M. Stoller.
31000 | Evolutionary Processes
ECEV 31000, BIOS 29306, CHSS 34800
Discussion, essays, and much reading on conceptual and empirical aspects of the evolutionary half of biology. Also a laboratory in the philosophy of science. Prerequisite:consent of instructor. L. Van Valen.
31100 | Mammal Evolution
BIOS 23260
An introduction to the major features of mammalian evolution. The course will survey major groups of mammals, including both living and fossil taxa. We will focus on phylogeny, morphology, biogeography, and patterns of diversification and extinction, using illustrations from Field Museum’s world-class collections of fossil and living mammals. Transportation to and from the museum will be arranged as needed.
31200 | Data Analysis in Ecology and Evolution
ECEV 31200
This course covers the design and analysis of experiments, focusing on tests used commonly in evolutionary biology. Both parametric and nonparametric tests will be considered. J. Bergelson, T. Price.
31300 | Ecological Applications To Conservation Biology
ECEV 31300, BIOS 23351
We focus on the contribution of ecological theory to the understanding of current issues in conservation biology. the course emphasizes quantitative methods and their use for applied problems in ecology, such as the design of nature reserves, the risk of extinction and the impact of harvesting, the dynamics of species invasions, and the role of species interactions. Course material is drawn mostly from the current primary literature. Two Saturday field trips and computer modeling labs are in addition to scheduled class time. J. Bergelson, C. Pfister.
31400 | Geographical Variation
ECEV 31400
Theoretical and empirical aspects of geographical variation in population genetics will be treated. Theoretical topics will include protected polymorphism and clines maintained by migration and selection; random genetic drift in a cline; and spatial patterns under migration, mutation, and random genetic drift. Estimation from molecular gene-frequency data of parameters that describe population structure and the relative contribution of random genetic drift and natural selection will be covered. Offered in even-numbered years. Prerequisite: basic population genetics. M. Kreitman, T. Nagylaki.
31500 | Quantitative Genetics
ECEV 31500
Theoretical topics will include basic population genetics; the decomposition of the variance and the correlation between relatives with random mating, inbreeding, and assortative mating; selection; mutation-selection balance; and random genetic drift. Empirical examples from human genetics will be presented. Offered in odd-numbered years. Prerequisite: basic population genetics. T. Nagylaki.
31700 | Macroevolution
GEOS 31700
Patterns and processes of evolution above the species level, in both Recent and fossil organisms. A survey of the current literature, along with case studies. Prereq: consent of the instructor. D. Jablonski.
31800 | Taphonomy
GEOS 31800
Research-oriented lecture and seminar course on processes and patterns of fossilization, including rates and controls of soft-tissue decomposition, hydraulic behavior of skeletal hard parts, differential preservation of biominerals, and live/dead interactions with consequences for paleontological and evolutionary analysis. Post-mortem phenomena will be examined at the level of individual organisms and species, multi-species assemblages, stratigraphic sequences, and larger geologic scales. Prereq: GEOS 22300/EVOL 32300. S. Kidwell.
31900 | Topics in Paleobiology
GEOS 31900
Investigations in a seminar format of paleobiological and sedimentological topics of current interest to students and faculty. Previous subjects have included marine paleoecology, Precambrian paleobiology and evolution of early terrestrial ecosystems. Prereq: consent of staff. D. Jablonski, S. Kidwell, Hinds Faculty.
32000 | Developmental Biopsychology
PSYC 31700
An introduction to the biological and physiological analysis of behavior. Principles of neural and endocrine integration. A lecture course taught with a developmental emphasis, drawing from both the experimental and clinical literature. M. McClintock.
32100 | Diversity and Evolution of Arthropods
BIOS 23402
This course will focus on arthropod systematics and evolution, with an emphasis on insects and spiders. Lectures will focus on facets of arthropod evolution, including theories of arthropod origins, the evolution of flight, and the evolution of metamorphosis. Laboratories will focus on comparative examination of diverse arthropod groups, and students will be expected to achieve a general understanding of major arthropod groups. P. Goldstein, P. Sierwald.
