An introduction to key concepts in ecology and evolutionary biology emphasizing the diversity among individuals, population, species, communities, and ecosystems.

Laboratory and field exercises designed to augment the lecture material in EBIO 1010.

This course will introduce students to fundamental knowledge and principles relating to cell biology including biomolecules, cellular architecture, and cellular metabolism. Special attention will be given to the molecular nature of DNA and proteins and the molecular processes of replication, transcription, and translation. The course will wrap up with overviews about various mechanisms that regulate the above processes in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

An introduction to the physical and biological processes that regulate the function of the Earth system. The composition, formation, and stabilization of the Earth's atmosphere and ecosystem will be examined, emphasizing biological processes and ecosystem ecology. With an understanding of the historical rates and mechanisms of natural global change, the means by which human activities alter Earth system function at local to global scales will be explored, along with the consequences of and solutions to human-induced global change. EBIO 1040 is mutually exclusive with EBIO 1050 and EBIO 2050. Students may receive credit for only one of EBIO 1040, 1050, or 2050 in the undergraduate degree.

This course is designed to introduce students to the general principals behind the field of conservation genetics. We will explore evolutionary genetics, the importance of genetics in conservation, and conservation management practices. The class will cover these topics in lecture, hands-on lab activities, and field trips. Course is for high school students only. EBIO 1050 is mutually exclusive with EBIO 1040 and EBIO 2050. Students may receive credit for only one of EBIO 1040, 1050, or 2050 in the undergraduate degree.

How do coastal plants, animals, and microbes respond to climate change? Are coastal ecosystems resilient to climate change? This course will introduce students to the complex ways that climate change affects ecological systems in coastal areas. We will explore topics through lectures, readings, debates, field trips, and group research projects.We will learn about restoration and mitigation techniques and discuss ways students can act on behalf of threatened ecosystems

This course is designed to introduce you to plants and how different plants and plant products have shaped human existence. We will explore plant history, plant domestication, and plant products through lectures, readings, discussion, and field trips. (High School Students Only)

Basic concepts in animal behavior, emphasizing diversity among animals and their behaviors and the ecological and evolutionary influences on those behaviors. Course will include discussion of how behaviors are studied, physiological mechanisms of behaviors, animal diversity, and how animals communicate, find mates, reproduce, care for their young, defend and feed themselves and move within their environment.

The goal of this course is to provide an introduction to animal behavior. The course will begin with an introduction to the application of the scientific method to the study of behavior. Topics that will follow include the ontogeny(development) of behavior, neuronal and hormonal control of behavior, migration, communication, reproductive behavior, mating systems, parental care, and the evolution of social behavior. It will involve both a lecture component as well as a hands-on laboratory component in which students will engage in activities to observe the concepts in action. This class is only open to high school students who are participating in the Tulane Science Scholars Program (TSSP). For students who pass this course with a B or higher and choose to enroll at Tulane University, this course can be applied towards three hours of general elective credit. These credits will not count towards any of the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department majors.

The goal of this course is to provide an introduction to the field of herpetology. Students will 1) become familiar with the diversity of form and function exhibited by living reptiles and amphibians, 2) gain an introductory understanding of the evolutionary histories and relationships of reptiles and amphibians to each other and to other tetrapods, 3) follow the steps of the scientific method to design and carry out experiments to test hypotheses they devise, and 4) gain experience with field and laboratory methods used to study amphibians and reptiles. The class will involve a lecture component and a hands-on laboratory component. This class is only open to high school students participating in the Tulane Science Scholars Program (TSSP). For students who pass this course with a B or higher and choose to enroll at Tulane University, this course can be applied toward three hours of general elective credit. These credits will not count toward any of the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department majors.

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit co-requisite course. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Transfer Coursework at the 1000 level. Departmental approval may be required.

Transfer Coursework at the 1000 level. Department approval may be required.

An introduction to the study of infectious and non-infectious human diseases from an evolutionary perspective.

EBIO 2020 is an introduction to the fundamental theories and methods in ecology and evolutionary biology for EEBI and ENVB majors. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their major through direct, active experiences evaluating and communicating scientific evidence. The course topics are designed to reflect current research interests in the department, such as tropical ecology and behavioral evolution, as well as classic case studies in the discipline. Irrespective of topic, the course emphasizes a practical understanding of the scientific process and focuses on developing the skills needed for upper-level courses in EBIO. The course also provides opportunities for students to become familiar with the research interests of department faculty members, enabling them to identify future research opportunities.

A multidisciplinary introduction for majors and non-majors to the evolution of life on Earth, from its origin through the Pleistocene. The course will focus on the evolution and ecology of organisms in primitive environments, with special attention given to key taxa and events, such as the transition to land, the origin of angiosperms, the rise and fall of dinosaurs, and the origin and early evolution of reptiles, birds, and mammals. Emphasis will be placed on the reconstruction of ancient environments, using modern ecological and evolutionary principles as a guideline to the nature of early biological communities and ecosystems.

