Courses

Course ID	Title	Offered
BIOEE1130	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. This course is led by the staff biological illustrator at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology with visiting professional illustrator and ornithology guest lecturers, to showcase how art can be an invaluable part of explaining science, and conversely how bird studies can inform and promote artistic expression. You will learn about the basics of bird anatomy to inform your drawings, as well as techniques in sketching to foster an appreciation of how science and art can reinforce each other in enriching your life. No prior art experience is required or expected. Beginning with the fundamentals of observational drawing, the course blends art instruction with ornithology science covering a range of interconnected topics. Full details for BIOEE 1130 - The Art and Science of Birds
BIOEE1610	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. Full details for BIOEE 1610 - Introductory Biology: Ecology and the Environment	Fall, Spring, Summer.
BIOEE1640	FWS: Topics in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology The First-Year Writing Seminar provides the opportunity to write extensively about issues related to ecology and evolutionary biology. Topics vary by section. Full details for BIOEE 1640 - FWS: Topics in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology	Fall, Spring.
BIOEE1780	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. Full details for BIOEE 1780 - An Introduction to Evolutionary Biology and Diversity	Fall, Spring.
BIOEE2740	The Vertebrates: Comparative Anatomy, Function, Paleontology, and Evolution Introductory course in vertebrate organismal biology that 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 various vertebrate groups, with a focus on organ systems (such as the nervous, circulatory, and respiratory systems), life history, locomotion, behavior, 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. Full details for BIOEE 2740 - The Vertebrates: Comparative Anatomy, Function, Paleontology, and Evolution	Spring.
BIOEE3620	Dynamic Models in Biology Introductory survey of the development, computer implementation, and applications of dynamic models in biology and ecology. Case-study format covering a broad range of current application areas such as regulatory networks, neurobiology, cardiology, infectious disease management, and conservation of endangered species. Students also learn how to construct and study biological systems models on the computer using a scripting and graphics environment. Full details for BIOEE 3620 - Dynamic Models in Biology	Spring.
BIOEE3690	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. Full details for BIOEE 3690 - Chemical Ecology	Spring, Summer.
BIOEE3780	Digital Morphology through CT This course is an introduction to CT visualization for its applications in comparative biology of the vertebrates. Students will learn and practice the exploration of vertebrate anatomy with OSIRIX 3-D visualization software or its future replacement; work on student-designed projects and/or a large survey of the vertebrates based on CT scans from specimens in the Cornell museum as well as the Smithsonian and other museums around the world. Full details for BIOEE 3780 - Digital Morphology through CT	Fall (weeks 1-7), Spring (weeks 1-7).
BIOEE4460	Plant Behavior and Biotic Interactions, Lecture How do plants respond to antagonists, such as herbivores and pathogens? What are the checks and balances that keep mutualist organisms in their tight interactions? How are symbioses organized on molecular, metabolic and ecological levels? What are the molecular, plant hormonal, and metabolic mechanisms mediating plant biotic interactions with other organisms? What ecological and evolutionary consequences do these interactions have for the fitness of the plants and their interactors? This course provides an overview of plants' myriad interactions with antagonists and mutualists, from microbes to multicellular organisms, and explains the underlying ecological and evolutionary concepts. It gives an introduction to the study of induced plant responses in the light of a behavioral biology framework. Full details for BIOEE 4460 - Plant Behavior and Biotic Interactions, Lecture	Spring.
BIOEE4461	Plant Behavior and Biotic Interactions, Laboratory Laboratory course covering topics presented in BIOEE 4460/BIONB 4460/PLSCI 4460. Full details for BIOEE 4461 - Plant Behavior and Biotic Interactions, Laboratory	Spring.
BIOEE4530	Speciation: Genetics, Ecology, and Behavior Advanced course in evolutionary biology focusing on the pattern and process of speciation and the nature and 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. Full details for BIOEE 4530 - Speciation: Genetics, Ecology, and Behavior	Spring.
BIOEE4690	Food, Agriculture, and Society Multidisciplinary course dealing with the social and environmental impact of food production in the United States and developing countries. Agroecosystems of various kinds are analyzed from biological, economic, and social perspectives. The impacts of traditional, conventional, and alternative agricultural technologies are critically examined in the context of developed and developing economies. Specific topics include biodiversity and ecosystem services in agriculture, transgenic crops, biofuels, urban agriculture, and sustainable development. Full details for BIOEE 4690 - Food, Agriculture, and Society	Spring.
BIOEE4700	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	Spring.
BIOEE4701	Herpetology, Laboratory Laboratory topics include systematics, morphology, and behavior. Full details for BIOEE 4701 - Herpetology, Laboratory	Spring.
BIOEE4780	Ecosystem Biology and Global Change Examines ecosystem structure, carbon and energy flow, and nutrient cycles, and how these processes respond to environmental variations. Reviews classic ecosystem experiments, and considers effects on ecosystems from human-driven environmental changes, such as climate change, air pollution, excess nitrogen use, and land-use change. Full details for BIOEE 4780 - Ecosystem Biology and Global Change	Spring.
BIOEE4790	Paleobiology Surveys the major groups of invertebrate organisms and their evolutionary histories, and the theoretical and practical principles of paleontology, from biostratigraphy to macroevolution. Intended to fill out the biological backgrounds of Earth and atmospheric science students concerning the nature and significance of the fossil record for their respective studies, and the paleontological backgrounds of biology students interested in ecology and evolution. Full details for BIOEE 4790 - Paleobiology	Spring.
BIOEE4800	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. Full details for BIOEE 4800 - Ecological Genetics	Spring (offered alternate years).
BIOEE4940	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. Full details for BIOEE 4940 - Special Topics in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology	Fall, Spring, Summer.
BIOEE4980	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.
BIOEE6900	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.
BIOEE7570	Seminar in Spatial Population Ecology Examines the role of space for individuals, populations and communities in ecology. Each weekly meeting will be a discussion based on journal articles and book chapters. General topics will be individual movement, dispersal, range; observation scale, spatial synchrony; landscape ecology; habitat fragmentation: (meta) population dynamics, population genetics and evolution; species interactions and community structure; climate change, invasion, extinction and conservation. Full details for BIOEE 7570 - Seminar in Spatial Population Ecology	Spring.
BIOEE7600	Special Topics in Evolution and Ecology Independent or group-intensive study of special topics of current interest. Content varies each semester. Full details for BIOEE 7600 - Special Topics in Evolution and Ecology	Fall, Spring.
BIOEE7640	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.
BIOEE9990	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.