32300 | Introductory Paleontology
BIOS 23255, GEOS 22300
The focus of the course is on the nature of the fossil record, the information it provides on patterns and processes of evolution through geologic time, and how it can be used to solve geological and biological problems. Lectures cover the principles of paleontology (e.g. fossilization, classification, morphological analysis and interpretation, biostratigraphy, paleoecology, and macroevolution); labs are systematic, introducing major groups of fossil invertebrates. M. Foote.
32400 | Invertebrate Paleobiology and Evolution
GEOS 22400, 32400
This course provides a detailed overview of the morphology, paleobiology, evolutionary history, and practical uses of the invertebrate and microfossil groups commonly found in the fossil record. Emphasis is placed on understanding key anatomical and ecological innovations within each group (and interactions among groups) responsible for producing the observed changes in diversity, dominance, and ecological community structure through evolutionary time. Labs supplement lecture material with specimen-based and practical application sections. Field trips offer experience in the collection of specimens and raw paleontological data. Several “Hot Topics” lectures introduce important, exciting, and often controversial aspects of current paleontological research linked to particular invertebrate groups: topics covered include the link between morphology and genetics, microevolution, functional morphology, and the inference of past climates using fossils. PQ: Geosci 13100, 13200 (or equivalents for Biosci students). M. Webster.
32500 | Evolutionary History of Terrestrial Ecosystems
GEOS 32500
Seminar course covering the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems from their Paleozoic assembly through to the modern world. the fossil history of plant, vertebrate, invertebrate, and fungal lineages will be covered, as will the diversification of their ecological interactions. the influence of extinction events and important extrinsic factors, such as geography, climate, and atmospheric composition, will also be considered. the class will meet once a week. Grades will be based upon student presentations and a final paper. (Autumn) Kevin C. Boyce, Peter Makovicky.
32600 | Evolutionary Aspects of Gene Regulation
ECEV 32500, BIOS 23281, GENE 32500, DVBI 32500
Using primary research literature, this course will examine recent advances in understanding of evolution of gene regulation. Among others it will cover the following topics: patterns and forces of evolutionary change in regulatory DNA and transcription factors, genetic changes that are responsible for phenotypic evolution, and discovery and evolutionary of implications of gene control by microRNAs. PQ: BIOS 23256 or consent of instructor. I. Ruvinsky.
32700 | Philosophical Problems in the Biological Sciences
CHSS 37600, HIPS 22700, PHIL 32700
Main topic: reductionism and mechanism. We will begin by readings by philosophers on reduction. the classical model will be criticized and new models, based upon the practices of mechanistic explanation, will be offered. Related topics: complexity and organization, levels of organization, aggregativity and emergence, reductionistic model-building heuristics, and model-building in evolutionary biology will be covered. Following this, we will undertake an extended survey of the history of genetics, utilizing primary and secondary sources, and focusing on the period from 1868 through 1926, with selective discussion of the modern period. This discussion will illustrate the claims made in the first part of the course, and will in addition illustrate the superiority of mechanistic or realist approaches over operationalist or instrumentalist ones, the character of scientific change and reductive explanation, and will focus on the productive use of models, especially false ones, as means to arrive at better theories. (Offered in even-numbered years). W. Wimsatt.
33000 | Analytical Paleontology
GEOS 33000
A course on quantitative-analytical methods, stressing research applications in paleontology. Subjects include: basic probability theory; morphological analysis; computer-intensive statistical methods such as the bootstrap; other non-parametric approaches; time-series analysis; and mathematical modeling, especially of branching- and extinction-processes. Prereq: GEOS 22300 or equivalent; secondary school mathematics; elementary computer programming; elementary statistics; or consent of instructor. M. Foote.
33001 | Paleobiological Modeling and Analysis-1
GEOS 33001
This course is an introduction to mathematical modeling as applied to problems in paleobiology and evolutionary biology. Topics include: basic probability theory; general approaches to modeling; model comparison using likelihood and other criteria; forward modeling of branching processes; sampling models; and inverse methods. A series of programming exercises and a term project are required. Programming in R or C is recommended, but any language may be used. Prerequisites: Mathematics through first-year calculus; basic computer programming skills (or willingness to learn); elementary statistics helpful. Winter quarter, generally in even numbered years. EVOL 33001 and EVOL 33002 can be taken in either order. M. Foote.
