HUMAN ORIGINS & EVOLUTION

This is an introductory course in human evolution. Building on a foundation of evolutionary theory, students explore primate behavioral morphology and then trace the last 65 million years of primate evolution from the earliest Paleocene forms to the fossil remains of earliest humans and human relatives. Along with Behavioral Biology of the Living Primates this serves as a core required class for the EBHS program.

• MW 11:40 a.m.-12:55 p.m.
• Instructor: Jill S Shapiro
  CULPA: 46 Info
• 3 points

HUMAN ORIGINS & EVOLUTION-DISC

• R 5:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• R 6:10 p.m.-7 p.m.
• F 12:10 p.m.-1 p.m.
• Instructor: Jill S Shapiro
  CULPA: 46 Info
• 0 points

ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY I

Introductory biology course for majors in biology or environmental biology, emphasizing the ecological and evolutionary context of modern biology.

• MW 1:10 p.m.-2:25 p.m.
• 3 points

INTRO-STAT-ECOLOGY & EVOL BIOL

Intended for those WITHOUT prior knowledge of statistics.  Some background in ecology, evolutionary biology required.  This is an introduction to the theoretical principles and practical application of statistical methods in ecology and evolutionary biology. The course will cover the conceptual basis for a range of statistical techniques through a series of lectures using examples from the primary literature. The application of these techniques will be taught through the use of statistical software in computer-based laboratory sessions.

• M 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: Steffen Foerster
  Info
• 3 points

INTRO-STAT-ECOLGY/EVOL BIO-LAB

Required Lab for EEEB UN3005. An introduction to the theoretical principles and practical application of statistical methods in ecology and evolutionary biology. The course will cover the conceptual basis for a range of statistical techniques through a series of lectures using examples from the primary literature. The application of these techniques will be taught through the use of statistical software in computer-based laboratory sessions.

• T 6:10 p.m.-7:25 p.m.
• R 6:10 p.m.-7:25 p.m.
• Instructor: Steffen Foerster
  Info
• 0 points

CHALL/STRAT IN PRIMATE CONSERV

Prerequisites: EEEB UN1010 or EEEB UN1011 or the instructor's permission. Throughout their range, numerous primate species are on the brink of extinction. This course examines the central issues relating to conservation of wild primates and explores strategies and solutions for preserving these endangered populations. Through the analysis of the ecological and social traits linked to vulnerability and the direct and indirect threats from human activities, students will gain a practical understanding of how to develop successful, sustainable, and practical conservation strategies.

• TR 10:10 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
• Instructor: Alba Lucia Morales Jimenez
  Info
• 3 points

CUR CONTROV-PRIMATE BEHAV&ECOL

Prerequisites: EEEB UN1011 or the equivalent. Critical in-depth evaluation of selected issues in primate socioecology, including adaptationism, sociality, sexual competition, communication, kinship, dominance, cognition, and politics. Emphasizes readings from original literature.

• T 12:10 p.m.-2 p.m.
• Instructor: Marina Cords
  CULPA: 19 Info
• 4 points

THESIS RESEARCH SEMINAR

Guided, independent, indepth research experience culminating in the senior essay. Weekly meetings are held to review work in progress, to share results through oral and written reports, and to consider career options for further work in this field.

• R 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Instructor: Matthew I Palmer
  CULPA: 5 h-index: 14 Info
• 3 points

EBHS SENIOR THESIS SEMINAR

Prerequisites: the instructor's permission and senior standing as a major or concentrator in The Evolutionary Biology of the Human Species (EBHS). Year-long seminar in which senior EBHS majors develop a research project and write a senior thesis. Regular meetings are held to discuss research and writing strategies,review work in progress, and share results through oral and written reports.

• W 3:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Instructor: Jill S Shapiro
  CULPA: 46 Info
• 3 points

INDEPENDENT STUDY

Students conduct research in environmental biology under supervision of a faculty mentor. The topic and scope of the research project must be approved before the student registers for the course.

• Instructor: Jill S Shapiro
  CULPA: 46 Info
• 1-3 points

Tropical Biology

Study ecology, evolution, and conservation biology in one of the world’s most biologically spectacular settings, the wildlife-rich savannas of Kenya. Although we will meet have a few meetings during the fall semester, the majority of the coursework will be completed during a 16 day field trip to Kenya during winter break. Students will spend their time immersed in an intensive field experience gaining sophisticated training in fieldwork and biological research. Note that there is a lab fee to cover all in-country expenses, and students are also responsible for the cost of airfare to and from Kenya.

