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. 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. No prior bird knowledge or art experience is required or expected. Full details for BIOEE 1130 - The Art and Science of Birds	Spring.
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.
BIOEE1781	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. Full details for BIOEE 1781 - Introduction to Evolution and Diversity	Fall, Spring, Summer.
BIOEE2150	Advanced Techniques of Avian Specimen Preparation This course builds upon skills introduced in BIOEE 1150 (Techniques of Avian Specimen Preparation) and offers students opportunities to improve and diversify specimen preparation skills and become more involved in CUMV activities. Students will gain experience preparing a diversity of birds (e.g., waterbirds, long-necked birds, big birds, long-legged birds), many of which require species-specific preparation techniques. Students will also improve skills in identifying key anatomical structures for aging birds, evaluating reproductive status, documenting appropriate metadata for modern scientific specimens, and further hone skills in discussing the values of natural history collections. Full details for BIOEE 2150 - Advanced Techniques of Avian Specimen Preparation	Spring.
BIOEE2527	Neotropical Wildlife Biology This on-campus and international field course combination provides participating students with a broad introduction to the research process in field ecology, with literature and hands-on examples drawn from the fauna and flora of coastal Patagonia (Argentina), an area that provides us with unprecedented access to both marine and terrestrial wildlife as well as exposure to conservation challenges and success stories. The course begins in the latter part of the Fall semester (BIOEE 2525) when it meets twice weekly for seven weeks, largely to discuss relevant papers from the scientific literature with an emphasis on best practices in designing field studies to address questions in Neotropical ecology, behavioral ecology, conservation, and evolutionary biology. During the 2+ week field component in January (BIOEE 2526), students travel among field sites in Patagonia and put this knowledge to work in an experiential context by designing and implementing a series of research projects, including numerous short 'blitz' projects and several longer, more intensive independent projects; many of these field studies involve close-hand observations of marine mammals, penguins, or other seabirds. This course (BIOEE 2527) is focused on building skills in data analysis and scientific writing, based on the data collected in the field by each student. Full details for BIOEE 2527 - Neotropical Wildlife Biology	Multi-semester course: (Spring).
BIOEE2642	Analysis and Interpretation of Bird Observations Provides students with the opportunity to study birds intensively in a neotropical environment. Students learn observational and field techniques, formulate and participate in group research projects. See BIOEE 2640 for learning outcomes. Full details for BIOEE 2642 - Analysis and Interpretation of Bird Observations	Multi-semester course: (Spring).
BIOEE2740	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. Full details for BIOEE 2740 - The Vertebrates: Comparative Anatomy, Function, Paleontology, and Evolution	Spring.
BIOEE3550	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.
BIOEE3640	Birds and Climate Change In this course the students will find, read, summarize, critically evaluate and discuss papers from the primary literature related to effects of climate change using birds as examples. At the end of the course each student will present to the class a critical summary on a relevant topic of their choice, and submit an essay in which they articulate their ideas. Full details for BIOEE 3640 - Birds and Climate Change	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.
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.
BIOEE4660	Physiological Ecology, Lectures Detailed survey of the physiological approaches used to understand the relationships between organisms (plants and animals) and their environment. Lectures explore physiological adaptation; limiting factors; resource acquisition and allocation; photosynthesis, carbon, and energy balance; water use and water relations; nutrient relations; linking physiology, development, and morphology; stress physiology; life history and physiology; the evolution of physiological performance; and physiology at the population, community, and ecosystem levels. Readings draw from the primary literature and textbooks. Full details for BIOEE 4660 - Physiological Ecology, Lectures	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, land use for energy production, urban agriculture, and sustainable development. Full details for BIOEE 4690 - Food, Agriculture, and Society	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.
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. 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.
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.
BIOEE6550	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.
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.
BIOEE7600	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.
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. 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. No prior bird knowledge or art experience is required or expected.

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

Spring.

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.

BIOEE1781

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.

Full details for BIOEE 1781 - Introduction to Evolution and Diversity

Fall, Spring, Summer.

BIOEE2150

Advanced Techniques of Avian Specimen Preparation

This course builds upon skills introduced in BIOEE 1150 (Techniques of Avian Specimen Preparation) and offers students opportunities to improve and diversify specimen preparation skills and become more involved in CUMV activities. Students will gain experience preparing a diversity of birds (e.g., waterbirds, long-necked birds, big birds, long-legged birds), many of which require species-specific preparation techniques. Students will also improve skills in identifying key anatomical structures for aging birds, evaluating reproductive status, documenting appropriate metadata for modern scientific specimens, and further hone skills in discussing the values of natural history collections.

Full details for BIOEE 2150 - Advanced Techniques of Avian Specimen Preparation

Spring.

BIOEE2527

Neotropical Wildlife Biology

This on-campus and international field course combination provides participating students with a broad introduction to the research process in field ecology, with literature and hands-on examples drawn from the fauna and flora of coastal Patagonia (Argentina), an area that provides us with unprecedented access to both marine and terrestrial wildlife as well as exposure to conservation challenges and success stories. The course begins in the latter part of the Fall semester (BIOEE 2525) when it meets twice weekly for seven weeks, largely to discuss relevant papers from the scientific literature with an emphasis on best practices in designing field studies to address questions in Neotropical ecology, behavioral ecology, conservation, and evolutionary biology. During the 2+ week field component in January (BIOEE 2526), students travel among field sites in Patagonia and put this knowledge to work in an experiential context by designing and implementing a series of research projects, including numerous short 'blitz' projects and several longer, more intensive independent projects; many of these field studies involve close-hand observations of marine mammals, penguins, or other seabirds. This course (BIOEE 2527) is focused on building skills in data analysis and scientific writing, based on the data collected in the field by each student.

Full details for BIOEE 2527 - Neotropical Wildlife Biology

Multi-semester course: (Spring).

BIOEE2642

Analysis and Interpretation of Bird Observations

Provides students with the opportunity to study birds intensively in a neotropical environment. Students learn observational and field techniques, formulate and participate in group research projects. See BIOEE 2640 for learning outcomes.

Full details for BIOEE 2642 - Analysis and Interpretation of Bird Observations

Multi-semester course: (Spring).

BIOEE2740

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.

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

Spring.

BIOEE3550

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.

BIOEE3640

Birds and Climate Change

In this course the students will find, read, summarize, critically evaluate and discuss papers from the primary literature related to effects of climate change using birds as examples. At the end of the course each student will present to the class a critical summary on a relevant topic of their choice, and submit an essay in which they articulate their ideas.

Full details for BIOEE 3640 - Birds and Climate Change

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.

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.

BIOEE4660

Physiological Ecology, Lectures

Detailed survey of the physiological approaches used to understand the relationships between organisms (plants and animals) and their environment. Lectures explore physiological adaptation; limiting factors; resource acquisition and allocation; photosynthesis, carbon, and energy balance; water use and water relations; nutrient relations; linking physiology, development, and morphology; stress physiology; life history and physiology; the evolution of physiological performance; and physiology at the population, community, and ecosystem levels. Readings draw from the primary literature and textbooks.

Full details for BIOEE 4660 - Physiological Ecology, Lectures

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, land use for energy production, urban agriculture, and sustainable development.

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

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.

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. 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.

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.

BIOEE6550

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.

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.

BIOEE7600

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.

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

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