33002 | Paleobiological Modeling and Analysis-2
GEOS 33002
This course is an introduction to multivariate analysis, with emphasis on morphological data and problems in paleontology and evolutionary biology. Topics include: types of data and scales of measurement; data transformations; bivariate analysis; measurement of similarity and difference; clustering; ordination; singular value decomposition; principal component analysis, factor analysis, principal coordinates, correspondence analysis, and other eigenvector methods; and path analysis. Each student will bring a multivariate dataset (not necessarily original) to the course and will write a series of short papers based on analysis of these data. Code written in the R programming language will be supplied for most analyses. Prerequisites: Mathematics at secondary school level; basic computer programming skills (or willingness to learn); calculus, linear algebra, and elementary statistics also helpful, although essential points will be reviewed. Winter quarter, generally in odd numbered years. EVOL 33001 and EVOL 33002 can be taken in either order. M. Foote.
33100 | Field Course in Stratigraphy
GEOS 24000
This is a one-month excursion to the northwestern United States and/or eastern Canada to examine the tectonic and stratigraphic evolution of the margin of North America from the Cambrian period to the present. the purpose of the course is to acquaint students with sedimentary and volcanic rocks deposited in a variety of environments and to examine the tectonic and stratigraphic evolution of this complicated region. the trip takes place in late August or early September with field vehicles and camping equipment provided. Prereq: GEOS 13100-13200 or equivalent.
33200 | Research in Animal Behavior
BIOS 23250
Students develop and collect data on an independent research project of their choosing. Training in the methods of behavioral research precedes the initiation of the research projects. Discussion with the instructor and T.A. facilitates progress. Students analyze and interpret data, and present their findings orally or in poster form, as well as in written form, at the end of class. All behavioral observations are conducted at Lincoln Park Zoo. Prerequisite: BIOS 23249 or consent of instructor. Spring. S. Margulis.
33600 | Vertebrate Development
BIOS 21356
This advanced-level course combines lectures, student presentations, and discussion sessions.It covers major topics on the developmental biology of embryos (e.g. formation of the germ line, gastrulation, segmentation, nervous system development, limb patterning, organogenesis). We make extensive use of the primary literature and emphasize experimental approaches (e.g. classical embryology, genetics, molecular genetics). K. Millen.
33800 | Development and Evolution
ORGB 33800, BIOS 21259
Over the last decade, genetic and molecular approaches in a few model systems (Drosophila, C. elegans, Arabidopsis, mouse, etc.) have led to a detailed understanding of several steps in pattern formation during the development of each respective organism. More recently, it has also become clear that most of the genes identified as playing an important role in development in one species have homologs in a variety of other organisms and that in many cases there are clearly conserved aspects of developmental and/or biochemical function for these homologous genes.The purpose of this course is to evaluate how our knowledge of developmental mechanisms in model organisms can help us understand the evolution of development. the course is aimed primarily at graduate students, but advanced undergraduates may enroll with permission of the instructors. V. Prince.
34200 | Biological Fluid Mechanics
ORGB 34200, BIOS 22242
Properties of biological materials, mechanical analysis of morphology, and principles of design optimization, with appropriate examples from zoology, botany and paleontology.Lectures concentrate on solid mechanics in odd-numbered years. Prereq: undergraduate chemistry and physics, consent of instructor. Offered in even-numbered years. M. LaBarbera.
34300 | Biomechanics of Organisms
ORGB 34300, BIOS 22243
This course examines how organisms cope with their physical environment. It covers the properties of biological materials (bone, cartilage, tendon, shell, wood, cuticle, etc.), mechanical analysis of morphology, and principles of design optimization. Emphasis is placed on support systems of organisms. Mechanical properties of biomaterials are analyzed in relation to their underlying biochemical organization and biophysical properties. Students carry out self-designed laboratory projects. There is a required laboratory. Offered in odd-numbered years. M. LaBarbera.
34600 | Current Issues in Evolution
ECEV 34600
A seminar on unresolved problems in the evolutionary half of biology. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. L. Van Valen.
34700 | Evolution of Development
ECEV 34700
A seminar on developmental aspects of evolution and evolutionary aspects of development. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. N. Shubin, L. Van Valen.
