Courses

Course ID	Title	Offered
BIOEE 1130	The Art and Science of Birds Art and science have always been fundamentally linked. Before the invention of photography, illustration was the main documentation tool in science; even now, artistic representations are used to communicate important scientific discoveries. In this course students learn the basics of bird anatomy in tandem with sketching techniques to foster an appreciation of how science and art can reinforce each other in enriching one's life and study. Led by the staff biological illustrator at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, students begin with the fundamentals of observational drawing to improve accuracy before moving onto watercolors. Interwoven into art lessons are scientific lectures produced by Cornell ornithologists, blending art with current science to cover a range of interconnected topics. Full details for BIOEE 1130 - The Art and Science of Birds	Spring.
BIOEE 1610	Introductory Biology: Ecology and the Environment This course provides an introduction to ecology, covering interactions between organisms and the environment at scales of populations, communities, and ecosystems. Ecological principles are used to explore the theory and applications of major issues facing humanity in the 21st century, including population dynamics, disease ecology, biodiversity and invasive species, global change, and other topics of environmental sustainability. Catalog Distribution: (BIO-AS) (BIO-AG, OPHLS-AG) Full details for BIOEE 1610 - Introductory Biology: Ecology and the Environment	Fall, Spring, Summer.
BIOEE 1780	An Introduction to Evolutionary Biology and Diversity Considers explanations for pattern of diversity and the apparent good fit of organisms to the environment. Topics include the diversity of life, the genetics and developmental basis of evolutionary change, processes at the population level, evolution by natural selection, modes of speciation, long-term trends in evolution, origin of humans. Catalog Distribution: (BIO-AS) (BIO-AG, OPHLS-AG) Full details for BIOEE 1780 - An Introduction to Evolutionary Biology and Diversity	Fall, Spring.
BIOEE 1781	Introduction to Evolution and Diversity Considers explanations for pattern of diversity and the apparent good fit of organisms to the environment. Topics include the diversity of life, the genetics and developmental basis of evolutionary change, processes at the population level, evolution by natural selection, modes of speciation, long-term trends in evolution, origin of humans. Catalog Distribution: (BIO-AS) (BIO-AG, OPHLS-AG) Full details for BIOEE 1781 - Introduction to Evolution and Diversity	Fall, Spring, Summer.
BIOEE 2740	The Vertebrates: Comparative Anatomy, Function, Paleontology, and Evolution This course in vertebrate organismal biology explores the anatomy and function of vertebrates with an emphasis on vertebrate evolution. Lectures cover topics such as the origin, anatomy, physiology, paleontology, and evolution of vertebrate groups, with a focus on organ systems (such as the nervous, circulatory, and respiratory systems), life history, locomotion, behavior, ecology, and conservation. This course prepares students for advanced courses on the biology of fishes, amphibians and reptiles, birds, and mammals; pre-vet and pre-med students benefit from its comparative anatomical approach to understanding the organization of the vertebrate body. Catalog Distribution: (BIO-AS) (OPHLS-AG) Full details for BIOEE 2740 - The Vertebrates: Comparative Anatomy, Function, Paleontology, and Evolution	Spring.
BIOEE 3550	Data Analysis and Visualization in Ecology and Environmental Science Ecology and Environmental Science are running into a 'big data' era. The unprecedented data sources provide opportunities for novel scientific exploration and solutions to real-world problems, which, however, usually requires robust quantitative analysis and informative visualization. This course aims to increase students' literacy and hands-on skills on common quantitative methods in ecology and environmental sciences, including accessing and curating data, statistical inference, regression, data-based predictions (also known as machine learning), and visualizing the results. Students will be using public data sets from organismal to landscape scales, including spatial data sets from the Google Earth Engine platform. Example codes will be provided in both Python and R. Full details for BIOEE 3550 - Data Analysis and Visualization in Ecology and Environmental Science	Spring.
BIOEE 3690	Chemical Ecology Why are chilies so spicy? This course examines the chemical basis of interactions between species and is intended for students with a basic knowledge of chemistry and biology. Focuses on the ecology and chemistry of plants, animals, and microbes. Stresses chemical signals used in diverse ecosystems, using Darwinian natural selection as a framework. Topics include: plant defenses, microbial warfare, communication in marine organisms, and human pheromones. Catalog Distribution: (BIO-AS) (OPHLS-AG) Full details for BIOEE 3690 - Chemical Ecology	Spring.
BIOEE 4530	Speciation: Genetics, Ecology, and Behavior Advanced course in evolutionary biology focusing on the pattern and process of speciation and the nature of origin of behavioral, morphological, physiological and ecological traits that form the intrinsic barriers to gene exchange. Lecture topics include species concepts and definitions, the history of ideas about speciation, the biological basis of intrinsic barriers to gene exchange, current models for the origin of such barriers, genetic architecture of speciation, rates of speciation. Emphasis is on developing a rigorous conceptual framework for discussing speciation and on detailed analysis of a series of case histories. Catalog Distribution: (BIO-AS) (OPHLS-AG) Full details for BIOEE 4530 - Speciation: Genetics, Ecology, and Behavior	Spring.