A consideration of biological diversity and its persistence, threats, human value, conservation efforts, and biological bases. Specific topics include extinction, global change, population viability, habitat loss and degradation, ecosystem management, restoration, agricultural ecosystems, economic and legal considerations, and the human population.

This course explores the biological basis of environmental issues and the changes occurring at a global scale, divided approximately into halves. The first half will provide a strong foundation in the interactions among biological and physical systems. The second half will be devoted to specific issues including global climate change, atmospheric pollution, community stability, habitat fragmentation, and loss of biodiversity. Changes that have occurred over geological time will be compared with changes in the modern industrial era. EBIO 2050 is mutually exclusive with EBIO 1040 and EBIO 1050. Students may receive credit for only one of EBIO 1040, 1050, or 2050 in the undergraduate degree.

This course will introduce students to fundamental principles concerning the molecular nature of DNA and chromosomes; the molecular processes of replication, transcription, transition, and mutation/repair; the transmission of genetic traits (Mendelian and non-Mendelian modes); and the application of genetic analysis to population and evolutionary biology. EBIO 2070 includes a required, no credit recitation (EBIO 2071). EBIO 2070 Molecular and Evolutionary is mutually exclusive with Genetics Cell 2050 Genetics. Students may receive credit for only one of CELL 2050 or EBIO 2070 in the undergraduate degree.

This course is a required accompaniment to EBIO 2070-01 (Molecular and Evolutionary Genetics). Through readings, discussions, interactive exercises, and assignments, students will discuss the concepts and principles of genetics in an applied way, i.e. to apply genetics information to solving crosses and problems.

This course will introduce students to fundamental principles concerning the application of genetic analysis to quantitative, population and evolutionary genetics. If you have taken EBIO 2070/2071, then you do not need to take this course: it is designed only for those students who have taken CELL 2050 and wish to pursue a major within the Department of EEB. This course includes those topics missing from CELL 2050 that will help prepare all EEB majors for upper-level courses offered within the department including Processes of Evolution, Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Speciation, Systematics, Evolutionary Genomics, etc.

A systematic treatment of the organisms and habitat in the marine environment.

Introduction to ecological, evolutionary, and organismal studies of living organisms in the neotropics.

This course is offered as part of the Stone Center for Latin American Studies' Summer in Costa Rica Program. Students may not register on-line for this course; they must register directly with the Stone Center Summer Program office. The course will introduce students to the structure and ecology of tropical forests. Students will be expected to integrate what they learn about the real social and economic causes of deforestation and grass roots efforts to revert it with the social, political, economic and biological logic of world climate change agreements and disagreements.

The goal of this course is to provide an introduction for majors and non-majors to the field of animal behavior using an evolutionary approach.  The course will begin with an introduction to the application of the scientific method to the study of behavior (levels of analysis, hypothesis testing and Darwinian theory).  Topics that will follow include the ontogeny (development) of behavior, neuronal and hormonal control of behavior, foraging and anti-predator behavior, habitat selection, migration, communication, reproductive behavior, mating systems, parental care, the evolution of social behavior, and the evolution of human behavior.  The course emphasizes a practical understanding of animal behavior and will focus on developing the skills needed for upper-level behavior courses in EBIO. 

This course is an introduction to the evolution, ecology and conservation of insects. The course will focus heavily on interactions between humans and insects, both historically and in modern times. A goal of the course is that you will develop the foundation and tools you need to continue learning about the importance of insects, their impacts on human society and/or other environmental issues of importance to you.

A broad survey of chemical, physical, and geological oceanography with a brief historical overview and a consideration of current concepts.

An overview of the relationship and interconnectivity of impacts and well-being between humans and oceans/coasts.

An introduction to vertebrate natural history, including evolution, systematics, zoogeography, population dynamics, behavior, ecology, conservation, and extinction.

This course explores relationships between water, soil, plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms in various types of wetlands. Wetland types include floodplain forests, fens, bogs and marshes, with an emphasis on wetlands of the Mississippi Delta Region and the Gulf Coast. The course will further examine how climate-driven sea level rise has required coastal restoration and retreat strategies.

Courses offered by visiting professors or permanent faculty primarily for undergraduates. For description, consult department. Course may be repeated unlimited times for credit.

Urban Ecology is the study of cities, including human inhabitants, as functioning ecosystems, supporting a complex web of life. In this course students will learn how basic ecological principles can be applied to the study of urban ecosystems and the effects of cities and urbanization on regional and global environments. Through a combination of lectures, readings and discussions, site visits and service learning, this course will provide an overview of interactions, at multiple scales, between the built environment and the natural environment with particular focus on New Orleans and the Gulf coast region.

