Courses

Undergraduate Courses

Instruction in biology for undergraduates at UC Santa Cruz is administered under both the departments of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology. Lower division coursework includes introductory biology (BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B and 20C), general interest courses, and the unique scientific diving course, which is part of UCSC’s Scientific Diving & Boating Safety Program.

Upper-division coursework includes core advanced requirements (e.g., ecology, evolution) and electives (e.g., ichthyology, plant physiology, disease ecology, population genetics) for the undergraduate majors.

Also offered are marine and a terrestrial “supercourses” in alternating years, designed to provide intensive hands-on research experience for undergraduates. These two supercourses are intensive quarter-long endeavours (20 units), where students spend half of the quarter studying advanced concepts in ecology, conservation, and field methods, and developing research projects. The other half of the quarter is spent completely immersed in field research.

Graduate Courses

Graduate instruction includes a selection of core and special curriculum in ecology and in evolutionary biology. Core courses include classes in scientific skills, advanced organismal biology, and evolutionary ecology.

For more information on our courses, click on the links in the left column for schedules and course descriptions.


Course Catalog

Course #Course TitleCourse LevelUnits
BIOE 16Introduction to HorticultureLower Division12 Units

Surveys the production of indoor crops and landscape plants to gain a working knowledge of how light, temperature, water, fertilizers, and soilless media interact in a controlled environment. Also covers pest management and propagation. Lectures and demonstrations are combined with activities in the UCSC Greenhouses and at the UCSC Arboretum to give students direct experience with horticulture practices and principles in controlled environments. The approach is to develop practical skills and familiarity with agricultural technology while mastering basic principles in plant biology. Emphasis is placed on indoor growth systems. .

BIOE 19Biodiversity in the Age of HumansLower Division15 Units

How can we better understand how humans have affected Earth and its inhabitants? Explores how DNA shed by organisms into the environment can be collected and used to study Earth’s biodiversity, with applications in medicine, anthropology, agriculture, and conservation. Enrollment is restricted to first-year students, sophomores, and juniors.

BIOE 20BDevelopment and PhysiologyLower Division15 Units

Topics in morphology, physiology, development, genetics, and endocrinology selected to exemplify current issues and perspectives in organismic biology. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A.

BIOE 20CEcology and EvolutionLower Division15 Units

Introduction to ecology and evolution covering principles of evolution at the molecular, organismal, and population levels. Evolutionary topics include genetic and phenotypic variation, natural selection, adaptation, speciation, and macroevolution. Also covers behavioral, population, and community ecology including applied ecological issues.

BIOE 20FField Biology in PracticeLower Division12 Units

Field-based, experiential course that explores local ecosystems, helps students develop nature observation skills and lead collaborative research, from formulating and testing hypotheses to sampling, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation. The course builds peer and mentor networks and introduces a range of topics in ecology, conservation, and natural resource management. Some offerings include required weekend and/or overnight field trips. There are no course fees, and camping equipment is available if needed. Enrollment is by instructor permission. (General Education Code(s): PR-E.)

BIOE 75Scientific Diving MethodsLower Division13 Units

Focuses on refining fundamental dive safety principles while introducing techniques in scientific diving. Coursework includes lectures, field practical training, confined water and ocean SCUBA dives. Topics include diving physics, physiology, decompression theory, dive planning, aquatic environment, navigation, search and recovery, blue water diving, emergency response/rescues, and subtidal sampling techniques. Course meets or exceeds AAUS standards and provides students an opportunity to become certified in scientific diving. Prerequisite for BIOE 161/L, and any SCUBA diving activities associated with BIOE 159A,B,C,D,E,F; BIOE 183/L; BIOE 193; and BIOE 195. AAUS Scientific Diving certification is required for all research SCUBA diving activities under the auspices of UCSC and is transferable to other academic institutions. Prerequisite(s): skill level equal to Advanced and Rescue Scuba Diver Certification, current AAUS/UCSC diving medical clearance, certifications in CPR/AED, First Aid and Oxygen Administration and minimum of 12 documented ocean dives; and interview: pass water skills evaluation. For details visit scientificdiving.ucsc.edu/course-info. Students are billed a materials fee of $100. (Formerly Scientific Diving Certification.) Enrollment limited to 16.

BIOE 80SLies, Damn Lies, and StatisticsLower Division15 Units

Probability and statistics underlie much of our everyday experience and, as such, there is a fundamental need for an understanding of the use, and misuse, of statistics. This course is taught through case studies based in biology, politics, economics, crime, education, disease, conservation, and other fields of interest. For example, does a change in crime rate really affect your probability of being a victim of a crime? The goal is to provide all students with sufficient understanding probability and statistics to determine if everyday and often sensationalistic reporting of “statistical” results is meaningful. (General Education Code(s): SR.)

BIOE 82Introduction to Field Research and ConservationLower Division12 Units

A field-based course with overnight and day trips to regionally diverse areas throughout Central California. Field trips and lectures familiarize students with a wide variety of topics in the ecological, conservation, and environmental science as well as natural-resource management. Students are billed a materials fee of $100. Enrollment is by instructor permission. Enrollment limited to 28. (General Education Code(s): PR-E.)

BIOE 85Natural History of the UCSC Natural ReservesLower Division15 Units

Lectures and field trips familiarize students with the flora and fauna of the UCSC Natural Reserves. Field trips focus on surveying and identifying vertebrates and plants at each UCSC Natural Reserve (Fort Ord, Campus Reserve, Big Creek, Younger Lagoon, and Ano Nuevo). (General Education Code(s): PE-E.)

BIOE 95Seymour Center Docent TrainingLower Division12 Units

Taught as a series of seminars, course provides a survey of marine sciences and the role of scientific research in understanding and conserving the world’s oceans. Topics include: marine biology, ecology, conservation, coastal geology, and climate change. This series is intended to prepare students to interpret research and inform the public by leading tours at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center at the Long Marine Lab. Enrollment is by application and interview. (General Education Code(s): PR-S.)

BIOE 106Principles of Genetics for EEBUpper Division25 Units

Provides students with a broad genetics background. Topics range from understanding the flow of genetic information within single-celled organisms to how genes and gene products function within multicellular organisms. Students learn how genotype shapes phenotype and its role in evolution and ecology. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B and BIOE 20C.

BIOE 107EcologyUpper Division25 Units

Focuses on physiological, behavioral, and population ecology, and on linking ecological processes to evolution. It includes basic principles, experimental approaches, concepts of modeling, and applications to ecological problems. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C.

BIOE 108Marine EcologyUpper Division25 Units

Paradigms and designs in marine ecology. A review of the paradigms that have shaped our understanding of marine ecology; analysis and discussion of experiments with these paradigms. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 208. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C; BIOE 107 or BIOE 140 recommended. Enrollment is restricted to juniors and seniors.

BIOE 109EvolutionUpper Division25 Units

An examination of the history and mechanisms of evolutionary change. Topics include molecular evolution, natural and sexual selection, adaptation, speciation, biogeography, and macroevolution. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOE 20C, and BIOE 106 or BIOL 105.

