Course Schedule and Catalog

Long Title: BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY LABORATORY

Department: Biosciences

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisite(s): BIOS 201 AND BIOS 202 AND BIOS 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 take form of weekly preparatory meetings and culminate in a three-day exercise (taking place over fall break) at a field site in Texas where student will be responsible for designing and carrying out a study examining some aspect of biological diversity (taxic or functional group) with respect to such variables as habitat diversity, disturbance rate, or productivity. The course will emphasize oral presentations and written "publication" format papers.