BIOEE 4660	Physiological Ecology, Lectures Detailed survey of how physiological processes help organisms meet the challenges of their environment. Lectures explore physiological adaptation, thermal biology, respiration and oxygen transport, resource acquisition and allocation, water use and limitation, energetics and nutrition, hormones, stress physiology, and developmental physiology. Readings draw from the primary literature and textbooks. Catalog Distribution: (BIO-AS) (OPHLS-AG) Full details for BIOEE 4660 - Physiological Ecology, Lectures	Spring.
BIOEE 4661	Physiological Ecology, Laboratory Detailed survey of the physiological approaches used in understanding the relationships between organisms and their environment. Laboratories apply physiological techniques to specific ecological problems and cover aspects of experimental design and computer-aided data analysis. Full details for BIOEE 4661 - Physiological Ecology, Laboratory	Spring.
BIOEE 4700	Herpetology, Lectures Lectures cover various aspects of the biology of amphibians and reptiles, including evolution, zoogeography, ecology, behavior, and physiology. Full details for BIOEE 4700 - Herpetology, Lectures	Fall.
BIOEE 4800	Ecological Genetics Ecological Genetics focuses on the application of population genetic concepts in ecological contexts, with emphases on measuring adaptation in natural populations, detecting the effects of population demography, and determining the genetic basis of quantitative traits. Illustrative examples will be drawn from the primary research literature to demonstrate experimental techniques and methods of data analysis on single-gene, multi-locus and genome-wide scales. Catalog Distribution: (BIO-AS) (OPHLS-AG) Full details for BIOEE 4800 - Ecological Genetics	Spring.
BIOEE 4940	Special Topics in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology The department offers "trial" courses or seminars under this number. Offerings vary by semester. The same course is not to be offered more than twice under this number. For 2022-2023 descriptions, please go to the department website. Full details for BIOEE 4940 - Special Topics in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology	Fall, Spring, Summer.
BIOEE 4980	Teaching Experience Designed to give qualified undergraduate students teaching experience through actual involvement in planning and assisting in biology courses. This experience may include supervised participation in a discussion group, assisting in a biology laboratory, assisting in field biology, or tutoring. Full details for BIOEE 4980 - Teaching Experience	Fall, Spring.
BIOEE 6550	Data Analysis and Visualization in Ecology and Environmental Science Ecology and Environmental Science are running into a 'big data' era. The unprecedented data sources provide opportunities for novel scientific exploration and solutions to real-world problems, which, however, usually requires robust quantitative analysis and informative visualization. This course aims to increase students' literacy and hands-on skills on common quantitative methods in ecology and environmental sciences, including accessing and curating data, statistical inference, regression, data-based predictions (also known as machine learning), and visualizing the results. Students will be using public data sets from organismal to landscape scales, including spatial data sets from the Google Earth Engine platform. Example codes will be provided in both Python and R. Full details for BIOEE 6550 - Data Analysis and Visualization in Ecology and Environmental Science	Spring.
BIOEE 6900	Seminar in Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases Graduate-level discussion of the ecology, epidemiology, genetics, and evolution of infectious disease in animal and plant systems. Weekly discussion of research papers published in the primary scientific literature. Participation in discussion and presentation of at least one paper required for course credit. Full details for BIOEE 6900 - Seminar in Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases	Fall, Spring.
BIOEE 7600	Special Topics in Evolution and Ecology Lectures and intensive study of special topics in the field of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. Content varies each semester. Full details for BIOEE 7600 - Special Topics in Evolution and Ecology	Fall, Spring.
BIOEE 7640	Plant-Insect Interactions Seminar Group intensive study of current research in plant-insect interactions. Topics vary from semester to semester but include chemical defense, coevolution, insect community structure, population regulation, biocontrol, tritrophic interactions, and mutualism. Full details for BIOEE 7640 - Plant-Insect Interactions Seminar	Fall, Spring.
BIOEE 8990	M.S. Thesis Research Thesis research conducted by an M.S. student in the field of ecology and evolutionary biology with advice and consultation of a major professor who is a member of the field. Full details for BIOEE 8990 - M.S. Thesis Research	Fall, Spring.
BIOEE 9990	Ph.D. Dissertation Research Dissertation research conducted by a Ph.D. student in the field of ecology and evolutionary biology with advice and consultation of a major professor who is a member of the field. Full details for BIOEE 9990 - Ph.D. Dissertation Research	Fall, Spring.

