Course Schedule and Catalog

Long Title: ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS SEMINAR

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Discussion of environmental crises. Topics vary annually. Cross-list: ENST 113, ESCI 113. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: FRESHMAN SEMINAR ON LOCAL BIOLOGY RESEARCH (EEB)

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 1

Description: A 5-week seminar course to introduce freshmen prospective biologists to the excitement of research at Rice and the Medical Center and to provide context with which to think about facts presented in biosciences textbooks. Small groups will meet weekly with a graduate student or postdoctoral researcher to explore a published research article by a local lab, gaining background information about the subject and exposure to the research techniques. In the final session, the group will tour the lab that produced the featured article. Additional tours and activities TBA. All first-year, non-transfer students are eligible to enroll in EBIO 116/FSEM 116 (formerly BIOS 116) regardless of AP credit. This course meets in the first half of the semester and features research in the Department of Ecology and Environmental Biology. Course organizers: Strassmann, Phillips. Cross-list: FSEM 116.

Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This course provides a short introduction to the science of ecology and evolutionary biology. The topics covered include the mechanisms of evolution, the origin of species, the history of life on earth, biodiversity, animal behavior, population and community ecology, ecosystems, and conservation biology.

Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO UNDERWATER ECOLOGY WITH SCUBA

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Students will learn the fundamentals of coastal and reef ecosystems, be introduced to underwater fieldwork and become PADI certified in the basics of SCUBA. An additional course fee that ranges from $425 to $725, depending on the equipment needs of the student, is associated with the class. Cross-list: ENST 179, LPAP 179.

Long Title: INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201

Description: The second in a series of two introductory biology courses (BIOC 201, EBIO 202). This course examines the diversity of life, comparative animal physiology, evolution, ecology, and conservation. An emphasis is placed on evolution as a central framework necessary for a complete understanding of modern biology. Group discussions allow students to explore topics in more detail and discover how they are relevant to our everyday lives.

Long Title: ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: THE DESIGN & PRACTICE OF COMMUNITY AGRICULTURE

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Description: The course introduces the fundamentals of community garden design and practice. Responsibilities will center on developing and improving the Rice Community Garden. The semester will begin with a short series of lectures by successful growers from the Houston community. A strong emphasis will be on learning and applying ecological principles to the practice of community agriculture. Class has required meetings outside of regular class time. Cross-list: ENST 204. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: INTRO LAB MOD ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Experimental, laboratory, and field studies of natural history, ecology, evolution, and animal behavior. Computer simulations of population genetics. Course will begin after mid-semester break in the Fall semester and after mid-term recess in the Spring semester. Class has required meetings outside of regular class time.

Long Title: BIOS LAB TEACHING

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1 TO 3

Description: Undergraduate teaching in a biosciences laboratory. Participate in meetings and selected seminars; supervise students in one or more laboratory sections. Provide group and individual instruction to undergraduates during and outside of laboratory classes. Department Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: DISCUSSION SECTION TEACHING

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Independent Study

Credit Hours: 1

Description: In this course, undergraduates who have previously excelled in EBIO courses will develop teaching skills by leading discussion sections for the benefit of students presently taking EBIO courses under the guidance of the professor teaching the course. Instructor Permission Required.

Long Title: INDEPENDENT STUDY FOR ECOLOGY & EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY UNDERGRADUATES

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1 TO 4

Prerequisite(s): BIOS 213 OR EBIO 213

Description: Program of independent study for students with previous training in the biosciences. Includes a research paper. Students are expected to spend at least three hours per week in the laboratory for each semester hour of credit. If receiving two or more credits, students will be required to participate in the university annual undergraduate symposium in the spring semesters. Instructor Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: LAB MODULE IN ECOLOGY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisite(s): BIOS 323 OR EBIO 323 OR BIOS 325 OR EBIO 325

Description: Field and lab experiments in ecology. Class has required meetings outside of regular class time. Department Permission Required.

Long Title: LAB MODULE IN BEHAVIOR

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 321 OR EBIO 321) AND (BIOS 213 OR EBIO 213)

Description: Field experiments in behavior. Learn to formulate and test hypotheses on bird behavior using mockingbirds, grackles, and herons nesting on campus. Class has required meetings outside of regular class time. Department Permission Required.

Long Title: ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201) AND (BIOS 202 OR EBIO 202)

Description: Evolutionary theory is used to evaluate behavioral adaptations of organisms to their environment. Biosciences Group B.