This course examines the theory and practice of natural resource preservation in the United States, and the agencies and organizations involved in this endeavor.

Courses offered by visiting professors or permanent faculty primarily for undergraduates. For description, consult department. Course may be repeated unlimited times for credit.

Courses offered by visiting professors or permanent faculty primarily for undergraduates. For description, consult department. Course may be repeated unlimited times for credit.

Courses offered by visiting professors or permanent faculty primarily for undergraduates. For description, consult department. Course may be repeated unlimited times for credit.

More than a Walk in the Park: Nature Study in Scandinavia has two components. Half of the course is a survey of the ecosystems of Scandinavia, from boreal forests to rocky intertidal zones. We will explore the diversity and ecology of regional plant and animal communities, with reference to environmental issues including non-native species, disturbance, conservation, and management. Information about the geology, history, and culture that contribute to the formation and maintenance of each ecosystem will be included. The other half of the course will involve observing, identifying, recording, and developing questions about the local diversity of the region. Be prepared to spend a considerable amount of time outside... where nature is!

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit co-requisite course. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit co-requisite course. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Laboratory or library research under direction of a faculty member. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Laboratory or library research under direction of a faculty member. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Transfer Coursework at the 2000 level. Department approval may be required.

Transfer Coursework at the 2000 level. Departmental approval may be required.

This 3 credit course builds student capacity to conceptualize, design and articulate community engaged research projects. Along with research design, the course trains students to think and communicate across disciplines via readings, assignments and workshops. Over the course of the semester, students will develop research questions and methodological approaches to produce an ethical, independent research proposal to investigate a problem or question related to rainforest conservation. In addition, students will learn to provide feedback and constructive criticism to the work of their peers and engage with critical perspectives on issues that arise in community engaged conservation. The expectation is that students will go on to implement the research projects that they develop in the context of this course. This course fulfills the Newcomb-Tulane College intensive writing requirement and provides an optional service-learning component.

A survey of the patterns and mechanisms of interaction among all organisms and their environments, including examples of human impacts on the biosphere.

Quantitative laboratory and field exercises designed to augment the lecture material. Includes data collection, sampling, experimentation, statistical hypothesis testing, modeling, discussion of research results, and writing up of results in the form of three scientific papers.

Patterns and processes in the evolution of species and populations, including discussions of natural selection, gene flow, genetic drift, adaptation, speciation, origins of evolutionary novelty, and selected trends in the fossil record.

This course is designed to give students a general understanding of geographic information systems (GIS) and the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) ArcGIS software. The approach taken is detailed instruction in utilizing ArcGIS to solve problems in the earth and environmental sciences. (SAME AS EBIO 6150, EENS 3150, EENS 6150,)

Co-requisite lab for Intro to GIS.

Since ancient times, people have relied on plants for food, clothing, shelter, medicines, and more. This course investigates some of the ways in which plants support and shape human life. Topics include: early ideas about plants and the origin of plant lore; plant domestication and the rise of agriculture; plant products in commercial economies; cultural uses of plants; plants and the future of civilization.

Laboratory course to accompany EBIO 3180. A survey of plant products and their sources, emphasizing the structure, chemistry, and diversity of economic plants.

A consideration of Charles Darwin's theory of Natural Selection, including the history of evolutionary thought before Darwin's time, the circumstances surrounding Darwin's research, and the effect of Darwin's ideas on the development of contemporary biology. Readings, discussions, and written assignments.

A survey of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of southern Louisiana. Lectures cover the ecology of regional plant and animal communities, with special emphasis on environmental issues such as invasive species, hurricane disturbance, conservation and management. The geology, geography, history, and culture that contribute to the formation and maintenance of each ecosystem will also be examined, from barrier islands to upland forests.

The Natural History of Louisiana Laboratory introduces students to diverse biological communities of southern and central Louisiana, from barrier islands to upland forests. Field trips focus on the ecology of regional flora and fauna and provide opportunities to observe and evaluate the impacts of invasive species, hurricane disturbance, and restoration projects. Students will practice identification skills, maintain a field journal, and participate in local research projects.

This course addresses the ecological and evolutionary causes and consequences of animal behavior, using both proximate and ultimate approaches.  Topics include sociality, mating systems, sexual selection, animal movement, signals, behavior and conservation, and cognition.

A survey of micro-organisims and their rules in and relationships within their respective ecosystems. (Same as EBIO 6320)

Laboratory activities focused on observing/ascertaining microbial taxonomy (viral, bacterial, archaeal, fungal, and protistan) and methods relating to isolating/identifying microbes and measuring growth rates and metabolisms.

Biology of Sharks and their Relatives is a detailed study of the evolution, ecology, morphology, functional anatomy, physiology, and conservation of the cartilaginous fishes.