BIOE 112OrnithologyUpper Division25 Units

Introduction to the evolution, ecology, behavior, and natural history of birds, using exemplary case histories to illustrate key concepts in evolution, ecology, and behavior. Prerequisite(s): BIOE 107, BIOE 109, or BIOE 140. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 112L is required.

BIOE 112LOrnithology Field StudiesUpper Division22 Units

Field trips introduce students to field identification skills and field investigation of census, foraging behavior, migration, social behavior, and communication. Examination of specimens in the laboratory will be used to highlight the diversity and taxonomy of birds. Some field trips may require students to provide their own transportation. Prerequisite(s): BIOE 107, BIOE 109, or BIOE 140. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 112 is required.

BIOE 114HerpetologyUpper Division25 Units

Lectures introduce students to evolution, development, physiology, behavior, ecology, and life history of reptiles and amphibians. The materials integrate with conceptual and theoretical issues of ecology, evolution, physiology, and behavior. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; BIOE 107, BIOE 109, or BIOE 140. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 114L is required.

BIOE 114LField Methods in Herpetological ResearchUpper Division22 Units

Field trips introduce students to natural history, censusing techniques, physiological ecology, and behavioral analysis of reptiles and amphibians. Laboratories introduce students to techniques for analyzing behavior and physiology. Field studies culminate with a group project in a natural setting. Some field trips may be held on weekends due to weather considerations. Some field trips may require students to provide their own transportation, some transportation will be provided by UCSC. Students are billed a materials fee of $120. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; BIOE 107, BIOE 109, or BIOE 140. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 114 is required.

BIOE 117Systematic Botany of Flowering PlantsUpper Division25 Units

An examination of the taxonomy and evolution of flowering plants. Special topics include phylogenetics and cladistics, plant species concepts, and modern methods of systematic research. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C, and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Must be taken concurrently with BIOE 117L.

BIOE 117LSystematic Botany of Flowering Plants LaboratoryUpper Division22 Units

Weekly laboratory concerned primarily with California flora and plant families. Several field trips. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C. Must be taken concurrently with BIOE 117.

BIOE 118Plants and Society: the Biology of Food, Shelter, and MedicineUpper Division25 Units

Introduces plant biology as it affects human society. Topics include the origins of agriculture, the morphology and chemistry of food plants, the material uses of plant products, the biology of medicinal plants, and plant diversity and bioprospecting. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B and BIOE 20C; or ENVS 23 and ENVS 24.

BIOE 120Marine BotanyUpper Division25 Units

An introduction to the biology of marine algae, fungi, and angiosperms with regard to form and function. Major boreal, temperate, and tropical marine plant communities. Lecture format. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C, and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Must be taken concurrently with BIOE 120L.

BIOE 120LMarine Botany LaboratoryUpper Division22 Units

One laboratory weekly and several field trips. Focuses on marine algae, fungi, and angiosperms. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C, and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Must be taken concurrently with BIOE 120.

BIOE 121Plants, Earth, ClimateUpper Division25 Units

Explores how biotic and abiotic factors shaped the Earth’s biosphere and how climate change will challenge the resilience of plant life on the planet. By the end of the course, students will better understand the broader implications of plant function on the health of the planet. Topics include core plant physiological processes and how they feed into climate feedback loops, photosynthesis and the formation of the atmosphere, plants and the paleoclimate, plant adaptations and resilience, climate change mitigation through plants, and more. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B and BIOE 20C. Enrollment is restricted to sophomores, juniors and seniors. (General Education Code(s): PE-E.)

BIOE 122Invertebrate ZoologyUpper Division25 Units

An examination of invertebrates and their habitats. Lecture format. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Must be taken concurrently with BIOE 122L.

BIOE 122LInvertebrate Zoology LaboratoryUpper Division22 Units

An examination of invertebrates and their habitats. Weekly laboratories or field trips. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C, and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Must be taken concurrently with BIOE 122.

BIOE 124MammalogyUpper Division25 Units

Introduces the biology of mammals, including their classification, evolution, behavior, reproductive strategies, and general ecology. Examines the diagnostic traits of mammals; provides a survey of the living orders along with their diagnostic features, physiological and behavioral specializations, and adaptations. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B and BIOE 20C. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 124L is required.

BIOE 124LMammalogy LaboratoryUpper Division22 Units

Focuses on the identification of mammals and their specific traits. Exercises provide hands-on experience at identifying mammal orders, families, and species. Field trip provides students with field techniques in mammalogy. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B and BIOE 20C. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 124 is required.

BIOE 125Ecosystems of CaliforniaUpper Division25 Units

A survey of the diversity, structure, and functioning of California’s ecosystems through time and the ways they have influenced and responded to human activities and stewardship. Topics include: ecosystem drivers such as climate, soils, and land-use history; human and ecological prehistory; comparative marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystem dynamics; and managed ecosystems such as range, fisheries, and agriculture. Prerequisite(s): BIOE 20C, and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to ecology and evolution, marine biology, plant sciences, and biology B.A. majors. (General Education Code(s): PE-E.)

BIOE 126Biology of Large Marine VertebratesUpper Division25 Units

Broad overview of the ecology, evolution, physiology, and behavior of marine mammals, birds, and turtles, with an emphasis on local Monterey Bay species. . Prerequisite(s): BIOE 20B and BIOE 20C, and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment limited to 65.

BIOE 127IchthyologyUpper Division25 Units

An introduction to the biology of jawless, cartilaginous, and bony fishes–their classification, evolution, form, physiology, and ecology. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C, and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Must be taken concurrently with BIOE 127L.

BIOE 127LIchthyology LaboratoryUpper Division22 Units

One laboratory session a week and several field trips to study the biology of fish. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C, and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Must be taken concurrently with BIOE 127.

BIOE 128LLarge Marine Vertebrates Field CourseUpper Division27 Units

Lectures combined on fieldwork with large marine vertebrates in the laboratory and lectures with large marine vertebrates in the field (Monterey Bay, Ano Nuevo). Fieldwork familiarizes students with research methods, study design, and statistical approaches for research on large marine vertebrates (seals, birds, fish, and sharks). Research includes: animal tracking; physiology; behavior; foraging ecology; and energetics. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B and BIOE 20C, and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment limited to 24.

BIOE 129Biology of Marine MammalsUpper Division25 Units

A survey of cetaceans, pinnipeds, sirenians, and sea otters, including natural history, systematics, physiology, behavior, anatomy, and conservation. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C; and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. BIOL 110 is recommended.

BIOE 129LBiology of Marine Mammals LaboratoryUpper Division22 Units

Covers the basics of marine mammal taxonomy, anatomy, and field methods with an emphasis on local field identification and understanding of local species. Will include field trips to Long Marine Lab, Ano Nuevo, and Monterey Bay. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C. Must be taken concurrently with BIOE 129.

BIOE 131Animal PhysiologyUpper Division25 Units

Principles and concepts underlying the function of tissues and organ systems in animals with emphasis on vertebrate systems. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOL 130. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C.

BIOE 131LAnimal Physiology LaboratoryUpper Division22 Units

Experiments conducted with primary focus on quantitative physiological principles of organ systems and intact organisms. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOL 130L. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 131 is required.