BIOEE 1130

The Art and Science of Birds

Art and science have always been fundamentally linked. Before the invention of photography, illustration was the main documentation tool in science; even now, artistic representations are used to communicate important scientific discoveries. In this course students learn the basics of bird anatomy in tandem with sketching techniques to foster an appreciation of how science and art can reinforce each other in enriching one's life and study. Led by the staff biological illustrator at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, students begin with the fundamentals of observational drawing to improve accuracy before moving onto watercolors. Interwoven into art lessons are scientific lectures produced by Cornell ornithologists, blending art with current science to cover a range of interconnected topics.

Full details for BIOEE 1130 - The Art and Science of Birds

Spring.

BIOEE 1610

Introductory Biology: Ecology and the Environment

This course provides an introduction to ecology, covering interactions between organisms and the environment at scales of populations, communities, and ecosystems. Ecological principles are used to explore the theory and applications of major issues facing humanity in the 21st century, including population dynamics, disease ecology, biodiversity and invasive species, global change, and other topics of environmental sustainability.

Catalog Distribution: (BIO-AS) (BIO-AG, OPHLS-AG)

Full details for BIOEE 1610 - Introductory Biology: Ecology and the Environment

Fall, Spring, Summer.

BIOEE 1780

An Introduction to Evolutionary Biology and Diversity

Considers explanations for pattern of diversity and the apparent good fit of organisms to the environment. Topics include the diversity of life, the genetics and developmental basis of evolutionary change, processes at the population level, evolution by natural selection, modes of speciation, long-term trends in evolution, origin of humans.

Catalog Distribution: (BIO-AS) (BIO-AG, OPHLS-AG)

Full details for BIOEE 1780 - An Introduction to Evolutionary Biology and Diversity

Fall, Spring.

BIOEE 1781

Introduction to Evolution and Diversity

Considers explanations for pattern of diversity and the apparent good fit of organisms to the environment. Topics include the diversity of life, the genetics and developmental basis of evolutionary change, processes at the population level, evolution by natural selection, modes of speciation, long-term trends in evolution, origin of humans.

Catalog Distribution: (BIO-AS) (BIO-AG, OPHLS-AG)

Full details for BIOEE 1781 - Introduction to Evolution and Diversity

Fall, Spring, Summer.

BIOEE 2740

The Vertebrates: Comparative Anatomy, Function, Paleontology, and Evolution

This course in vertebrate organismal biology explores the anatomy and function of vertebrates with an emphasis on vertebrate evolution. Lectures cover topics such as the origin, anatomy, physiology, paleontology, and evolution of vertebrate groups, with a focus on organ systems (such as the nervous, circulatory, and respiratory systems), life history, locomotion, behavior, ecology, and conservation. This course prepares students for advanced courses on the biology of fishes, amphibians and reptiles, birds, and mammals; pre-vet and pre-med students benefit from its comparative anatomical approach to understanding the organization of the vertebrate body.

Catalog Distribution: (BIO-AS) (OPHLS-AG)

Full details for BIOEE 2740 - The Vertebrates: Comparative Anatomy, Function, Paleontology, and Evolution

Spring.

BIOEE 3550

Data Analysis and Visualization in Ecology and Environmental Science

Ecology and Environmental Science are running into a 'big data' era. The unprecedented data sources provide opportunities for novel scientific exploration and solutions to real-world problems, which, however, usually requires robust quantitative analysis and informative visualization. This course aims to increase students' literacy and hands-on skills on common quantitative methods in ecology and environmental sciences, including accessing and curating data, statistical inference, regression, data-based predictions (also known as machine learning), and visualizing the results. Students will be using public data sets from organismal to landscape scales, including spatial data sets from the Google Earth Engine platform. Example codes will be provided in both Python and R.

Full details for BIOEE 3550 - Data Analysis and Visualization in Ecology and Environmental Science

Spring.

BIOEE 3690

Chemical Ecology

Why are chilies so spicy? This course examines the chemical basis of interactions between species and is intended for students with a basic knowledge of chemistry and biology. Focuses on the ecology and chemistry of plants, animals, and microbes. Stresses chemical signals used in diverse ecosystems, using Darwinian natural selection as a framework. Topics include: plant defenses, microbial warfare, communication in marine organisms, and human pheromones.

Catalog Distribution: (BIO-AS) (OPHLS-AG)

Full details for BIOEE 3690 - Chemical Ecology

Spring.

BIOEE 4530

Speciation: Genetics, Ecology, and Behavior

Advanced course in evolutionary biology focusing on the pattern and process of speciation and the nature of origin of behavioral, morphological, physiological and ecological traits that form the intrinsic barriers to gene exchange. Lecture topics include species concepts and definitions, the history of ideas about speciation, the biological basis of intrinsic barriers to gene exchange, current models for the origin of such barriers, genetic architecture of speciation, rates of speciation. Emphasis is on developing a rigorous conceptual framework for discussing speciation and on detailed analysis of a series of case histories.