This course examines the processes and patterns of shark speciation, diversification, macroevolution, and extinction within the framework of developing a problem-based learning activity using shark teeth for a K-12 classroom. Particular emphasis is placed on the systematics and functional morphology of shark teeth.

Lab section for EBIO 3550

An introduction to the biology of plants, with an emphasis on the aspects of physiology, anatomy, morphology, and ecology that have resulted in their successful adaptation and diversification.

Lab section for EBIO 3590.

This course provides students the opportunity to design, implement, write-up, and present an independent research project related to animal behavior .Research will be conducted on live animals at the Audubon Zoo or Audubon Park. The course will emphasize general principles of literature review and synthesis; experimental design; the collection; organization and analysis of data; and written and oral presentation of results. The course consists of 3 hours of laboratory per week (at the park or zoo) and 2 hours of seminar per week (on campus). This course fulfills the Newcomb-Tulane intensive writing requirement. This course serves as an elective for the SISE minor and fulfills the upper tier Service Learning Requirement.

Lab section for EBIO 3690.

This study abroad course deepens student’s theoretical, factual, and hands-on understanding of community engaged research and conservation in the tropics.

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit co-requisite course. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit co-requisite course. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Transfer Coursework at the 3000 level. Department approval may be required.

Transfer Coursework at the 3000 level. Departmental approval may be required.

A plant identification course focusing on terrestrial and aquatic flora of Louisiana. Lab field trips include visits to a variety of local ecosystems from coastal wetlands to upland forests. Lectures cover botany, taxonomy, and the ecological and evolutionary processes that structure plant communities, with special emphasis on how these topics apply to Louisiana ecosystems.

Lab section for EBIO 4030.

Ecology of freshwater stream environments, including physical forces influencing water flow, sediment and solute geochemistry, and composition and interactions of stream biota.

Lab section for EBIO 4060.

This course will teach students how to interpret statistical data in an evolutionary and ecological context. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding the nature of ecological field experiments, and experimental design. In addition, issues regarding how ecological and evolutionary analyses are perceived in the public media will be discussed. We will cover statistical methods for dealing with such problems (regression, correlation, ANOVA, etc.), and also read papers in ecological and evolutionary journals that highlight statistical issues. The class is designed for students who have not had prior experience with statistics.

Principles of invertebrate paleontology; a systematic treatment of the fossil invertebrates and their living relatives. Emphasis on functional morphology, ontogeny, and paleoecology. Lectures, laboratory, field trip.

Lab section for EBIO 4090.

Through lectures and discussion, we develop a sound background in modern tropical ecology and agriculture, including conservation. This background will include knowledge of how scientists come to reach understanding about tropical ecosystems by using natural history/observational studies, experiments and models/theory. Finally, we will develop the analytical tools that are needed to continue learning about and acting on behalf of tropical ecosystems and/or other environmental issues of importance.

An investigation into the early evolution of birds, origins and mechanics of flight, anatomy and physiology, systematics, social and breeding behavior, and the diverse life histories of birds. Tulane investigators share current research and methodologies for studying birds, and highlight the most pressing conservation issues. We spend as much time as possible in the field, visiting unique habitats across southeast Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, in search of birds to observe, describe, and identify by sight and sound.

Lab section for EBIO 4200.

Comparative morphology, evolution, and bionomics of representative vertebrates.  Lectures supplemented by weekly labs.

Lab section for EBIO 4210.

Molecular ecology employs principles of population genetics and phylogenetics to answer questions about organismal diversity, population dynamics, community assembly and macroecology. Having a foundation in molecular evolution and genomics allows for broad topical applications, including the study of infectious diseases, conservation of endangered species, organismal responses to global environmental change, and the evolutionary origins of biological diversity. Students will first learn the principles of molecular evolution, after which they will be introduced to the core techniques used to generate molecular data. Students will learn how molecular data can be developed and analyzed to address questions in ecology and evolutionary biology. It is strongly recommended that students also have taken CELL 2050, EBIO 3080, and EBIO 3040 or have an understanding of genetics, organismal evolution and ecological principles. This class consists of 3 lectures per week supplemented with a weekly lab.

Lab section for EBIO 4230.

Biology, taxonomy and distribution of the invertebrates with emphasis on the local fauna. Lectures, laboratories, and field trips. Course may be repeated 2 times for credit.

Co-requisite lab for EBIO 4250.

Principles of population dynamics in space and time, population regulation, and population interactions as determined from an integrated study of plants and animals, followed by exploration of the applicability of these principles to an understanding of the contemporary growth and control of the human population.

Biology of fish-like vertebrates, including taxonomy, evolution, anatomy, physiology, and biogeography. Course may be repeated 2 times for credit.

Lab section for EBIO 4280.

This course will provide an introduction to herpetology, the study of reptiles and amphibians. Topics covered will include the evolutionary history, systematics, physiology, ecology, life history, behavior and conservation of amphibians and reptiles. The course consists of two lectures and a lab or field trip each week. Occasional weekend field trips may also be scheduled.

