Curriculum
Summer 2008
| Summer I | |
| 5/19 – 6/6 | Evolutionary Biology (3 cr) |
| 6/9 – 6/27 | Fishes of Galapagos: snorkel your way to classification, ecology and evolution (3 cr) Dr. Reinhold Hanel, IFM GEOMAR |
| Summer II | |
| 6/30 – 7/18 | Marine Ecology of Galapagos (3 cr) |
| 7/21 – 8/8 | Maritime anthropology in coastal cultures (3 cr) |
Evolutionary Biology (3 Cr)
Dr. Christiane Meyer, UCLA
Synopsis:
We will understand the basic principle of evolution by natural selection. We will examine other mechanisms of evolution, such as genetic drift, migration, and mutation, and learn much about biodiversity in the process. You will understand how all of life is connected and can be represented by phylogenetic trees, why the demise of the dinosaurs may have helped mammals to become one of the dominant groups on Earth, what major changes Earth itself and life on Earth has undergone since ancient times, what genes can tell us about evolution, and what processes lead to the vast number of species on our planet today.
We will explore the many fascinating aspects of evolutionary biology in lectures, discussion groups, and field trips. Obtain a thorough understanding of basic evolutionary mechanisms, processes, and patterns and an appreciation of the pervasive importance of evolution in modern biology.
Furthermore this course will continue development of critical and constructive thinking skills, improvement of writing skills, including become comfortable with drafting and revising.
Readings:
- Main textbook: "Evolutionary Analysis" by Scott Freeman and Jon C. Herron
- Excerpts from "Evolutionary Biology" by Douglas F. Futuyma
- "The Beak of the Finch" by Johathan Weiner or, if available by then, Rosemary & Peter Grant’s book on Darwin’s finch evolution
- Primary literature on evolutionary biology
Diversity of Fishes: Classification, Ecology, and Evolution (3cr)
Dr. Reinhold Hanel, IFM GEOMAR
Synopsis:
With almost 30.000 species alive today, the world's fishes comprise by far the largest and most diverse of all vertebrate groups. The course will provide an introduction to fish systematics, morphology and anatomy but also ecology and evolution of fishes.
The goal of this course is to get a general understanding of ecology and systematics of fishes. We will learn fish classification and get an overview of cutting-edge science in fisheries biology and finfish aquaculture. Lab courses will include comparative morphology and anatomy of fishes. Practical courses in fish identification will include lab units demonstrating the use of scientific keys as well as guided snorkelling tours aiming at the identification of fish in the water and the recognition of behavioural and ecological characteristics.
We will be presented with information on the evolutionary history and special adaptations of fish within the context of their ecological roles as individuals or populations in a biological community. This course also will provide insights into the phylogenetic relationships and discuss contemporary conservation issues related to fish.
Readings:
- Helfman G.S., B.B. Collette, D.E. Facey. 1997. The Diversity of Fishes. Blackwell Science.
- Fischer et al. (eds.) 1995. Guia FAO para la identification de especies para los fines de la pesca – Pacifico Centro-Oriental, Vols. I, II, III. FAO, Rome.
- Nelson, J.S. 1994. Fishes of the World. 3rd edition. John Wiley & Sons. Inc. New York, USA.
Marine Invertebrate Biology (3 cr)
Dr. Gabrielle Johnson, UCSB
Synopsis:
Introduction to the major phyla of marine invertebrates, such as Echinodermata, Mollusca, Arthropoda (including zooplankton), Porifera, Cnidaria, and major groups of marine worms. Lectures will stress phylum and class characteristics, basic physiology, functional morphology, behavior, taxonomic relationships and natural history.
Laboratories will focus on live representative invertebrate types and entail making observations and scientific illustrations. Organisms of the Galapagos and their unique characteristics will be the emphasis. In addition, human impacts on the various invertebrates groups will be examined.
This course will provide you with a basic understanding of characteristics of the major marine invertebrate fauna and the ability to describe morphological characteristics of the major phyla. Furthermore you will obtain an understanding of basic evolutionary connection between classes with the various phyla and will develop accurate observation and scientific illustration skills.
Readings:
- Invertebrate Zoology: A Functional Approach, Ruppert, Fox, and Barnes (2003)
- Invertebrate Zoology, Brusca and Brusca (for reference)
- Invertebrate Zoology Laboratory Manual
Maritime anthropology in coastal cultures (3 cr)
Dr. Sarah Meltzoff; University of Miami
Synopsis:
You will experience insights into the local culture by learning about the ecology of the archipelago and understanding the needs of its people. This includes insights into life and work history of the communities as well as learning about Flora and Fauna - from Penguins to Iguanas, from Sharks to Tortoises, from salt marshes and beaches to volcano peeks.
By analyzing the socio-economic challenges of this delicate human-environmental needs balance, you will acquire several skills that help finding new ways towards conservation and sustainable development.
Objectives:
Explore human/environmental interactions
Know basic ethnography fieldwork techniques
Journal writing
Understand Political Ecology Approach as field methodology
Techniques:
Political ecology
Journaling
Life and work history
Participant observation
Readings:
- Plundering Paradise: the Hand of Man in the Galapagos Islands;Michael D’Orso
- The Beak of the Finch; Johathan Weiner
- The Galapagos Affair; John Treherne
- My father’s Island; Johanna Angermeyer