34800 | Kinship and Social Systems
HUDV 34800
Graduate seminar. This course will use a biological approach to understanding how groups form and how cooperation and competition modulate group size and reproductive success. We will explore social systems from evolutionary and ecological perspectives, focusing on how the biotic and social environments favor cooperation among kin as well as how these environmental features influence mating systems and inclusive fitness. While a strong background in evolutionary theory is not required, students should have basic understanding of biology. The essence of what I hope you will get from this course is a radically different way of thinking about why animals, including humans, behave as they do. In contrast to physiological, developmental, cognitive or other 'proximate' approaches to behavior, in this course an evolutionary or functional approach will be presented. The kinds of behavior we will focus on include aggression, cooperation, kin favoritism, mating systems, parental investment and sexual selection. We will examine these behaviors in numerous animal groups, including insects, fishes, birds, mammals, primates and humans, to mention only a few. PQ: Permission of instructor. J. Mateo.
35000 | Evolutionary Ecology
ECEV 35000
An evolutionary approach to the study ofecological interactions.Topics include plant-animal interactions, life history evolution, host-parasite and host-mutualist interactions, competition, and predation. Appropriate for graduate students who have had little background in ecology. J.T. Wootton.
35200 | Paleobiology of Mammals
ECEV 35200
Detailed treatment of mammalian evolution, including all recognized families, and its various evolutionary implications. Prerequisite: chordate biology or equivalent or consent of instructor.(Offered alternate years.) L. Van Valen.
35400 | Systematic Biology
BIOS 23408
Systematic biology encompasses such activities as discovering and classifying biological diversity, estimating the phylogenetic relationships among species or larger lineages, and estimating evolutionary processes. From the standpoint of the three schools of systematic biology (evolutionary, phenetic, and phylogenetic), the course will be devoted to assessing relatedness among taxa, estimating phylogenetic hypotheses, and evaluating alternatives for these hypotheses. We will also consider the central role of systematic biology in the biological sciences and use systematic hypotheses to test theories about evolutionary or biological processes. M. Kearney
35500 | Advanced Systematic Biology
35600 | Principles of Population Genetics I
ECEV 35600
Lectures on the basic theoretical principles of population genetics and their application to the study of variation and evolution in natural populations. Topics include selection, mutation, random genetic drift, quantitative genetics, molecular evolution and variation, the evolution of selfish genetic systems, and human evolution. Knowledge of elementary genetics and calculus is assumed. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Winter: R. Hudson, C.-I.Wu.
35700 | Principles of Population Genetics Ii
ECEV 35700
Continuation of EVOL 35600. R. Hudson, T. Nagylaki.
35800 | Classics of Evolutionary Genetics
ECEV 35800
Major Classic papers in evolutionary genetics that had great impact on the development of the field are reviewed. M. Long.
35900 | Evolution At the Genomic Level
ECEV 35900
We focus on the newly proposed and solved problems related to evolution of genomes. Instructors will give a series of lectures, dealing with basic concepts and techniques used in the research of topics. Students will present and evaluate literatures. M. Long, M. Kreitman.
36200 | Current Topics in Evolutionary Biology
ECEV 36200
Critical analysis of recent literature on empirical research in evolutionary biology. Prerequisite: some knowledge of population genetics, evolutionary biology or consent of instructor. J. Coyne
36300 | Speciation
ECEV 36300
A review of the literature on the origin of species beginning with Darwin and continuing through contemporary work. Both theoretical and empirical studies will be covered, with special emphasis on the genetics of speciation. Prerequisite: coursework in genetics and evolution. J. Coyne.
36800 | Special Topics in Animal Conservation
This course will focus on current advances in basic and applied conservation research in both in-situ and ex-situ populations. Each week, students will have a guest presentation by conservation research staff and read and discuss accompanying relevant literature. Course will meet at Lincoln Park Zoo. E. Lonsdorf, S. Margulis
36900 | Biopsychology of Sex Differences
HUDV 30901/ PSYC 31600
This course will explore the biological basis of mammalian sex differences and reproductive behaviors. We will consider a variety of species, including humans. We will address the physiological, hormonal, ecological and social basis of sex differences. To get the most from this course, students should have some background in biology, preferably from taking an introductory course in biology or biological psychology. J. Mateo.
37000 | Topics in Systematics and Biogeography
ORGB 37000
A graduate seminar which includes short lectures, one-page summaries of readings, and class discussion. Topics include critical examination of current methods in systematics and historical biogeography, their limits, and applications to biological problems. the course assumes familiarity with the principles of systematics and historical biogeography and requires extensive readings from the current literature. Offered in even-numbered years. P. Sereno.