Long Title: CONSERVATION BIOLOGY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201) AND (BIOS 202 OR EBIO 202) or permission of instructor

Description: The course is designed to give students a broad overview of conservation biology. Lecture and discussions will focus on conservation issues such as biodiversity, extinction, management, sustained yield, invasive species and preserve design. Biosciences Group B. Cross-list: ENST 323.

Long Title: ECOLOGY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201) AND (BIOS 202 OR EBIO 202) or permission of instructor

Description: Study of population dynamics, species interactions, plant and animal community organization, and ecosystem function. Biosciences Group B.

Long Title: INSECT BIOLOGY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This course addresses contemporary issues in ecology and evolution through the lens of insect diversity. Readings span a broad literature (popular to technical). Writing and oral reports develop proficiency in scientific communication. Biosciences Group B.

Long Title: BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY LABORATORY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201) AND (BIOS 202 OR EBIO 202) AND (BIOS 213 OR EBIO 213)

Description: The course will examine (1) measures of biological diversity (taxic, molecular, and phylogenetic); (2) the ecological and evolutionary causes of biological diversity; (3) issues regarding the contribution of biological diversity to ecosystem function. A primary emphasis will be placed on experimental design and the measurement and estimation of biological diversity. Possible problems associated with the measurement and estimation of biological diversity will also be discussed. The course will emphasize oral presentations and written "publication" format papers. Class has required meetings outside of regular class time.

Long Title: EVOLUTION OF GENES & GENOMES

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201) AND (BIOS 202 OR EBIO 202)

Description: The course provides an overview of the evolution of genes and genomes. Using many examples, the course introduces databases and the Worldwide Web, and molecular and statistical methods used to study the evolution of genes and genomes. Broad-scale evolutionary patterns and medical applications based on genome analyses are presented. Biosciences Group B.

Long Title: ANIMAL BIOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201) AND (BIOS 202 OR EBIO 202) or permission of instructor

Description: The evolution and systematics of the animal kingdom with consideration of functional anatomy, comparative physiology, behavior, medical implications and resource management. Biosciences Group B.

Long Title: INSECT BIOLOGY LAB

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201) AND (BIOS 202 OR EBIO 202) AND (BIOS 213 OR EBIO 213)

Description: Lab associated with EBIO 326 (formerly BIOS 326). Class has required meetings outside of regular class time. Laboratory and field exercises provide hands-on experience with collection and curation of insect specimens. Department Permission Required.

Long Title: BIOLOGY OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201) AND (BIOS 202 OR EBIO 202)

Description: This course gives a broad overview of the biology of infectious diseases using examples from humans, plants, and animals. Topics include diversity of diseases, mechanisms of disease transmission, epidemiology, population regulation, evolution of virulence, disease dynamics in natural communities and disease invasion and conservation biology. Biosciences Group B. Cross-list: BIOC 331.

Long Title: EVOLUTIONARY BIOINFORMATICS

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Large accessible data sets have opened new frontiers in evolutionary biology, and many fields. Learn to write computer programs to test hypotheses and discover patterns in diverse data. Understand the most common strategies in evolutionary bioinformatics, including dynamic programming, hidden Markov models, and graphical algorithms. No previous programming experience required. Biosciences Group B. Cross-list: COMP 370. Recommended Prerequisite(s): MATH 101 and MATH 102.

Long Title: EVOLUTION

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOS 202 OR EBIO 202 or permission of instructor

Description: Principles of biological evolution. Topics include natural selection, adaptation, molecular evolution, formation of new species, the fossil record, biogeography, and principles of classification. Biosciences Group B. Cross-list: BIOC 334.

Long Title: EVOLUTIONARY BIOINFORMATICS LAB

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Computer lab section for Evolutionary Bioinformatics. Students must enroll in EBIO 333.

Long Title: PLANT DIVERSITY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOS 202 OR EBIO 202

Description: The evolution, systematics, and ecology of plants, with emphasis on flowering plants and biodiversity. Biosciences Group B.

Long Title: FIELD BIRD BIOLOGY LAB

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisite(s): EBIO 213 OR BIOS 213

Description: This course centers on a series of five field trips to diverse habitats for observing birds both immigrants and residents. Each will be preceded by a lecture and students will do two projects. Class has required meetings outside of regular class time. Department Permission Required.

