This course surveys the field of ecology intended for undergraduates who are early in their studies of biology. The course will provide a broader and detailed understanding of the field of ecology, including major concepts, broad empirical patterns, important contemporary directions, and ecological applications. Students will read and discuss primary literature, analyze ecological theories and data and consider effective science communication strategies.

This course covers general microbiology, including:

the form, growth, physiology, genetics, ecology and diversity of prokaryotes and viruses;

 bacterial interactions, including animal and plant symbiosis and pathogenesis; and the use of bacteria in biotechnology.

This course surveys multiple dimensions of environmental microbiology, including methods and techniques for microbial genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, ecological and evolutionary microbiology, the roles of microbes in ecological systems, and current applications of and issues in environmental microbiology.

This course surveys the ecological processes that structure marine communities in a range of coastal and pelagic habitats. Assignments and discussions emphasize classic and modern experimental approaches and techniques to addressing basic and applied problems in marine systems. 

Readings and class disucssion will focus on a deep understanding of important and thought-provoking papers from the classic and modern literature. The goal is to create a strong foundation in ecological processes to aid students in developing dissertation research and mature ecological discourse.