BIOE 133Exercise PhysiologyUpper Division25 Units

An advanced-level course concerning physiological and biochemical processes associated with human performance. Emphasis is on the integration of organ systems for exercise. Topics include metabolism and fuel utilization, cardiovascular and respiratory dynamics during activity, and the effects of training. Requires a good understanding of basic physiological function and anatomy. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B and BIOE 20C. BIOE 131 is recommended. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 133L is required.

BIOE 133LExercise Physiology LaboratoryUpper Division22 Units

An introduction to basic measurement techniques used in assessing the physiological response of humans to exercise. Sessions cover oxygen consumption, respiratory rate, and heart rate monitoring during aerobic and anaerobic activity. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, and BIOE 20B and BIOE 20C. BIOE 131 is recommended. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 133 is required.

BIOE 134Comparative Vertebrate AnatomyUpper Division25 Units

Course focuses on vertebrate form and function: an integration of physiology and biomechanics. Topics include: the physiology and biomechanics underlying vertebrate locomotion; vertebrate feeding; and the morphological changes associated with different locomotion and feeding strategies through evolutionary time. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B and BIOE 20C. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 134L is required.

BIOE 134LComparative Vertebrate Anatomy LaboratoryUpper Division22 Units

Course focuses on the gross dissections all major clades of vertebrates: development, form, and diversity of organ systems and basic principles of evolution; vertebrate classification; and functional morphology, with emphasis on feeding and locomotion. Anatomical dissections integrated with the associated lecture material focusing on biomechanics, form, and function. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B and BIOE 20C. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 134 is required.

BIOE 135Plant PhysiologyUpper Division25 Units

Cellular and organismal functions important in the life of green plants. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B and BIOE 20C; concurrent enrollment in BIOE 135L is required.

BIOE 135LPlant Physiology LaboratoryUpper Division22 Units

Weekly laboratory concerning the cellular and organismal functions of green plants. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B and BIOE 20C; concurrent enrollment in BIOE 135.

BIOE 136Environmental PhysiologyUpper Division25 Units

Explores how an organism’s physiology interacts with its environment including molecular to whole organism-level processes. How do animals thrive in the most diverse regions of Earth and why are some more vulnerable to change than others? Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B and BIOE 20C. (General Education Code(s): SI.)

BIOE 137Molecular EcologyUpper Division25 Units

This combination lecture/laboratory course explores the use of molecular (DNA and/or protein) data in ecological and conservation research. Topics covered include data collection; marker choice; estimating genetic diversity and population structure; the inference of mating systems; and environmental genomics. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOE 20C, and BIOE 106 or BIOL105, and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 137L is required. Enrollment limited to 24.

BIOE 137LMolecular Ecology LaboratoryUpper Division22 Units

This combination lecture/laboratory course explores the use of molecular (DNA and/or protein) data in ecological and conservation research. Topics covered include data collection; marker choice; estimating genetic diversity and population structure; the inference of mating systems; and environmental genomics. Students are billed a materials fee of $110. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOE 20C, and BIOE 106 or BIOL105. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 137 is required. Enrollment limited to 24.

BIOE 138Modeling Evolution and EcologyUpper Division25 Units

Introduces students to how mathematical models can be used to ask and answer evolutionary and ecological questions. Methods covered include optimality theory, population genetics, population dynamic models, game theory, and dynamic state-variable models. Students learn to develop their own mathematical models and to use models to make predictions. Statistical methods for combining theory and data are not covered. Class focuses on learning by doing, using in-class activities, weekly problem sets and an independent project. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 238. Prerequisite(s): BIOE 107, BIOE 109 and by permission of the instructor. (Formerly BIOE 148B, Quantitative Methods in Ecology and Evolution.) . (General Education Code(s): MF.)

BIOE 139Mathematical Modeling and Data Science in Ecology and EvolutionUpper Division25 Units

Teaches students how to build mathematical models and fit them to data to answer questions in ecology and evolution. Includes learning to write code in the R programming language to simulate models and perform statistical analyses. Topics include population and evolutionary dynamics, species interactions, and behavior. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 239. Prerequisite(s): BIOE 107, BIOE 109, and permission of instructor. (Formerly offered as BIOE 148A Quantitative Ecology.) . (General Education Code(s): MF.)

BIOE 140Behavioral EcologyUpper Division25 Units

An introduction to social and reproductive behavior. Emphasis on studies of vertebrates in their natural habitat. Ideas concerning the evolution of social behavior, mating systems, and individual reproductive strategies. Case histories of well-studied animals that illustrate key principles in courtship and mating, parental behavior, and food-getting behavior. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C.

BIOE 141LBehavioral Ecology Field CourseUpper Division27 Units

A field-based course introducing students to concepts and methods for studying behavioral ecology in nature. Students will conduct observations and field experiments on various local model organisms including elephant seals, hummingbirds, sparrows, lizards, ants, bees, frogs, and salamanders. Prerequisite(s): BIOE 107 or BIOE 140 or BIOE 110; and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment limited to 25.

BIOE 142LAnimal Behavior in the Wild (A Virtual Field Course)Upper Division25 Units

Online laboratory course with a remote (not in-person), virtual field component.Students learn about the scientific study of animal behavior from an ecological and evolutionary perspective through lectures, behavior videos, assignments, field observations, digital labs and final research project. The general goal, however, is to develop the ability to observe the natural world, design research, collect and interpret data, and communicate ideas. Prerequisites: BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C. Students may benefit from taking BIOE 142L after or concurrently with BIOE 107 or BIOE 140. Enrollment limited to 25. (General Education Code(s): PR-E.)

BIOE 145Plant EcologyUpper Division25 Units

An exploration of the ecology of plant form, function, distribution, abundance, and diversity. Topics include plant adaptation to environmental conditions, reproductive ecology, life history, population dynamics, competition, herbivory, disease, community assembly, ecosystem responses to global change, plant conservation, and restoration. Lecture with discussions of original papers and independent field projects. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 245. Prerequisite(s): Either [BIOL 20A, 20B & 20C], or ENVS 100; and satisfaction of ELWR requirements. BIOE 107 recommended.

BIOE 145LField Methods in Plant EcologyUpper Division25 Units

Hands-on exploration of the concepts and techniques of plant ecology. A combination of lab, greenhouse, and field-based exercises (irrespective of weather conditions). Statistical analysis and scientific writing. One required weekend field trip. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 245L. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C, and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 145 is required. BIOE 107 is recommended.

BIOE 146Acoustic EcologyUpper Division25 Units

Survey of the way sound is used by various taxa (mammals, birds, amphibians) across different environmental landscapes. Through a combination of lectures, group discussions, and hands-on activities (i.e., experiential learning), students learn about the physics of sound in both air and water, the physiology of sound production (including mechanisms and drivers), the role of the physical environment in signal design, hearing and masking, and the use of acoustic signals during different life-history events in a variety of animals from beetles to blue whales. Students learn about how humans impact natural soundscapes, and how animals are affected and respond to anthropogenic noise in the air and under the water’s surface. . Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, and BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C. PHYS 6A/PHYS 6L or PHYS 7A/PHYS 6L or PHYS 1 recommended. (General Education Code(s): SI.)