Long Title: DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF BIOLOGICAL EXPERIMENTS

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This course addresses methods to set up biological experiments that maximize the ability to draw meaningful conclusions. Designed (factorial, nested, split plot, repeated measures) and undesigned experiments (regression, correlation) will be considered, as well as analysis and interpretation of the data. Actual data sets from several areas of biology will be used for homework, demos, and projects. The student should have some previous exposure to statistics.

Long Title: BIOMETRY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): STAT 280 OR STAT 305 OR ESCI 451 OR BIOS 338 OR EBIO 338

Description: This course provides advanced training in statistical analysis in ecology and evolutionary biology. Working with real data sets, we will explore diverse topics including breeding designs and quantitative genetics analysis, multiple regression, path analysis, structural equation modeling, bootstrapping and randomization tests, and nonmetric multidimensional scaling. Biosciences Group B.

Long Title: GLOBAL BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This course introduces students to the coupled nature of the biosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere using as focal points elemental cycles such as those of carbon and nitrogen. Biosciences Group B. Cross-list: ENST 340, ESCI 340.

Long Title: TRANSFER CREDIT IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: For transfer of courses which have no current equivalent in the Rice curriculum, but which can be counted as Group B Biosciences courses in satisfying requirements for majors in the Biosciences. Biosciences Group B. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: LABORATORY TRANSFER CREDIT IN BIOSCIENCES

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Description: For transfer of an advanced laboratory course in the biosciences that has no current equivalent in the Rice Biosciences curriculum. Any student may receive a maximum of one credit of EBIO 393 (formerly BIOS 393).

Long Title: UNDERGRADUATE HONORS RESEARCH IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Research

Credit Hours: 5

Description: Open only to undergraduate majors who meet specific requirements and with permission of the research supervisor and chair. Registration for EBIO 403/404 (formerly BIOS 403/404) implies a commitment to participate in research for at least 2 semesters. Department Permission Required.

Long Title: UNDERGRADUATE HONORS RESEARCH IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Research

Credit Hours: 5

Description: Open only to undergraduate majors who meet specific requirements and with permission of the research supervisor and chair. Registration for EBIO 403/404 (formerly BIOS 403/404) implies a commitment to participate in research for at least 2 semesters. Department Permission Required.

Long Title: SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATION

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Intended primarily for seniors majoring in the biological sciences, this course will focus on improving students’ written and oral communication skills. Emphasis will be placed on communication of scientific topics for audiences ranging from experts to the general public. Instructor Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: ADVANCED EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201) AND (BIOS 202 OR EBIO 202) AND (BIOS 334 OR EBIO 334)

Description: Develop a critical understanding of evolutionary theory through lectures and discussion across a wide range of evolutionary topics. With the instructor's help, students will use current papers to stimulate debate the theories, philosophies and methods of the study of evolution. Instructor Permission Required.

Long Title: ADVANCED ECOLOGY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201) AND (BIOS 202 OR EBIO 202) AND (BIOS 325 OR EBIO 325)

Description: Students will develop a critical understanding of the discipline of ecology through a combination of lectures and discussion that span a range of topics. With the instructor's help, students will use current papers to stimulate debate on the theories, philosophies and methods of the study of populations, communities, and ecosystems. Biosciences Group B. Instructor Permission Required.

Long Title: SPECIAL TOPICS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Research

Credit Hours: 1

Description:  Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: SPECIAL TOPICS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1 TO 3

Description:  Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: TOPICS IN EVOLUTION

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 2

Description: Review and discussion of the literature on current research in evolution. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: TOPICS IN BEHAVIORAL BIOLOGY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 2

Description: Review and discussion of the literature on current research in animal behavior and evolution. Recommended prerequisite(s): Graduate standing or permission of chair or instructor. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: TOPICS IN ECOLOGY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 2

Description: Review and discussion of the literature on current research in ecology. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: TOPICS IN BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 2

Description: Review and discussion of literature on current research in biological diversity. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: CORE COURSE IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Survey of topics in ecology and evolution taught by all EEB faculty.

Long Title: ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This course will focus on applied ecosystem topics including relations with state and federal agencies, studies, wetland delineations, permitting compliance, and environmental regulations.

Long Title: GRADUATE SEMINAR IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Faculty and student presentations on current research. Required of all Ecology & Evolutionary Biology graduate students. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: GRADUATE SEMINAR/ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Continuation of EBIO 585 (formerly BIOS 585). Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: GRADUATE TEACHING IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description:  Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: EEB GRADUATE RESEARCH

Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Research

Credit Hours: 1 TO 15

Description:  Repeatable for Credit.