37100 | Biopsychology of Attachment
HUDV 34900
This course explores parent-child attachment from a bio-social perspective. It consists of two parts: Part I will focus on mother-infant attachment and include discussion of such topics as neuroendocrinology of maternal behavior in animals and humans and mother-infant bonding in primates and humans. Part II will focus on infant-mother attachment in humans and include discussion of such topics as Bowlby’s formulation of attachment theory, individual differences in attachment and the Strange Situation Test, internal working models attachment, cross-cultural studies of attachment, attachment and adult romantic relationships, and attachment and psychopathology. D. Maestripieri.
37200 | Evolution of Parenting
HUDV 34200
This course explores parental behavior in nonhuman animals and humans from a comparative and evolutionary perspective. Specific topics include parental care systems in invertebrates and vertebrates, variation in parental investment in relation to costs and benefits, parent-offspring conflict, sex-biased parental investment, birth sex ratios, attachment theory, and cross-cultural patterns of parenting in humans. D. Maestripieri.
37300 | Primate Behavior
HUDV 34300
This course explores the behavior and ecology of nonhuman primates. Specific topics include methods for the study of primate behavior, history of primate behavior research, socioecology, foraging, predation, affiliation, aggression, mating, parenting, development, communication, cognition, and evolution of human behavior. This course will involve visits to the Brookfield Zoo with observations of primate behavior. D. Maestripieri.
37400 | Evolutionary Social Psychology
HUDV 37800, PSYC 34700
This course explores human social behavior from the perspective of a controversial new discipline: evolutionary psychology. in this course we will read and discuss articles in which evolutionary theory has been applied to different aspects of human behavior and social life such as: developmental sex differences, cooperation and altruism, competition and aggression, physical attractiveness and mating strategies, incest avoidance and marriage, sexual coercion, parenting and child abuse, language and cognition, and psychological and personality disorders.D. Maestripieri.
37500 | Sexual Selection
ECEV 37500
A discussion and critical analysis of sexual selection. The course will consist of lectures, reading and discussion. Prerequisite: Common Core Biology, BIOS 248, or consent of instructor. (odd-numbered years.) S. Pruett-Jones.
37600, 37700, 37800 | Graduate Workshop in Animal Behavior
HUDV 37500
This graduate workshop involves weekly research seminars in animal behavior given by faculty members, post-docs, and advanced graduate students from this and other institutions. the seminars are followed by discussion in which students have the opportunity to interact with the speaker, ask questions about the presentation, and share information about their own work. the purpose of this workshop is to expose graduate students to current comparative research in behavioral biology and meet some of the leading scientists in this field. Students must register for this course in the Autumn quarter and will receive credit in the Spring, at the end of the 3-quarter sequence.
38100 | Evolution of the Hominoidea
ANTH 38100
A detailed consideration of the fossil record and phylogeny of the Hominoidae and collateral taxa of the Hominoidea based on studies of classic monographs, casts, and comparative primate osteology. (2 Crs). R. Tuttle.
38200 | Comparative Primate Morphology
ANTH 38200
Functional morphology of locomotor, alimentary, reproductive, and Springecial sensory systems in primates.Dissections will be performed on monkeys and apes. Prereq: consent of instructor. (2 Crs). R. Tuttle.
38400 | History and Theory of Human Evolution
ANTH 38400, HIPS 23600
A proseminar based on the classic theoretic writings, autobiographies, and biographies of C. Darwin, T.H. Huxley, A. Keith, H.F. Osborn, F.W. Jones, W.K. Gregory, D.J. Morton, R. Broom, D. Black, R. Dart, F. Weidenreich, J.T. Robinson, L. Leakey, W.E. LeGros Clark, A.H. Schultz, W.L. Straus, E.A. Hooton, S.L. Washburn, C.S. Coon, T. Dobzhansky, G. Simpson, and S.J. Gould. R. Tuttle.