Co-requisite lab for EBIO 4300.

A review of the structure and evolution of land plants and a survey of the major families of flowering plants. Laboratory emphasis on structural terminology and plant identification. Course may be repeated 2 times for credit.

Lab section for EBIO 4310.

This course will survey and provide a systematic treatment of the most common autotrophic organisms found in oceanic, coastal, estuarine, and freshwater habitats with particular emphasis on those organisms along the northern Gulf of Mexico.

In this course we will study the organismal, ecological, and evolutionary biology of insects, while surveying recent literature. In addition to learning about insects as organisms and as integral parts of our ecosystem, we will study the scientific process. This course will discuss how scientists come to reach understanding about nature in general, using insects as our model. Insect collection required.

Lab section for EBIO 4430

Urban Agroecology and Sustainability in New Orleans is a project centered, 3-credit undergraduate course with mandatory tier 2 service learning. This is a course designed for students from all disciplines with a general interest in urban agriculture, ecology and sustainable food production systems. This course will provide a socio-ecological approach to the study of urban food production, by evaluating the pressures driving biodiversity, energy cycling conservation, job creation, human health and well-being. The core of this course is to successfully grow culturally appropriate produce in an urban landscape following the four principles of agroecology: environmental/ecosystem principle(table 7), social and cultural principle(table 8), economic principle(table 9) and political principle(table 10).This course will be very collaborative and hands-on where students will put theory into practice and service to the community.

This upper-level course explores theory and practice in biodiversity informatics, an emerging field of cyber-enabled discovery and innovation. Topics to be discussed include natural history collection databases and networks, data mining, morphological databases and ontology, digital libraries, phyloinformatics, cybertaxonomy, Georeferencing methods and algorithms, GIS and predictive niche modeling.

Communities consist of resident populations of all species (e.g., animals, plants, microbes) that coexist in the same place at the same time. The field of community ecology seeks to understand the distribution and abundance of species. Elucidating the processes that give rise to these patterns requires an understanding of how populations of different species interact within communities, and with their abiotic environment. The objectives of this course are to become familiar with the main concepts and theories of community ecology and its applications to pragmatic societal issues.

An experiential learning process coupled with pertinent academic course work. Open only to juniors and seniors in good standing. Registration is completed in the academic department sponsoring the internship on BANNER. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Courses offered for undergraduate students by visiting professors and permanent faculty. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Courses offered for undergraduate students by visiting professors and permanent faculty. Course may be repeated unlimited times for credit.

Courses offered for undergraduate students by visiting professors and permanent faculty. Course may be repeated unlimited times for credit.

Courses offered for undergraduate students by visiting professors and permanent faculty. Course may be repeated unlimited times for credit.

Special Topics Lab. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Reserved for courses offered by LUMCON on a temporary basis or for courses taken at other marine field stations. EBIO 4680/6680 - Topics in Field Biology would be reserved for summer field courses taken at non-marine biological field stations.

Relationships of marine and estuarine organisms to environmental factors; interactions among organisms; ecological processes of energy and materials flow; field studies of communities and ecosystems of the Louisiana coastal zone.

This course will explore the ecology of coastal marine fishes emphasizing aspects of how fish utilize coastal habitats and how environmental factors influence that distribution, movement, growth, reproduction, abundance and interspecific interactions of fishes, especially in early life history stages.

In-depth study of the interaction of marine and estuarine invertebrates with their environment. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the functional role of invertebrates and how the environment shapes morphology, physiology and behavior.

How do new species evolve? This question was at the heart of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, but was not directly addressed in this classic work. In this course students will explore the many scientific advances that have taken place since Darwin’s time in the field of Speciation. This course will cover phenotypic and genetic mechanisms of reproductive isolation, incipient speciation, and the age -old question of What is a species? Using a combination of Coyne & Orr's classic Speciation textbook and recent primary literature students will learn how natural and sexual selection, neutral evolutionary processes, and gene flow interact to generate the astounding biodiversity that surrounds us today.

Students complete a service activity in the community in conjunction with the content of a three-credit corequisite course. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Laboratory or library research under direction of a faculty member. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Laboratory or library research under direction of a faculty member. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

A senior capstone experience for students majoring in Environmental Science-Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Track and for departmental majors unable to complete EBIO 4970/4980 due to extenuating circumstances. Under faculty supervision, students select a topic in ecology and evolutionary biology, write an expository paper on that topic and give an oral presentation of their findings. Students also attend departmental research seminars and meet to discuss contemporary issues in ecology and evolutionary biology.

Transfer coursework at the 4000 level. Departmental approval required.