BIOE 147Community EcologyUpper Division25 Units

Develops the major themes of community biology: structure, trophic dynamics, succession, complex interactions among species, herbivory, evolution and coevolution. Uses case histories of well-studied marine and terrestrial systems. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 247. Prerequisite(s): BIOE 107, BIOE 108, BIOE 145, BIOE 155 or 159A; or ENVS 24 by permission of instructor.

BIOE 149Disease EcologyUpper Division25 Units

Focuses on the ecological and evolutionary processes that drive the transmission of pathogens between hosts; the impact of disease on host populations; and what causes the emergence of an infectious disease. Includes theoretical framework, description of field techniques, and discussion of wildlife and human diseases including malaria, West Nile virus, Lyme disease, HIV, avian influenza (bird flu), Chikungunya, tuberculosis, chytridiomycosis, and Ebola. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, and BIOE 20B and BIOE 20C and BIOE 107.

BIOE 150Ecological Field MethodsUpper Division25 Units

Lectures and laboratory computer exercises designed to familiarize students with research methods, study design, statistical approaches, and analysis tools for ecological research. Students cannot receive credit for this course and ENVS 104A. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C, and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 150L is required. BIOE 107, BIOE 108, BIOE 140, or BIOE 147 recommended. Enrollment limited to 25.

BIOE 150LEcological Field Methods LaboratoryUpper Division25 Units

Field-oriented course in the study of animal ecology and behavior. Combines overview of methodologies and approaches to field research with practical field studies. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C, and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 150 is required. BIOE 107, BIOE 108, BIOE 140, or BIOE 147 recommended. Enrollment limited to 25.

BIOE 151AEcology and Conservation in Practice Supercourse: Ecological Field MethodsUpper Division25 Units

An intensive, on-site learning experience in terrestrial field ecology and conservation, using the University of California Natural Reserves and other natural areas. Students study advance concepts in ecology, conservation, and field methods for four weeks, then experience total immersion in field research at the UC Natural Reserves and other natural areas. Lectures, field experiments, writing assignments, and computer exercises familiarize students with research methods, study design, statistical approaches, and analytical tools for ecological research. Students complete and communicate the results of short field projects in ecology, learn the natural history of the flora and fauna of California, and plan and execute a significant, independent field-research study at the end of the quarter. Enrollment is by application. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOE 20C or ENVS 23, ENVS 24; and STAT 7 & STAT 7L (formerly AMS 7 & AMS 7L). Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 151B-BIOE 151C-BIOE 151D is required. Satisfies the senior exit requirement for biological sciences majors and satisfies the senior exit requirement for environmental studies majors by prior approval. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 150, BIOE 150L, ENVS 104A or ENVS 196A. .

BIOE 151BEcology and Conservation in Practice Supercourse: Ecological Field Methods LaboratoryUpper Division25 Units

Field-oriented course in ecological research. Combines overview of methodologies and approaches to field research with practical field studies. Students complete field projects in ecology and also learn the natural history of the flora and fauna of California. Students are billed a materials fee of $1,450. Enrollment is by application. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOE 20C or ENVS 23, ENVS 24; and STAT 7 & STAT 7L (formerly AMS 7 & AMS 7L); satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 151A-BIOE 151C-BIOE 151D. Satisfies the senior exit requirement for biological sciences majors and satisfies the senior exit requirement for environmental studies majors by prior approval. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 150, BIOE 150L, ENVS 104A or ENVS 196A.

BIOE 151CEcology and Conservation in Practice Supercourse: Functions and Processes of Terrestrial EcosystemsUpper Division25 Units

From lectures and discussion of terrestrial community and ecosystem ecology, students work individually or in small groups to present an idea for a project, review relevant literature, develop a research question/hypothesis, design and perform an experiment, collect and analyze data, and write a report. The instructor evaluates the feasibility of each student’s project before it begins. Enrollment is by application. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOE 20C or ENVS 23, ENVS 24; and STAT 7 & STAT 7L. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 151A-BIOE 151B-BIOE 151D is required. Satisfies the senior exit requirement for biological sciences majors and satisfies the senior exit requirement for environmental studies majors by prior approval. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 150, BIOE 150L, ENVS 104A or ENVS 196A.

BIOE 151DEcology and Conservation in Practice Supercourse: Conservation in PracticeUpper Division25 Units

Focuses on current issues in environmental and conservation biology and the emerging field methods used to address them. From field-oriented lectures about current issues in environmental and conservation biology, students pursue research project as individuals and small groups to develop hands-on experience with field skills in conservation research and resource management. Enrollment is by application. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOE 20C or ENVS 23, ENVS 24; and STAT 7 & STAT 7L (formerly AMS 7 & AMS 7L). Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 151A-B-C is required. Satisfies the senior exit requirement for biological sciences majors and satisfies the senior exit requirement for environmental studies majors by prior approval. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 150, BIOE 150L, ENVS 104A or ENVS 196A. (General Education Code(s): PE-E.)

BIOE 153AIntroduction to Arctic EcologyUpper Division25 Units

Field-intensive course comprised of weekly classes in preparation for the field component. Focuses on issues relevant to the ecology of arctic regions including arctic ecology, arctic geology and paleontology, and arctic environmental change. Students are charged a materials fee of $2,570. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, and BIOE 20B and BIOE 20C; and concurrent enrollment BIOE 153B and BIOE 153C. . Enrollment limited to 12.

BIOE 153BArctic EcologyUpper Division25 Units

Field-intensive course focusing on issues relevant to the ecology of the arctic regions. Explores the changing arctic environment through lectures and hands-on research during an 18-day camping trip transecting the subarctic boreal forest to the high Arctic. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, and BIOE 20B and BIOE 20C; and concurrent enrollment BIOE 153A and BIOE 153C. Enrollment limited to 12.

BIOE 153CDisciplinary Communication for BiologistsUpper Division25 Units

Writing-intensive course focusing on developing skills in scientific communication with an emphasis on communicating issues relevant to the ecology of arctic regions. Communication products are developed during an 18-day camping trip in the Arctic. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, and BIOE 20B and BIOE 20C; and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; and concurrent enrollment BIOE 153A and BIOE 153B. Enrollment limited to 12.

BIOE 155Freshwater EcologyUpper Division25 Units

Provides an overview of the physical, chemical, and biological processes that characterize inland waters such as lakes, streams, rivers, and wetlands. Also addresses relationships between humans and freshwater, and discusses these challenges in conservation. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C.

BIOE 155LFreshwater Ecology LaboratoryUpper Division25 Units

Field and laboratory study of the ecology of freshwater systems including lakes, streams, and estuaries. Students gain experience sampling and identifying freshwater organisms, designing and analyzing ecological experiments, and writing scientific reports. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOE 20C and BIOE 155. Enrollment limited to 24.

BIOE 157AEvolution Field Class in Southern AfricaUpper Division25 Units

Covers the fundamentals of evolution, including macro-evolution (the science of the evolution of organisms) and micro-evolution (the science of the evolution of populations, within a species). Field observations and field work is an integral part of the class, where demonstrations and examples are shown directly in the field. Students think, write, and report, on projects that will be elaborated and discussed with peers and faculty. Course is delivered in the field, and in person, visiting sites of archaeological importance pertinent to human evolution (caves of Sterkfontein, where hominid remains have been discovered), and national parks (Kruger National Park, Malawi National Park) where we will observe animal interactions, sexual selection, and kin selection. Students write daily journals with observations and reports. Prerequisite(s): equivalent of UCSC’s BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C; satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements.