38600 | Apes and Human Evolution
ANTH 38600
A critical examination of the ways in which data on the behavior, morphology and genetics of apes have been used to elucidate human evolution, with particular emphasis on bipedalism, hunting, meat-eating, tool behavior, food sharing, cognitive ability, language, self-awareness, and sociability. Visits to local zoos, films, and demonstrations with casts of fossils and skeletons required. R. Tuttle
38700 | Primate Evolution
BIOS 23241)
A combined lecture and seminar course covering the comparative morphological and molecular evidence for evolution across the entire order Primates, including both basic data and theoretical issues. R. Martin.
38800 | Introduction To Research in Evolutionary Biology
Introduction to Research at the Field Museum and the University of Chicago. This course meets once a week for a lecture by a curator at the Field Museum. A different curator lectures each week, presenting results of her/his current research on a range of topics in evolutionary biology, including phylogenetic systematics, molecular biology, paleontology, development, conservation biology and biodiversity, population biology, or biomechanics. Lectures often are followed by a tour of one of the major natural history collections in the world of living or fossil birds, mammals, plants, insects, fishes, invertebrates, or amphibians and reptiles. Staff.
40000 | Evolutionary Conservation Biology
Graduate proseminar examining critical questions and issues in evolutionary conservation biology, from paleobiology of extinction and survivals to contemporary issues of hotspots, population genetics and ecology, behavioral ecology of free and managed populations, and molecular evolution and systematic biology.
40100 | Grants, Publications, and Professional Issues
ECEV 40100
Covers professional topics in evolutionary biology, such as strategies in grant and article writing, construction and submission of professional articles for journals in the field, career alternatives and strategies, ethical issues, etc. Topics are decided upon by enrolled students and faculty leading the seminar. J. Bergelson.
40900 | Behavioral Ecology
HUDV 40900
Graduate seminar. We will meet once per week to discuss current topics in behavioral ecology, as selected by participating students. PQ: Permission of instructor. J. Mateo.
41500 | Topics in Stratigraphy and Biosedimentology
GEOS 31500
Exploration of current topics in a seminar format, with readings drawn from source literature. Topics will be selected from the rapidly evolving fields of synthetic stratigraphy, basin analysis and animal-sediment relations in their broadest sense. Emphasis will reflect the interests of the participants; past topics include paleobathymetry, geologic time scales, biostratigraphy, sequence stratigraphy, sea level models, and geology of continental margins. Prereq: GEOS 22200 and 22300 or equivalent. S. Kidwell.
42200 | Seminar: Research in Behavioral Endocrinology
HUDV 42200
For students actively involved in research in behavioral endocrinology. Emphasis is on the current literature and on the analysis and the presentation of data. Prereq: Consent of instructor; active research in the area. M. McClintock.
42500 | Concepts in Ecology
ECEV 42500
Using a combination of lecture and student-led discussion, this course will introduce students to the classical ecological literature as well as the latest work in each of several topics. the goal is to provide students with a solid framework upon which to build their own research program. J. Bergelson, C. Pfister, J.T. Wootton.
42600 | Community Ecology
ECEV 42600
Lectures cover advanced topics in multi-species systems, and include an introduction to basic theoretical approaches. J.T. Wootton.
42700 | Topics in Aquatic Ecology
ECEV 42700
Theoretical and empirical topics especially relevant to the ecology of aquatic systems will be presented. Emphasis will be placed on features of aquatic systems that pose theoretical and empirical challenges such as the prevalence of complex life histories, the potential for long-distance dispersal, and the diverse controls of trophic structure. C. Pfister.
42800 | Population Ecology
EVOL 42800
A lecture course on the empirical and theoretical approaches to the study of natural populations, including field methodologies and quantitative approaches. Includes computer assignments. C. Pfister.
42900 | Theoretical Ecology
EVOL 42900
An introduction to mathematical modeling in ecology. The course will begin with linear growth and Lotka-Volterra models, and proceed to partial differential equations. the course’s perspective will emphasize numerical computations and fitting models to data. G. Dwyer.
43000 | Ecological Genetics of Plant-Enemy Interactions
ECEV 43000
This seminar covers current empirical and theoretical issues in the study of coevolutionary interactions. J. Bergelson, G. Dwyer.
43100 | Applications of Ecological Theory
This course focuses on applying ecological theory to empirical investigations. the emphasis is on reading the most recent articles on a topic of intense current interest, with an eye towards identifying areas in which crucial new contributions could be made. The themes discussed in the past include spatial dynamics, diversity-stability relationships, and biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. P. Amarasekare.
