Bio 4451:

Field
Ecology & Evolution

Requirements

 

 

Dr. Robert L. Curry

Dept. of Biology

Villanova University

Field Ecology & Evolution (Bio 4451 + Bio 4452) is an advanced undergraduate course that will give students an introduction to tropical ecology. The key element is the field trip in Mexico ( ≈ 27 Dec 2009 - 11 Jan 2010) during which each student will study tropical organisms and ecosystems first-hand, while also carrying out an individual field research project.

To succeed in the field course, students should:

(1) have basic understanding of background facts and concepts about tropical ecology generally, and about the organisms of the Yucatán Peninsula specifically. The Bio 4451 lecture course will provide this background; students must have sufficient preparation to learn the material.

(2) be ready to complete a research project involving a brief but intensive period of field data collection, followed by statistical analysis and report presentation after we return to Villanova. Students need to have enough understanding of principles of scientific method, experimental design, and data-collection techniques to gather an solid dataset during just a few days.

Requirements for Bio 4451 + Bio 4452 therefore are:

  1. Completion of (or AP credit for) full year of General Biology or Environmental Science or both

  2. At least one upper-division course, taken previously or concurrently with Bio 4451 during F06, that provides relevant content and laboratory experience:

    • Bio 3012 Animal Behavior Lab
    • Bio 3255 Introductory Ecology (available Fall 06)
    • Bio 3405 Higher Vertebrates
    • Bio 3505 Invertebrate Zoology
    • Bio 3555 Lower Vertebrates
    • Bio 3905 Vascular Plants
    • Bio 4305 Evolution
    • Bio 4485 Marine Biology

    Students who will have completed Environmental Science I & II (without an additional upper-division biology course) should see Dr. Curry for permission to enroll in Bio 4451.

    Bio 3105 (Biostatistics & Experimental Design) would also be very helpful, and would be sufficient in conjunction with Environmental Science I & II, but not for students whose only other background is Gen Bio I & II.

Note: Enrollment will be limited (expected cap = 14 students, including graduate students registering for companion courses). We reserve the right to restrict registration based on seniority and preparation.