BIOE 157BIchthyology Field Class in Southern AfricaUpper Division27 Units

Covers the fundamentals of ichthyology (fish biology), including taxonomy and classification, morphology, physiology, zoogeography and fisheries. Field observations and field work is an integral part of the class, where demonstrations and examples are shown directly in the field. Students think, write, and report, on projects that will be elaborated and discussed with peers and faculty. The course is delivered in the field, and in person, including visiting streams and rivers to learn about local fishes and hands-on approaches to studying the science of ichthyology. Research projects are done at Malawi National Park, a site with the greatest diversity of freshwater fishes in the world. Students write daily journals with observations and reports. Prerequisite(s): equivalent of UCSC’s BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C; satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements.

BIOE 158LField Methods in Marine EcologyUpper Division25 Units

Supervised individual research projects in experimental marine biology. Students carry out a complete research project, including (1) the formation of hypotheses; (2) the design and implementation of experiments; (3) collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and (4) write-up of an oral presentation. Prerequisite(s): BIOE 107 or BIOE 108; satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements.

BIOE 159AMarine Ecology Field Quarter: Marine Ecology with LaboratoryUpper Division25 Units

Total immersion in marine ecology for very motivated students. Students develop a research project during first five weeks on campus and then spend five weeks of immersion in directed research without distraction in isolated locations off campus (past locations include the Gulf of California in Mexico and Moorea in French Polynesia). Not available through University Extension. No other courses may be taken during this quarter. Students must sign a contract agreeing to standards of behavior outlined in the UCSC Rule Book and by the instructors. Students are billed a materials fee of $3,500. Paradigms and designs in marine ecology. A review of the paradigms that have shaped our understanding of marine ecology and analysis and discussion of experiments with these paradigms. Students carry out a complete research project, including the formation of hypotheses; the design and implementation of experiments; the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the write-up and oral presentation of results. Admission by interview during previous winter quarter. BIOE 159A, BIOE 159B, BIOE 159C, and BIOE 159D are equivalent to BIOE 127, BIOE 127L, BIOE 108, and BIOE 158L for major requirements. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; BIOE 159A, BIOE 159B, BIOE 159C, and BIOE 159D must be taken concurrently. Enrollment limited to 26.

BIOE 159BMarine Ecology Field Quarter: Ichthyology with LaboratoryUpper Division25 Units

An introduction to the biology of jawless, cartilaginous, and bony fishes—their classification, evolution, form, physiology, and ecology. Admission by interview during previous winter quarter. BIOE 159A, BIOE 159B, BIOE 159C, and BIOE 159D are equivalent to BIOE 127, BIOE 127L, BIOE 108, and BIOE 158L for major requirements. BIOE 159A, BIOE 159B, BIOE 159C, and BIOE 159D must be taken concurrently. Enrollment limited to 26.

BIOE 159CMarine Ecology Field Quarter: Methods in Field EcologyUpper Division25 Units

Students learn quantitative methods for field experiments and surveys. Emphasis will be on marine environments, but there will also be exposure to terrestrial systems. This is the lecture component to BIOE 159D. No text is required for this course; instead, readings from the current literature will be assigned. Students are evaluated on written independent field project proposals and class participation. Admission by interview during previous winter quarter. BIOE 159A, BIOE 159B, BIOE 159C, and BIOE 159D are equivalent to BIOE 127, BIOE 127L, BIOE 108, and BIOE 158L for major requirements. BIOE 159A, BIOE 159B, BIOE 159C, and BIOE 159D must be taken concurrently. Enrollment limited to 26.

BIOE 159DMarine Ecology Field Quarter: Methods in Field Ecology LaboratoryUpper Division25 Units

This is laboratory portion of BIOE 159C. Students carry out independent field projects under the supervision of course instructors. All work is done during the 5-6 week off-campus portion of BIOE 159. Students are evaluated on field techniques, the final write-up of their independent field projects, and class participation. Admission by interview during previous winter quarter. BIOE 159A, BIOE 159B, BIOE 159C, and BIOE 159D are equivalent to BIOE 127, BIOE 127L, BIOE 108, and BIOE 158L for major requirements. BIOE 159A, BIOE 159B, BIOE 159C, and BIOE 159D must be taken concurrently. Enrollment limited to 26.

BIOE 159EMarine Ecology Field Quarter: Behavioral EcologyUpper Division25 Units

Study of animal behavior from an ecological and evolutionary perspective, using lectures, exercises, discussion, and research experience in the field. Emphasis on marine environments with exposure to extraterrestrial systems and laboratory studies. Focus on how scientists study animal behavior and what has been learned about evolution and ecology and ecology of animal behavior. Admission by interview during previous winter quarter. BIOE 159E is equivalent to BIOE 140 for major requirements. BIOE 159A, BIOE 159B, BIOE 159C, and BIOE 159E must be taken concurrently.

BIOE 159FMarine Ecology Field Quarter: Global Change EcologyUpper Division25 Units

Engages students in the evolving discipline of global change biology, which examines the relationships between organisms and their environment. Includes discussion of changes in the climate system and other human disturbances, as well as the effects of these changes on biology, from shifts in organismal performance to species distributions and the timing of biological events. Includes discussion and analysis of different lines of evidence for understanding biological responses to global change, including paleoecology, observations, experiments and modeling. Last, this course also focuses on topics in climate literacy and science communication. Admission by interview during previous winter quarter. BIOE 159A, BIOE 159C, BIOE 159D, and BIOE 159F must be taken concurrently. .

BIOE 161Kelp Forest EcologyUpper Division25 Units

Study of organization of kelp forests as models for examining biological communities. The physical and biotic factors responsible for community organization of kelp forests are explored using original literature and data collected in BIOE 161L. Class meets one full morning each week. Prerequisite(s): by interview only; BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C are required. Students must pass the University Research Diving Certification (contact the diving safety officer, Institute of Marine Sciences, for further information). Enrollment is restricted to seniors. BIOE 161L must be taken concurrently; BIOE 107, BIOE 120 and BIOE 120L, and BIOE 122 and BIOE 122L are recommended. Enrollment limited to 24.

BIOE 161LKelp Forest Ecology LaboratoryUpper Division25 Units

Fieldwork using SCUBA to quantitatively and qualitatively examine the abundance and distribution of organisms in kelp forests, with additional laboratory work. Culminates with a directed individual research project. Class meets one full morning each week. Students are billed a materials fee of $500. Admission by interview. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C; satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; BIOE 161 must be taken concurrently; BIOE 107, 120/L, 122/L are recommended. Students must pass the University Research Diving Certification (contact the Diving Safety Officer, Institute of Marine Sciences, for further information). . Enrollment limited to 24.

BIOE 163Ecology of Reefs, Mangroves, and SeagrassesUpper Division25 Units

Integrated treatment of coral reefs, sea grasses, and mangroves emphasizing interactions and processes through time. Major topics: biological and geological history, biogeography, evolution and ecology of dominant organisms, biodiversity, community and ecosystem ecology, geology, biogeochemistry, global change, human impacts. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 163L is required.