Catalog Distribution: (BIO-AS) (OPHLS-AG)

Full details for BIOEE 4530 - Speciation: Genetics, Ecology, and Behavior

Spring.

BIOEE 4660

Physiological Ecology, Lectures

Detailed survey of how physiological processes help organisms meet the challenges of their environment. Lectures explore physiological adaptation, thermal biology, respiration and oxygen transport, resource acquisition and allocation, water use and limitation, energetics and nutrition, hormones, stress physiology, and developmental physiology. Readings draw from the primary literature and textbooks.

Catalog Distribution: (BIO-AS) (OPHLS-AG)

Full details for BIOEE 4660 - Physiological Ecology, Lectures

Spring.

BIOEE 4661

Physiological Ecology, Laboratory

Detailed survey of the physiological approaches used in understanding the relationships between organisms and their environment. Laboratories apply physiological techniques to specific ecological problems and cover aspects of experimental design and computer-aided data analysis.

Full details for BIOEE 4661 - Physiological Ecology, Laboratory

Spring.

BIOEE 4700

Herpetology, Lectures

Lectures cover various aspects of the biology of amphibians and reptiles, including evolution, zoogeography, ecology, behavior, and physiology.

Full details for BIOEE 4700 - Herpetology, Lectures

Fall.

BIOEE 4800

Ecological Genetics

Ecological Genetics focuses on the application of population genetic concepts in ecological contexts, with emphases on measuring adaptation in natural populations, detecting the effects of population demography, and determining the genetic basis of quantitative traits. Illustrative examples will be drawn from the primary research literature to demonstrate experimental techniques and methods of data analysis on single-gene, multi-locus and genome-wide scales.

Catalog Distribution: (BIO-AS) (OPHLS-AG)

Full details for BIOEE 4800 - Ecological Genetics

Spring.

BIOEE 4940

Special Topics in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

The department offers "trial" courses or seminars under this number. Offerings vary by semester. The same course is not to be offered more than twice under this number. For 2022-2023 descriptions, please go to the department website.

Full details for BIOEE 4940 - Special Topics in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Fall, Spring, Summer.

BIOEE 4980

Teaching Experience

Designed to give qualified undergraduate students teaching experience through actual involvement in planning and assisting in biology courses. This experience may include supervised participation in a discussion group, assisting in a biology laboratory, assisting in field biology, or tutoring.

Full details for BIOEE 4980 - Teaching Experience

Fall, Spring.

BIOEE 6550

Data Analysis and Visualization in Ecology and Environmental Science

Ecology and Environmental Science are running into a 'big data' era. The unprecedented data sources provide opportunities for novel scientific exploration and solutions to real-world problems, which, however, usually requires robust quantitative analysis and informative visualization. This course aims to increase students' literacy and hands-on skills on common quantitative methods in ecology and environmental sciences, including accessing and curating data, statistical inference, regression, data-based predictions (also known as machine learning), and visualizing the results. Students will be using public data sets from organismal to landscape scales, including spatial data sets from the Google Earth Engine platform. Example codes will be provided in both Python and R.

Full details for BIOEE 6550 - Data Analysis and Visualization in Ecology and Environmental Science

Spring.

BIOEE 6900

Seminar in Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases

Graduate-level discussion of the ecology, epidemiology, genetics, and evolution of infectious disease in animal and plant systems. Weekly discussion of research papers published in the primary scientific literature. Participation in discussion and presentation of at least one paper required for course credit.

Full details for BIOEE 6900 - Seminar in Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases

Fall, Spring.

BIOEE 7600

Special Topics in Evolution and Ecology

Lectures and intensive study of special topics in the field of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. Content varies each semester.

Full details for BIOEE 7600 - Special Topics in Evolution and Ecology

Fall, Spring.

BIOEE 7640

Plant-Insect Interactions Seminar

Group intensive study of current research in plant-insect interactions. Topics vary from semester to semester but include chemical defense, coevolution, insect community structure, population regulation, biocontrol, tritrophic interactions, and mutualism.

Full details for BIOEE 7640 - Plant-Insect Interactions Seminar

Fall, Spring.

BIOEE 8990

M.S. Thesis Research

Thesis research conducted by an M.S. student in the field of ecology and evolutionary biology with advice and consultation of a major professor who is a member of the field.

Full details for BIOEE 8990 - M.S. Thesis Research

Fall, Spring.

BIOEE 9990

Ph.D. Dissertation Research

Dissertation research conducted by a Ph.D. student in the field of ecology and evolutionary biology with advice and consultation of a major professor who is a member of the field.

Full details for BIOEE 9990 - Ph.D. Dissertation Research

Fall, Spring.

Courses by semester

Courses for Spring 2025