Individual studies in a selected field. Open to qualified juniors and seniors with approval of instructor and advisor. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

For especially qualified seniors with approval of the faculty director. Students are generally expected to have a minimum of a 3.400 overall grade-point average and a 3.500 grade-point average in the major.

The Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Honors Thesis Cohort is a weekly meeting directed by an upper-level graduate student mentor in coordination with the faculty honors thesis advisors. Students working on an independent research project will have the opportunity to discuss the scientific method, research and design, data analysis, written communication and oral presentation with their peers and mentor. The group will serve as a sounding board, a writing community and a means of meeting deadlines and achieving the expectations of the thesis. EBIO4990/5000 are co-requisites (a total of 7 credits over the course of the full academic year).

For especially qualified seniors with approval of the faculty director. Students are generally expected to have a minimum of a 3.400 overall grade-point average and a 3.500 grade-point average in the major.

Courses taught abroad by non-Tulane faculty. Does not count toward Tulane GPA. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

EBIO5970/5971 is the capstone experience for majors in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Biology. A working assumption of our capstone is that you will go on to use your biological training in a professional capacity. Therefore, the course is designed to synthesize the major experience and prepare you for future career opportunities. You will engage in discussions of contemporary issues in EBIO and hone your skills in critical thinking and communication. EBIO5970 is the writing intensive version of the course. EBIO5971 students do not complete a paper. Enrollment in EBIO 5970 requires that the student is an EBIO or ENVB senior who will be graduating within the academic year.

EBIO5970/5971 is the capstone experience for majors in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Biology. A working assumption of our capstone is that you will go on to use your biological training in a professional capacity. Therefore, the course is designed to synthesize the major experience and prepare you for future career opportunities. You will engage in discussions of contemporary issues in EBIO and hone your skills in critical thinking and communication. EBIO5970 is the writing intensive version of the course. EBIO5971 students do not complete a paper. Enrollment in EBIO 5971 is restricted to seniors who are graduating within the academic year.

This 3 credit course builds student capacity to conceptualize, design and articulate community engaged research projects. Along with research design, the course trains students to think and communicate across disciplines via readings, assignments and workshops. Over the course of the semester, students will develop research questions and methodological approaches to produce an ethical and compelling research proposal to investigate a problem, question, or need related to rainforest conservation. A key part of this process is co-design: students will work closely with one or more FCAT collaborators, as well as their Tulane faculty advisor and TIERA staff. The expectation is that students will go on to implement the research projects that they develop in the context of this course. In addition to project design, students will learn to provide feedback and constructive criticism to the work of their peers; develop an ability to appreciate and communicate across disciplines, and engage with critical perspectives on issues that arise in community engaged conservation. Students will also work as a group to develop an experiential education module that will be used in Ecuador (for the Nueva Generación Environmental Youth Club) and on the Tulane campus (for BaTS and GiST).

A plant identification course focusing on terrestrial and aquatic flora of Louisiana. Lab field trips include visits to a variety of local ecosystems from coastal wetlands to upland forests. Lectures cover botany, taxonomy, and the ecological and evolutionary processes that structure plant communities, with special emphasis on how these topics apply to Louisiana ecosystems.

Lab section for EBIO 6030.

A survey of the patterns and mechanisms of interaction among all organisms and their environments, including examples of human impacts on the biosphere.  Lectures plus two field trips. 

Ecology of freshwater stream environments, including physical forces influencing water flow, sediment and solute geochemistry, and composition and interactions of stream biota. Class Hours: Lectures supplemented by weekly labs, some day field trips, and one weekend field trip.

Lab section for EBIO 6060.

This course will teach students how to interpret statistical data in an evolutionary and ecological context. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding the nature of ecological field experiments, and experimental design. In addition, issues regarding how ecological and evolutionary analyses are perceived in the public media will be discussed. We will cover statistical methods for dealing with such problems (regression, correlation, ANOVA, etc.), and also read papers in ecological and evolutionary journals that highlight statistical issues. The class is designed for students who have not had prior experience with statistics.

Principles of invertebrate paleontology; a systematic treatment of the fossil invertebrates and their living relatives. Emphasis on functional morphology, ontogeny, and paleontology. Course may be repeated 2 times for credit.

Lab section for EBIO 6090.

Through lectures and discussion, we develop a sound background in modern tropical ecology and agriculture, including conservation. This background will include knowledge of how scientists come to reach understanding about tropical ecosystems by using natural history/observational studies, experiments and models/theory. Finally, we will develop the analytical tools that are needed to continue learning about and acting on behalf of tropical ecosystems and/or other environmental issues of importance.

This course is designed to give students a general understanding of geographic information systems (GIS) and the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) ArcGIS software. The approach taken is detailed instruction in utilizing ArcGIS to solve problems in the earth and environmental sciences. (SAME AS EBIO 3150, EENS 3150, EENS 6150,)

(Same as EBIO 3151, EENS 3151, EENS 6151)

Since ancient times, people have relied on plants for food, clothing, shelter, medicines, and more. This course investigates some of the ways in which plants support and shape human life. Topics include: early ideas about plants and the origin of plant lore; plant domestication and the rise of agriculture; plant products in commercial economies; cultural uses of plants; plants and the future of civilization.