• Instructor: Dustin Rubenstein
  h-index: 36 Info
• 4 points

ECOSYSTM ECOLOGY & GLOBAL CHNG

This course will provide an introduction to ecosystem ecology. Topics include primary production carbon storage, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem feedbacks to climate change. By the end of the course, students will be well versed in the basics of ecosystem ecology and have exposure to some current areas of research. Topics covered will include some aspects that are well established and others that are hotly debated among scientists. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to think independently and act like research scientists.

• TR 10:10 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
• Instructor: Duncan Menge
  CULPA: 1 h-index: 26 Info
• 3 points

Introduction to Mammalogy

This taxon-based course provides students with a basic understanding of the diversity and natural history of the mammals. Broad coverage of mammalian biology includes: morphological adaptations, evolutionary history and biogeography.

• R 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: Scott Silver
  Info
• 3 points

INSECT DIVERSITY

Introduction to phylogenetic relationships, evolution, and ecology of the major groups of arthropods, with emphasis on insects. Lab: indentification of common families of spiders and insects of the northeastern United States.

• W 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: Bekka Brodie
  Info
• 4 points

FIELD BOTANY/PLANT SYSTEMATICS

Prerequisites: introductory biology sequence, including organismal biology. A survey of vascular plants with emphasis on features of greatest utility in identifying plants in the field to the family level. This will be coupled with a survey of the major plant communities of northeastern North America and the characteristic species found in each. The course will consist of one lecture and one laboratory per week with several lab sessions extended to accommodate field trips to local and regional natural areas.

• F 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Instructor: Matthew I Palmer
  CULPA: 5 h-index: 14 Info
• 4 points

INTRO-STAT-ECOLOGY & EVOL BIOL

Prerequisites: Some background in ecology, evolutionary biology. Intended for those WITHOUT prior knowledge of statistics.  This is an introduction to the theoretical principles and practical application of statistical methods in ecology and evolutionary biology. The course will cover the conceptual basis for a range of statistical techniques through a series of lectures using examples from the primary literature. The application of these techniques will be taught through the use of statistical software in computer-based laboratory sessions.

• M 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: Steffen Foerster
  Info
• 3 points

INTRO-STAT-ECOLGY/EVOL BIO-LAB

Prerequisites: some background in ecology, evolutionary biology, and/or statistics is recommended. An introduction to the theoretical principles and practical application of statistical methods in ecology and evolutionary biology. The course will cover the conceptual basis for a range of statistical techniques through a series of lectures using examples from the primary literature. The application of these techniques will be taught through the use of statistical software in computer-based laboratory sessions.

• T 6:10 p.m.-7:25 p.m.
• R 6:10 p.m.-7:25 p.m.
• Instructor: Steffen Foerster
  Info
• 0 points

THESIS DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR

Incoming M.A. students aiming for the thesis-based program are guided through the process of defining a research question, finding an advisor, and preparing a research proposal. By the end of the semester the students will have a written research proposal to submit to potential advisors for revision. Subject to a positive review of the research proposal, students are allowed to continue with the thesis-based program and will start working with their advisor. The course will also provide an opportunity to develop basic skills that will facilitate the reminder of the student's stay at E3B and will help in their future careers.

• R 12:10 p.m.-2 p.m.
• Instructor: Bekka Brodie
  Info
• 3 points

FUNDAMENTALS OF EVOLUTION

Lectures cover principal topics in evolutionary biology including genetics, genome organization, population and quantitative genetics, the history of evolutionary theory, systematics, speciation and species concepts, co-evolution, and biogeography.

• MW 10:10 a.m.-noon
• Instructor: Deren Eaton
  h-index: 15 Info
• 3 points

Advances in Ecology, Evolution, and Envi

Advances in E3B

This one-credit seminar is designed for PhD students from any department in any school at Columbia University. We will read contemporary literature and examine case studies on designing, conducting, and communicating research projects that contribute to solutions to climate change and related problems of the Anthropocene. PhD students will have the opportunity to share their research and reflect on how it might contribute to solutions.