BIOE 163LEcology of Reefs, Mangroves, and Seagrasses LaboratoryUpper Division22 Units

An interdisciplinary laboratory exploration of the anatomy, morphology, adaptations, diversity, evolution, and ecology of corals, mangroves, and seagrasses and of their physical, chemical, and geological environments. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C. Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 163 is required.

BIOE 165Marine Conservation BiologyUpper Division25 Units

Initially undertakes an in-depth comparison of the biology and conservation of marine versus terrestrial ecosystems. With this foundation, course examines marine biodiversity loss resulting from overexploitation, habitat loss, species introduction, and pollution, with particular emphasis on the resulting trophic cascades, biodiversity losses, and climate change. Students cannot receive credit for this course and ENVS 120. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C; OCEA 101 recommended.

BIOE 171Disciplinary Communication for BiologistsUpper Division25 Units

Writing-intensive course focusing on developing skills in scientific communication, with an emphasis on communicating issues relevant to ecologists and evolutionary biologists. Presents the norms and standards of scientific communication spanning multiple genres Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 271. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements, and BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C.

BIOE 172Population GeneticsUpper Division25 Units

Basic population genetics and selected topics will be covered, including genetics of speciation, tempo and mode of evolution, genetics of social behavior, natural selection in human populations, and the impact of molecular studies on evolutionary theory. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 272. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOE 20C, and BIOE 106 or BIOL 105, and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements.

BIOE 173Contemporary GeneticsUpper Division25 Units

Designed for the discussion and evaluation of current topics in genetics. Integrates information from multiple fields and focuses on how genetics continues to shape numerous areas, including new emerging areas. Focuses on topics of current interest in genetics and includes lectures, readings, and discussions. Students present on a current genetics’ topic of interest in the last week of the class. This is a course that requires extensive readings, participation in discussions, written assignments, and oral presentations. This course also provides an opportunity for you to practice critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and cooperative learning. Throughout the semester, students will discuss the latest genetic technologies and their impact on society including ethical, economic, and environmental concerns. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOE 20C, and BIOE 106 or BIOL 105; and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to juniors and seniors. Enrollment limited to 50.

BIOE 174Evolutionary MedicineUpper Division25 Units

Evolutionary processes and organismal evolutionary history have a profound impact in shaping the ways species develop disease susceptibility. As part of this class, students use evolution to critically evaluate human health, and explore how natural selection can shape behaviors and physiological responses. Uses concepts like trade-offs to understand how the evolution of mechanisms that were favorable under a set of conditions might seem damaging once those conditions are no longer present in modern societies. Course also extends these concepts to examine the evolution of disease susceptibility in other animals and plants providing a new tool to understand the world around us. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOE 20C, and BIOE 106 or BIOL 105, and BIOE 109, and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment limited to 44.

BIOE 175Conservation GenomicsUpper Division25 Units

Students learn how to interact with genomic sequence data and how it is used as a conservation tool. Focusing on the genomic sequence of the banana slug (Ariolimax dolichophallus) students assemble the first chromosome-level de novo assembly for the species. Also investigates how this genome compares to other slug species and investigates its phylogenetic position within the Order Stylommatophora. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOE 20C, and BIOE 106 or BIOL 105. Enrollment is restricted to sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students. Enrollment limited to 30.

BIOE 176Data Science for Ecology & Evolutionary BiologyUpper Division25 Units

Practical introduction to the computational and statistical skills students in ecology and evolutionary biology need to know for working in our data-filled modern world. Topics include practices for reproducible science, scientific programming in R, and statistical reasoning with ecological and evolutionary data. Course is taught as a flipped classroom with extensive hands-on practice so that students leave with the critical skills to continue on their own. A final project consists of analysis of a real dataset. Prerequisite(s): BIOE 107 or BIOE 109, or by permission of the instructor. (General Education Code(s): SR.)

BIOE 183WUndergraduate Research in EEB–WritingUpper Division22 Units

Working in coordination with an Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) faculty member, affiliate or adjunct, students develop and write a formal research proposal or report and give a presentation on their research project. Includes weekly class meetings focused on the philosophy of science, basic statistics, library searches, inputting data, creating graphs, and preparing results for publication, posters, and talks. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; and BIOE 107, BIOE 108, or BIOE 109; and an undergraduate research contract on file with the department.

BIOE 186Experimental Design and Data AnalysisUpper Division27 Units

Students provided with the programming and statistical tools needed to undertake experimental design and data analysis in ecology and evolutionary biology—from data manipulation, exploration, and visualization to interpretation. Lectures and lab practicals provide a primer on: R programming, basic statistics and probability, hypothesis testing, linear regression, analysis of variance, multiple regression, and categorical data analysis. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 286. Enrollment is restricted to sophomore, junior, and senior biology, ecology and evolution, plant sciences, and marine biology majors and by permission of the instructor. . Enrollment limited to 30. (General Education Code(s): SR.)

BIOE 188Introduction to Science WritingUpper Division25 Units

A rigorous examination and practice of the skills involved in writing articles about science, health, technology, and the environment for the general public. Covers the essential elements of news writing and explanatory journalism, including developing a story idea, interviewing scientists, fact checking, composition, and editing of multiple drafts about scientific research. (Also offered as Science Communication 160. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and C1, C2 requirements. Enrollment is restricted to junior and senior biological sciences majors. Enrollment limited to 18.

BIOE 189FSpecial Topics Seminar Series: Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUpper Division22 Units

Through a special topic seminar series, students experience and discuss research in ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. Topics may include advanced concepts in our ecology and evolutionary biology (EEB) discipline, the intersections between diversity and ecology, research ethics. The goals are to advance understanding in EEB, professional development, networking, and community building. . Enrollment limited to 50. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 197Summer Intensive Research in EEBUpper Division210 Units

Students conduct their own designed research projects in eight- to 10-week summer internships under the supervision and guidance of their principal investigator who will also be their research mentor. Students’ research duties will take place in research labs at UC Santa Cruz or in the field. Students develop questions and conduct their research throughout the summer, culminating in a final research project. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor.