BIOEE1130

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. This course is led by the staff biological illustrator at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology with visiting professional illustrator and ornithology guest lecturers, to showcase how art can be an invaluable part of explaining science, and conversely how bird studies can inform and promote artistic expression. You will learn about the basics of bird anatomy to inform your drawings, as well as techniques in sketching to foster an appreciation of how science and art can reinforce each other in enriching your life. No prior art experience is required or expected. Beginning with the fundamentals of observational drawing, the course blends art instruction with ornithology science covering a range of interconnected topics.

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

BIOEE1610

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.

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

Fall, Spring, Summer.

BIOEE1640

FWS: Topics in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

The First-Year Writing Seminar provides the opportunity to write extensively about issues related to ecology and evolutionary biology. Topics vary by section.

Full details for BIOEE 1640 - FWS: Topics in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Fall, Spring.

BIOEE1780

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.

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

Fall, Spring.

BIOEE2740

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

Introductory course in vertebrate organismal biology that 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 various vertebrate groups, with a focus on organ systems (such as the nervous, circulatory, and respiratory systems), life history, locomotion, behavior, 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.

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

Spring.

BIOEE3620

Dynamic Models in Biology

Introductory survey of the development, computer implementation, and applications of dynamic models in biology and ecology. Case-study format covering a broad range of current application areas such as regulatory networks, neurobiology, cardiology, infectious disease management, and conservation of endangered species. Students also learn how to construct and study biological systems models on the computer using a scripting and graphics environment.

Full details for BIOEE 3620 - Dynamic Models in Biology

Spring.

BIOEE3690

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.

Full details for BIOEE 3690 - Chemical Ecology

Spring, Summer.

