Natural Sciences

This course focuses on the use of molecular genetic information in ecology. Applications and techniques covered range from analysis of parentage and relatedness (DNA fingerprinting and multilocus genetic analysis) through gene flow, biogeographic history and community composition (comparative DNA sequencing) to analysis of diet and trophic interactions (biological isotopes). Grades are based on one final exam, problem sheets, and a critique of a recent research paper

Chemical composition of pesticides and related compounds, their mode of action, resistance mechanisms, and methods of evaluating their safety and activity.

This course will focus on the ecology and epidemiology of zoonotic disease agents transmitted to humans by arthropods. Basic principles will be discussed, and techniques for conducting field and laboratory studies will be demonstrated. Includes methods for collecting bloodsucking arthropods and trapping selected vertebrates; processing of specimens for study; and examination of arthropod and vertebrate tissues for pathogens.

A survey of the unique physiological mechanisms of insects, including the analysis of physiological systems at the cellular-molecular level. The roles of the nervous and endocrine systems in coordinating physiological processes are emphasized.

Biology of insects, including classification of orders and common families, morphology, physiology, behavior, and ecology.

Covers topics ranging from mythological ideas about spiders and their importance in traditional cultures and folklore, to diversity patterns, ecology, behavior, and general biology of spiders. In the laboratory section, students learn to identify local spiders and to prepare a collection.

Introduction to soil microorganisms; diversity, ecology, and activity in the context of biogeochemical cycling, plant-microbe interactions, evolution, global environmental change, and biodegradation

Terrestrial environment including lower atmosphere, landscape, water, soil, geogases, and nutrient cycles. Hydrologic cycle. Precipitation, physiography, runoff, and erosion. Infiltration, evaporation, and transpiration. Exchange of gases between soil and atmosphere. Groundwater flow patterns, chemistry, and influence on rock and soil formation. Impact of natural resources development and disposal of wastes on environment. Development of quantitative insights through problem solving

This course describes how the physical environment (light, wind, temperature, humidity) of plants and soil affects the physiological status of plants and how plants affect their physical environment. Using experimental data and theory, it examines physical, biological, and chemical processes affecting transfer of momentum, energy, and material (water, CO2, atmospheric trace gases) between vegetation and the atmosphere. Plant biometeorology instrumentation and measurements are also discussed

Chemical mechanisms of reactions controlling the fate of pollutants in the subsurface environment. Chemical reactions in subsurface waters. Geochemical pathways of detoxification. Chemical modeling of pollutant geochemistry