BIOE 200AScientific SkillsGraduate35 Units

Exposes graduate students to teaching skills, understanding the scientific method, searching and organizing literature, grant proposal and scientific writing, data management and presentation, and scientific speaking. Students are evaluated on their participation and the quality of a written research proposal. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

BIOE 200BAdvanced Organismal BiologyGraduate35 Units

Consists of lectures focusing on pivotal topics in ecology and evolution. Relevant background material is developed followed by a critical analysis of readings from the primary literature. Designed to give graduate (and advanced undergraduate) students direct contact with the major areas of research that are currently at the forefront of organismal biology. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

BIOE 200CEvolutionary EcologyGraduate35 Units

Analysis of the ways in which evolution shapes the form and function of organisms including physiology, morphology, and behavior, as well as populations, species, and species interactions across landscapes. (Formerly BIOE 279, Evolutionary Ecology.) Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

BIOE 200DFoundations in Ecology & Evolutionary BiologyGraduate35 Units

Hones skills in graduate-level analysis and discussion of published research. Explores how to identify and relate your work to influential and “foundational” papers in your field. Examines how to develop a conceptual scaffold for research as a scientist, how to build and apply conceptual advances, and what makes a paper influential or important. Enrollment limited to 25. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 203Introductory Seminar in Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyGraduate33 Units

Introduction to high-level analysis and discussion of published research papers in theoretical or applied ecology and evolutionary biology. Course consists of weekly meetings with extensive independent work outside of class. Course is required for all first-year graduate students and forms part of the graduate core curriculum. (Formerly offered as BIOE 293, Readings in Ecology and Evolution.) Enrollment is restricted to graduate students or by permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 208Marine EcologyGraduate35 Units

Paradigms and designs in marine ecology. A review of the paradigms that have shaped our understanding of marine ecology; analysis and discussion of experiments with these paradigms. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 108. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

BIOE 215Advanced Seminar in Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyGraduate33 Units

Intensive exploration of an advanced topic in theoretical or applied evolutionary biology, ecology, physiology, behavior, or conservation biology. Course consists of weekly meetings with extensive independent work outside of class, resulting in mastery of an area of innovation in the field, or in a comprehensive familiarity with an important body of work. Independent work generally culminates in independent or group projects and products. Course is targeted at students who already have reached a professional level of expertise in their field and advanced master’s students. (Formerly offered as BIOE 295, Advanced Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Seminar.) . Enrollment is restricted to graduate students, except by special permission. Enrollment limited to 24. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 238Modeling Evolution and EcologyGraduate35 Units

Introduces students to how mathematical models can be used to ask and answer evolutionary and ecological questions. Methods covered include optimality theory, population genetics, population dynamic models, game theory, and dynamic state-variable models. Students learn to develop their own mathematical models and to use models to make predictions. Statistical methods for combining theory and data are not covered. This class focuses on learning by doing, using in class activities, weekly problem sets and an independent project. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 138. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor. (Formerly offered as BIOE 248B, Quantitative Methods in Ecology and Evolution.) .

BIOE 239Mathematical Modeling and Data Science in Ecology and EvolutionGraduate35 Units

Teaches students how to build mathematical models and fit them to data to answer questions in ecology and evolution. Includes learning to write code in the R programming language to simulate models and perform statistical analyses. Topics include: population and evolutionary dynamics; species interactions; and behavior. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 139. (Formerly BIOE 248A, Quantitative Ecology.) . Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

BIOE 245Plant EcologyGraduate35 Units

An exploration of the ecology of plant form, function, distribution, abundance, and diversity. Topics include plant adaptations to environmental conditions, life history variation, competition, reproductive ecology, herbivory, and patterns of diversity. Lecture with discussions of original papers and independent field project. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 145. Prerequisite(s): BIOE 107 or ENVS 24 or permission of instructor. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

BIOE 245LField Methods in Plant Ecology LaboratoryGraduate35 Units

Hands-on exploration of the concepts and techniques of plant ecology. A combination of lab, greenhouse, and field-based exercises (irrespective of weather conditions), statistical analysis, and scientific writing. One required weekend field trip. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 145L. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 2.

BIOE 247Community EcologyGraduate35 Units

Develops the major themes of community ecology: structure, trophic dynamics, succession, complex interactions among species, herbivory, evolution, and coevolution. Uses case histories of well-studied marine and terrestrial systems. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 147. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

BIOE 258LExperimental Marine EcologyGraduate35 Units

Supervised individual research projects in experimental marine biology. Students carry out a complete research project, including (1) the formation of hypotheses, (2) the design and implementation of experiments, (3) collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, and (4) the write-up of an oral presentation. Prerequisite(s): BIOE 208; and interview to assess ability to carry out field project. Enrollment limited to 20.

BIOE 262Facilitating Change in Coastal Science PolicyGraduate35 Units

Skills-based course in effective leadership and communication, including stakeholder engagement, facilitation, conflict resolution, team building, and introduction to project management. Communication training includes identifying audiences and objectives (public, philanthropy, policymakers, managers, scientist practitioners) and leveraging non-traditional communication platforms. Enrollment is by application and restricted to graduate students. (Also offered as Coastal Science and Policy 245. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment limited to 16.

BIOE 271Disciplinary Communication for BiologistsGraduate35 Units

Writing-intensive course focusing on developing skills in scientific communication, with an emphasis on communicating issues relevant to ecologists and evolutionary biologists. This courses presents the norms and standards of scientific communication spanning multiple genres. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 171. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

BIOE 272Population GeneticsGraduate35 Units

Basic population genetics and selected topics are covered including genetics of speciation, tempo and mode of evolution, genetics of social behavior, natural selection in human populations, and the impact of molecular studies on evolutionary theory. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 172. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

BIOE 274Evolutionary Game TheoryGraduate35 Units

Reviews static equilibrium concepts, games of incomplete information, and the traditional theory of dynamic games in discrete time. Develops recent evolutionary game models, including replicator and best reply dynamics, and applications to economics, computer science, and biology. Prerequisite(s): upper-division math courses in probability theory are strongly recommended. Cannot receive credit for this course and ECON 166B or CSE 166B. (Also offered as Economics 272 and Computer Science & Engineering 209. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.)

BIOE 276Data Science for Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyGraduate35 Units

Practical introduction to the computational and statistical skills students in ecology and evolutionary biology need to know for working in our data-filled modern world. Topics include practices for reproducible science, scientific programming in R, and statistical reasoning with ecological and evolutionary data. The course is taught as a flipped classroom with extensive hands-on practice so that students leave with the critical skills to continue on their own. A final project consists of analysis of a real dataset. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

BIOE 281ATopics in Basic and Applied Marine EcologyGraduate32 Units

Seminar focusing on concepts in basic and applied ecology. Structure rotates quarterly between graduate student research and readings of journal articles and textbooks. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor.

BIOE 281BTopics in Molecular EvolutionGraduate32 Units

A discussion of current research and literature review on the subject of molecular evolution. Primary focus on recent results on molecular phylogenetics and molecular population genetics. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 281CTopics in Physiological EcologyGraduate32 Units

An intensive seminar focusing on the interaction between physiological constraint and life history options and solutions employed by animals. Topics vary from comparative physiology to ecological theory. Participants are required to present results of their own research or review papers of interest. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 281DTopics in Global Change EcologyGraduate32 Units

Focuses on fundamental concepts in global-change ecology, with emphasis on coastal and marine ecosystems and issues of sustainability. The seminar is devoted to reading and evaluating current and classic literature and discussing graduate student research. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 15. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 281ETopics in Freshwater EcologyGraduate32 Units

Current topics in freshwater ecology, eco-evolutionary dynamics, fisheries, and fish ecology. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission from instructor. Enrollment limited to 18. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 281FEcological Research TopicsGraduate32 Units

Intensive research and discussions on plant-animal interactions. All students undertake a research project and meet weekly with the faculty sponsor to monitor progress. The group meets weekly to discuss experimental design and analysis, specific problems related to the students’ research, relevant research papers, or manuscripts that the group members are writing. Each student gives a formal presentation of research plans or progress each quarter. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 281GTopics in Sexual Selection and Social BehaviorGraduate32 Units