A consideration of Charles Darwin's theory of Natural Selection, including the history of evolutionary thought before Darwin's time, the circumstances surrounding Darwin's research, and the effect of Darwin's ideas on the development of contemporary biology. Readings, discussions, and written assignments.

An investigation into the early evolution of birds, origins and mechanics of flight, anatomy and physiology, systematics, social and breeding behavior, and the diverse life histories of birds. Tulane investigators share current research and methodologies for studying birds, and highlight the most pressing conservation issues. We spend as much time as possible in the field, visiting unique habitats across southeast Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, in search of birds to observe, describe, and identify by sight and sound.

Lab section for EBIO 6200

Comparative morphology, evolution, and bionomics of representative vertebrates.

Lab section for EBIO 6210.

Molecular ecology employs principles of population genetics and phylogenetics to answer questions about organismal diversity, population dynamics, community assembly and macroecology. Having a foundation in molecular evolution and genomics allows for broad topical applications, including the study of infectious diseases, conservation of endangered species, organismal responses to global environmental change, and the evolutionary origins of biological diversity. Students will first learn the principles of molecular evolution, after which they will be introduced to the core techniques used to generate molecular data. Students will learn how molecular data can be developed and analyzed to address questions in ecology and evolutionary biology. It is strongly recommended that students also have taken CELL 2050, EBIO 3080, and EBIO 3040 or have an understanding of genetics, organismal evolution and ecological principles. This class consists of 3 lectures per week supplemented with a weekly lab. (Same as EBIO 6230)

Lab section for EBIO 6230.

Biology, taxonomy and distribution of the invertebrates with emphasis on the local fauna.

Co-requisite lab for EBIO 6250.

Principles of population dynamics in space and time, population regulation, and population interactions as determined from an integrated study of plants and animals, followed by exploration of the applicability of these principles to an understanding of the contemporary growth and control of the human population.

Biology of fish-like vertebrates, including taxonomy, evolution, anatomy, physiology, and biogeography.  Class Hours:  Lectures supplemented by weekly labs, some day field trips, and one weekend field trip.

Lab section for EBIO 6280.

This course addresses the ecological and evolutionary causes and consequences of animal behavior, using both proximate and ultimate approaches. Topics include sociality, mating systems, sexual selection, animal movement, signals, behavior and conservation, and cognition. 

This course will provide an introduction to herpetology, the study of reptiles and amphibians. Topics covered will include the evolutionary history, systematics, physiology, ecology, life history, behavior and conservation of amphibians and reptiles. The course consists of two lectures and a lab or field trip each week. Occasional weekend field trips may also be scheduled.

Co-requisite lab for EBIO 6300.

A survey of micro-organisims.and their rules in and relationships within their respective ecosystems. (Same as EBIO 3320)

Corequisite: EBIO 3320/6320. Laboratory activities focused on observing/ ascertaining microbial taxonomy (viral, bacterial, archaeal, fungal, and protistan) and methods relating to isolating/identifying microbes and measuring growth rates and metabolisms.

Study of powerful methods for designing ecological studies and analyzing ecological data, assuming a knowledge of basic parametric and nonparametric statistics.

This course will survey and provide a systematic treatment of the most common autotrophic organisms found in oceanic, coastal, estuarine, and freshwater habitats with particular emphasis on those organisms along the northern Gulf of Mexico.

A consideration of biological homology, species definition, problems of character data analysis, and Hennigian cladistics as a means of reconstructing the evolutionary history of life. The implications of phylogenetic hypotheses for biological classification, biogeography, paleontology, comparative ecology, and conservation biology. Seminars, readings, and projects.

In this course we will study the organismal, ecological, and evolutionary biology of insects, while surveying recent literature. In addition to learning about insects as organisms and as integral parts of our ecosystem, we will study the scientific process. This course will discuss how scientists come to reach understanding about nature in general, using insects as our model. Insect collection required.

Lab section for EBIO 6430.

This course will introduce a set of data-science and computing skills, equivalent to basic lab skills, necessary for conducting reproducible, collaborative, and efficient analyses, with an emphasis on ecological problems. The primary tools will be R and RStudio, other tools for data management and collaboration will be introduced as needed (e.g., git, GitHub, OpenRefine). Students will learn, basics of data management, manipulation, visualization, and analysis as well as the concepts of literate programming – writing code that a computer can execute and a human reader can understand – and reproducibility / repeatability in research. In this course, we will learn by doing, replicating a genuine research experience. After some training in the basics, students will be assigned published scientific articles and work in teams (that include the instructor) to repeat analyses from those articles. No previous experience in R or programming is required.