• R 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Instructor: Shahid Naeem
  CULPA: 6 Wikipedia h-index: 70 Info
• 1-3 points

Population Ecology

Population Ecology is a quantitative field that through theoretical and empirical tools attempts to describe intrinsic and extrinsic processes that determine how populations change over time.  Intrinsic factors include population structure, rate of change, and life histories; extrinsic factors include environmental variation, interspecific interactions, and anthropogenic perturbations that affect population change.  A comprehensive understanding of populations and how they respond to changing environments forms the basics of conservation biology and wildlife management. This class will explore how concepts of population ecology can be used to inform the conservation and management of natural populations and ecosystems. We will emphasize practical approaches to problem-solving in ecology, conservation, and wildlife management using simulation models and inferential statistics. Topics will include Population Viability Analysis (PVA), metapopulations, species interactions, threats to wild populations, wildlife management and more. Laboratory exercises will provide hands-on experience with wildlife population models and their practical applications in wildlife ecology and management.

• T 12:10 p.m.-2 p.m.
• Instructor: Viorel Popescu
  Info
• 3 points

Field Methods in Wildlife Monitoring

This course provides a strong theoretical and practical background in the use of wildlife monitoring techniques to address ecological and conservation orientated questions. The course will conduct an overview of monitoring plan design and the conceptual background needed to understand and critique monitoring plans, and have the basic skills to develop and implement a monitoring program as part of an interdisciplinary team. During this course, we will examine a variety of research and monitoring techniques used by wildlife professionals. We will evaluate the theories, strengths, and weaknesses behind the use of these wildlife techniques and apply them in the field.

• F 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Instructor: Wai-Ming Wong
  Info
• 3 points

RESEARCH SEMINAR

Prerequisites: degree in biological sciences. Lectures by visiting scientists, faculty, and students; specific biological research projects; with emphasis on evolution, ecology, and conservation biology.

• R 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
• Instructor: Shahid Naeem
  CULPA: 6 Wikipedia h-index: 70 Info
• 1 points

AMAZONIA SEMINAR

Course addresses the assumptions upon which community-based conservation and development projects are based, their successes and shortcomings within the context of history and the environment.

• W 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: Miguel Pinedo-Vasquez
  h-index: 32 Info
• 3 points

THESIS DEVELOPMENT

Prerequisites: the instructor's permission. This course will help guide E3B Ph.D. students towards candidacy by teaching them the skills necessary to be effective and independent scientists. Students will conduct an extensive literature review, write a preliminary dissertation proposal, and present their research ideas to the group on multiple occasions. Students will learn how to give and receive constructive written and oral feedback on their work.

• M 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Instructor: Maria Uriarte
  Wikipedia h-index: 56 Info
• 6 points

DIRECTED RESEARCH

• Instructor: Bekka Brodie
  Info
• Instructor: Shahid Naeem
  CULPA: 6 Wikipedia h-index: 70 Info
• Instructor: Duncan Menge
  CULPA: 1 h-index: 26 Info
• Instructor: Marina Cords
  CULPA: 19 Info
• Instructor: Viorel Popescu
  Info
• Instructor: Deren Eaton
  h-index: 15 Info
• Instructor: Brendan Buckley
  h-index: 40 Info
• Instructor: Maria Uriarte
  Wikipedia h-index: 56 Info
• Instructor: Natalie T Boelman
  Info
• Instructor: Alex McAlvay
  Info
• 1-9 points

DIRECTED RESEARCH

• Instructor: Shahid Naeem
  CULPA: 6 Wikipedia h-index: 70 Info
• Instructor: Viorel Popescu
  Info
• Instructor: Bekka Brodie
  Info
• Instructor: Kevin L Griffin
  CULPA: 6 h-index: 59 Info
• Instructor: Alex McAlvay
  Info
• 1-9 points

DIRECTED READINGS

Supervised directed readings and literature review in areas relevant to a students research program.

• Instructor: Bekka Brodie
  Info
• Instructor: Jessica Ware
  Wikipedia Info
• Instructor: Maria Diuk-Wasser
  h-index: 36 Info
• Instructor: Deren Eaton
  h-index: 15 Info
• Instructor: Shahid Naeem
  CULPA: 6 Wikipedia h-index: 70 Info
• 1-6 points