BIOEE3780

Digital Morphology through CT

This course is an introduction to CT visualization for its applications in comparative biology of the vertebrates. Students will learn and practice the exploration of vertebrate anatomy with OSIRIX 3-D visualization software or its future replacement; work on student-designed projects and/or a large survey of the vertebrates based on CT scans from specimens in the Cornell museum as well as the Smithsonian and other museums around the world.

Full details for BIOEE 3780 - Digital Morphology through CT

Fall (weeks 1-7), Spring (weeks 1-7).

BIOEE4460

Plant Behavior and Biotic Interactions, Lecture

How do plants respond to antagonists, such as herbivores and pathogens? What are the checks and balances that keep mutualist organisms in their tight interactions? How are symbioses organized on molecular, metabolic and ecological levels? What are the molecular, plant hormonal, and metabolic mechanisms mediating plant biotic interactions with other organisms? What ecological and evolutionary consequences do these interactions have for the fitness of the plants and their interactors? This course provides an overview of plants' myriad interactions with antagonists and mutualists, from microbes to multicellular organisms, and explains the underlying ecological and evolutionary concepts. It gives an introduction to the study of induced plant responses in the light of a behavioral biology framework.

Full details for BIOEE 4460 - Plant Behavior and Biotic Interactions, Lecture

Spring.

BIOEE4461

Plant Behavior and Biotic Interactions, Laboratory

Laboratory course covering topics presented in BIOEE 4460/BIONB 4460/PLSCI 4460.

Full details for BIOEE 4461 - Plant Behavior and Biotic Interactions, Laboratory

Spring.

BIOEE4530

Speciation: Genetics, Ecology, and Behavior

Advanced course in evolutionary biology focusing on the pattern and process of speciation and the nature and 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.

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

Spring.

BIOEE4690

Food, Agriculture, and Society

Multidisciplinary course dealing with the social and environmental impact of food production in the United States and developing countries. Agroecosystems of various kinds are analyzed from biological, economic, and social perspectives. The impacts of traditional, conventional, and alternative agricultural technologies are critically examined in the context of developed and developing economies. Specific topics include biodiversity and ecosystem services in agriculture, transgenic crops, biofuels, urban agriculture, and sustainable development.

Full details for BIOEE 4690 - Food, Agriculture, and Society

Spring.

BIOEE4700

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

Spring.

BIOEE4701

Herpetology, Laboratory

Laboratory topics include systematics, morphology, and behavior.

Full details for BIOEE 4701 - Herpetology, Laboratory

Spring.

BIOEE4780

Ecosystem Biology and Global Change

Examines ecosystem structure, carbon and energy flow, and nutrient cycles, and how these processes respond to environmental variations. Reviews classic ecosystem experiments, and considers effects on ecosystems from human-driven environmental changes, such as climate change, air pollution, excess nitrogen use, and land-use change.

Full details for BIOEE 4780 - Ecosystem Biology and Global Change

Spring.

BIOEE4790

Paleobiology

Surveys the major groups of invertebrate organisms and their evolutionary histories, and the theoretical and practical principles of paleontology, from biostratigraphy to macroevolution. Intended to fill out the biological backgrounds of Earth and atmospheric science students concerning the nature and significance of the fossil record for their respective studies, and the paleontological backgrounds of biology students interested in ecology and evolution.

Full details for BIOEE 4790 - Paleobiology

Spring.

BIOEE4800

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.

Full details for BIOEE 4800 - Ecological Genetics

Spring (offered alternate years).

BIOEE4940

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.

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

Fall, Spring, Summer.

BIOEE4980

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.

BIOEE6900

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.

BIOEE7570

Seminar in Spatial Population Ecology

Examines the role of space for individuals, populations and communities in ecology. Each weekly meeting will be a discussion based on journal articles and book chapters. General topics will be individual movement, dispersal, range; observation scale, spatial synchrony; landscape ecology; habitat fragmentation: (meta) population dynamics, population genetics and evolution; species interactions and community structure; climate change, invasion, extinction and conservation.

Full details for BIOEE 7570 - Seminar in Spatial Population Ecology

Spring.

BIOEE7600

Special Topics in Evolution and Ecology

Independent or group-intensive study of special topics of current interest. Content varies each semester.

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

Fall, Spring.

BIOEE7640

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.

BIOEE9990

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