44000 | Fundamentals of Molecular Evolution
ECEV 44000, BIOS 23256
The comparative analysis of DNA sequence variation has become an important tool in molecular biology, genetics, and evolutionary biology. This course covers major theories that form the foundation for understanding evolutionary forces governing molecular variation and divergence and genome organization. It explores the evolutionary assembly of genes, the origin of novel gene function, the population genetics of repetitive DNA variation, and the evolution of multi-gene families. the course also provides practical information on accessing genome databases, searching for homologous sequences, aligning DNA and protein sequences, calculating sequence divergence, producing sequence phylogenies, and estimating evolutionary parameters. the course consists of lectures and computer laboratories. M. Kreitman, T. Nagylaki.
44100 | Molecular Methods in Ecology and Evolution
ECEV 44100
This is a laboratory course intended as an intense introduction to molecular methods applicable to research in organismal biology. the topics covered by the course will change from year to year. Students will learn techniques for manipulating DNA, for identifying single base substitutions and tandem repeat length variation, and for carrying out large-scale mapping experiments of a quantitative trait. Class enrollment will be limited to approximately 6-8 students. J. Bergelson, M. Kreitman.
45300 | Models of Animal Behavior
ECEV 45300
Introduction to mathematical models of naturalistic behavior. Lectures, discussions and individual projects. (even-numbered years.) S. Pruett-Jones.
45500 | Biogeography
BIOS 23406, ENST 25500, GEOG 25500/35500
This course examines factors governing the distribution and abundance of animals and plants. Topics include patterns and processes in historical biogeography, island biogeography, geographical ecology, areography, and conservation biology (the design and effectiveness of nature reserves). L. Heaney, B. Patterson.
45600 | Paleobiogeography
ORGB 35600
This course concerns the development of historical biogeography as a discipline and the advent of more recent quantitative methods. Areas of special interest include the quality of fossil and geologic records, the definition of areas, the relationship of speciation and phylogeny to biogeography, and methods that search for congruence. the course is aimed at defining hypotheses open to test by empirical data or simulation. P. Sereno.
48100 | Advanced Problems in Paleoanthropology
ANTH 48100
Tutorial museum, laboratory and field studies on the hominoid fossil record and contextual information relevant to its interpretation. R. Tuttle.
48500 | Advanced Problems in Primate Locomotion and Comparative Morphology
ANTH 48500
Seminar and/or laboratory study of the morphological and behavioral adaptations of selected primates and their implications for primate phylogeny. R. Tuttle.
49500 | Teaching in Evolutionary Biology
Under the supervision of University faculty, graduate students in the Evolutionary Biology may serve as teaching assistants for courses in the College and relevant Graduate Divisions. Students will be evaluated and mentored throughout the quarter by their faculty supervisor, and at the end of the quarter by enrolled students. Prerequisite:successful fulfillment of the BSD teaching requirement and consent of instructor. Staff.
49600 | Graduate Readings in Evolutionary Biology At the Field Museum
Directed individual reading courses supervised by CEB faculty members who are curators at the Field Museum. Prereq.: consent of instructor. Staff.
49700 | Graduate Readings in Evolutionary Biology
Directed individual reading courses in evolutionary biology supervised by CEB faculty members. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Staff.
49800 | Graduate Research—Off Campus
Advanced research under the direction of the faculty of the Committee on Evolutionary Biology, undertaken away from the University of Chicago campus at the Field Museum, the Chicago Zoological Park, established biological field stations under the direction of their staffs, or other locations approved by the Chair and the student’s advisory committee. Staff.
49900 | Graduate Research—On Campus
Advanced research under the direction of the faculty of the Committee on Evolutionary Biology. While any approved research problem may be pursued under this course number, special attention is called to the following research fields available in the Committee: population ecology and genetics, entomology, applied ecology, plant biology, systematics of fossil invertebrates, molluscs, problems in the systematics of arthropods, herpetology, mammalogy, ornithology, and ichthyology, theoretical biology, animal behavior, paleoecology, molecular evolution, functional morphology, evolution of development, community ecology and evolution, evolutionary paleobiology and macroevolution, and physiological ecology. Staff.
Revised: October 5, 2007