Discussion of current topics, research, and methods in sexual selection and social behavior focusing on theoretical and empirical research and links between evolution and ecology. Students present and discuss their research, read and discuss current and classic literature, or read and discuss methods used in the field. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Qualified undergraduates may enroll by permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 18. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 281HTopics in Comparative Marine PhysiologyGraduate32 Units

Intensive seminar on selected topics in marine physiology. Students present results from their own research and discuss recent advances from the literature. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 281ITopics in Disease Ecology, Population Biology, and ConservationGraduate32 Units

Selected topics in population biology and disease ecology. Students present results from their own research and discuss recent advances from the literature. (Formerly Topics in Plant Population and Disease Ecology) Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll by permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 18. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 281JTopics in Evolutionary GenomicsGraduate32 Units

Weekly seminar course centered on reading and discussing selected publications along with peer review of research plans, grant proposals, manuscripts, lectures, and conference presentations. The overarching goal is to support the development and progress of graduate students in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department whose thesis work and interests align with the course topic. . Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 281KTopics in Plant EvolutionGraduate32 Units

Intensive seminar on selected topics in plant evolution. Students present results from their own research and discuss recent advances from the literature. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll by permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 18. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 281LTopics in Behavioral and Evolutionary EcologyGraduate32 Units

An intensive seminar on selected topics in behavioral and evolutionary ecology. Students are expected to discuss the current literature and present literature reviews, research proposals, and preliminary results from their ongoing research. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10.

BIOE 281MTopics in Host-Microbe Population GenomicsGraduate32 Units

Centers on reading and discussion of selected publications along with peer review of research plans, grant proposals, manuscripts, lectures, and conference presentations. The overarching goal is to support the development and progress of graduate students in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department whose thesis work and interests align with the course topics. Topics include: Reviewing innovative approaches to the study of host-microbiome interactions; Implementation of novel methods for the study of evolutionary demographics in populations using genomic data; Identifying signatures of selection mediated by pathogens and the environment. . Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 281NTopics in Marine Vertebrate EcologyGraduate32 Units

Seminar on the ecology of marine vertebrates. Topics vary from the factors that explain the distribution of marine predators to island biogeography and the ecosystem effects of introduced vertebrates on islands. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 12. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 281OTopics in Plant-Water RelationsGraduate32 Units

Intensive seminar focusing on fundamental and evolutionary concepts in plant-water relations. Students present results from their own research and discuss recent advances from the literature. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll by permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 18. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 281PTopics in Plant Population EcologyGraduate32 Units

An intensive seminar on selected topics in plant ecology and population biology. Students present results from their own research and discuss recent advances from the literature. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission from instructor. Enrollment limited to 12. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 281QTopics in Molecular Evolutionary GeneticsGraduate32 Units

An intensive seminar on selected topics in molecular evolutionary genetics. Students are required to present results from their own research projects, present a critical review paper at least once during the quarter, and submit a written research proposal. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduate students may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 281RTopics in Marine Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyGraduate32 Units

An intensive seminar series focusing on fundamental concepts in marine ecology. Emphasis changes quarter to quarter. At least one quarter per year is devoted to discussion of graduate student research. Other quarters involve reading and evaluating current and classic literature on marine ecology and evolutionary biology. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 281STopics in Ancient DNA and PaleogenomicsGraduate32 Units

Topics in population genetics and genomics, focusing on work involving paleontological and archaeological material. Students present weekly written and oral reports of their research projects. Once each term, students critique a recent publication. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission from instructor. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 281TTopics in Evolutionary Developmental BiologyGraduate32 Units

Centers on reading and discussion of selected publications along with peer review of research plans, grant proposals, manuscripts, lectures, and conference presentations. The overarching goal is to support the development and progress of graduate students in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department whose thesis work and interests align with the course topics. Topics include: reviewing advances in the field of regeneration; applications of novel techniques in functional genomics; and comparative genomics in evolution, development, and regeneration. (Formerly Species Interactions and Coevolution.) . Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 15. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 281UTopics in Invertebrate BiologyGraduate32 Units

An intensive study about concepts, theory, and techniques for graduate students conducting research on the ecology, genetics, evolution, systematics, or biodiversity of marine invertebrates. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; advanced undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 15. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 281VTopics in Behavioral EcologyGraduate32 Units

A discussion of current topics in behavioral ecology including social information use, conceptual advances in understanding the evolution of animal signaling, and using a mechanistic approach to infer ecological processes from soundscapes. . Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 281WTopics in Exercise and Environmental PhysiologyGraduate32 Units

A weekly seminar discussion on current research and techniques in mammalian exercise and environmental physiology. Areas covered include locomotor physiology, exercise testing and cardiovascular monitoring, and biomechanics. Oral presentation of ongoing research or current literature required from each student. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 281XTopics in Behavioral Ecology of Large Marine VertebratesGraduate32 Units

Weekly seminar course centering on reading and discussion of selected publications along with peer review of research plans, grant proposals, manuscripts, lectures, and conference presentations. The overarching goal is to support the development and progress of graduate students in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department whose thesis work and interests align with the course topic (reviewing innovative approaches in marine mammal science, coupling physiological with ecological concepts using integrative tools, identifying ecological and evolutionary context of large marine vertebrate research). Enrollment is restricted to ecology and evolutionary biology graduate students; other students may enroll by consent of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 281YTopics in Climate Change BiologyGraduate32 Units

This weekly seminar course centers on reading and discussing of selected publications along with peer review of research plans, grant proposals, manuscripts, lectures, and conference presentations. Students support the development and progress of graduate students in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department whose thesis work and interests align with the course topics including: Reviewing impacts of extreme climate events, Inferring microevolutionary processes from genomic time series, Understanding community composition change in marine ecosystems. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 281ZConservation Science in a Changing WorldGraduate32 Units

Selected readings and guest speakers in conservation, climate science and the ecology of environmental change coupled with peer review of participants’ research proposals, grant proposals, manuscripts and scientific presentations. . Enrollment is restricted to ecology and evolutionary graduate students. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 286Experimental Design and Data AnalysisGraduate35 Units

Focuses on problems and designs in ecology and population biology. Topics include experimental design; exploratory data analysis; hands-on statistics; and graphical theory. Structured around a statistical analysis and graphics program to teach students to design surveys and experiments and analyze data. Previous work in statistics strongly recommended. (Also offered as Coastal Science and Policy 241. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 286L is required. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

BIOE 286LExperimental Design and Data Analysis LabGraduate32 Units

Lab will focuses on hands-on statistical problem solving, graphical presentations and experimental design issues. (Also offered as Coastal Science and Policy 241L. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Concurrent enrollment in BIOE 286 is required. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

BIOE 287Ethics, Nature, and Natural SelectionGraduate35 Units

Explores the role, if any, that Darwinian theory and evolutionary biology should have on ethical theory. Topics range from classic work, including Darwin and classic expositors, to influential contemporary work on natural selection, in light of the best philosophical literature. (Also offered as Philosophy 246. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 20. May be repeated for credit.

BIOE 294Ecology, Evolutionary Biology SeminarGraduate30 Units

Selected topics of current interest to ecologists and evolutionary biologists presented by weekly guest speakers. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

Last modified: Aug 13, 2025