This upper-level course explores theory and practice in biodiversity informatics, an emerging field of cyber-enabled discovery and innovation. Topics to be discussed include natural history collection databases and networks, data mining, morphological databases and ontology, digital libraries, phyloinformatics, cybertaxonomy, Georeferencing methods and algorithms, GIS and predictive niche modeling. A computer laboratory is a required corequisite.

Communities consist of resident populations of all species (e.g., animals, plants, microbes) that coexist in the same place at the same time. The field of community ecology seeks to understand the distribution and abundance of species. Elucidating the processes that give rise to these patterns requires an understanding of how populations of different species interact within communities, and with their abiotic environment. The objectives of this course are to become familiar with the main concepts and theories of community ecology and its applications to pragmatic societal issues.

Biology of Sharks and Their Relatives is a detailed study of the evolution, ecology, morphology, functional anatomy, physiology, and conservation of the cartilaginous fishes.

This course examines the processes and patterns of shark speciation, diversification, macroevolution, and extinction within the framework of developing a problem-based learning activity using shark teeth for a K-12 classroom. Particular emphasis is placed on the systematics and functional morphology of shark teeth.

Lab section for EBIO 6550

Urban Ecology is the study of cities, including human inhabitants, as functioning ecosystems, supporting a complex web of life. In this course students will learn how basic ecological principles can be applied to the study of urban ecosystems and the effects of cities and urbanization on regional and global environments. Through a combination of lectures, readings and discussions, site visits and service learning, this course will provide an overview of interactions, at multiple scales, between the build environment and the natural environment with particular focus on New Orleans and the Gulf coast region.

An introduction to the biology of plants, with an emphasis on the aspects of physiology, anatomy, morphology, and ecology that have resulted in their successful adaptation and diversification. Lectures supplemented by weekly labs and occasional field trips.

Lab section for EBIO 6590.

Courses offered by visiting professors or permanent faculty primarily for undergraduates. For description, consult department. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Courses offered by visiting professors or permanent faculty primarily for graduates. For description, consult department. Course may be repeated unlimited times for credit.

Courses offered by visiting professors or permanent faculty primarily for undergraduates. For description, consult department. Course may be repeated unlimited times for credit.

Courses offered by visiting professors or permanent faculty primarily for undergraduates. For description, consult department. Course may be repeated unlimited times for credit.

Special Topics Lab. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Reserved for courses offered by LUMCON on a temporary basis or for courses taken at other marine field stations. EBIO 4680/6680 - Topics in Field Biology would be reserved for summer field courses taken at non-marine biological field stations.

Relationships of marine and estuarine organisms to environmental factors; interactions among organisms; ecological processes of energy and materials flow; field studies of communities and ecosystems of the Louisiana coastal zone.

In-depth study of the interaction of marine and estuarine invertebrates with their environment. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the functional role of invertebrates and how the environment shapes morphology, physiology and behavior.

How do new species evolve? This question was at the heart of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, but was not directly addressed in this classic work. In this course students will explore the many scientific advances that have taken place since Darwin’s time in the field of Speciation. This course will cover phenotypic and genetic mechanisms of reproductive isolation, incipient speciation, and the age -old question of What is a species? Using a combination of Coyne & Orr's classic Speciation textbook and recent primary literature students will learn how natural and sexual selection, neutral evolutionary processes, and gene flow interact to generate the astounding biodiversity that surrounds us today.

This course provides students the opportunity to design, implement, write-up, and present an independent research project related to animal behavior .Research will be conducted on live animals at the Audubon Zoo or Audubon Park. The course will emphasize general principles of literature review and synthesis; experimental design; the collection; organization and analysis of data; and written and oral presentation of results. The course consists of 3 hours of laboratory per week (at the park or zoo) and 2 hours of seminar per week (on campus). This course fulfills the Newcomb-Tulane intensive writing requirement.

Lab section for EBIO 6690.

An introductory course in mathematical modeling in biology with emphasis on construction and interpretation of models in ecology. The goals of the course are to provide training in a wide variety of mathematical and computational techniques that are used to describe ecological systems, to learn to construct ecological models and provide instruction in the biological interpretation of mathematical results.

This course is intended to provide graduate students with a conceptually-oriented foundation in ecology and evolutionary biology. Students use primary sources to study classic literature (e.g., Darwin's "On the Origin of Species") and discuss it with respect to contemporary and pressing issues in ecology and evolutionary biology.

Discussion of significant new publications in ecology, evolutionary biology, and related fields. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

In-depth examination of a selected topic in ecology and evolutionary biology. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Advanced independent studies in a selected field of biology. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

This is a directed study course that allows a graduate student to pursue a topic of particular interest under the direction of a faculty member.

Advanced independent studies in a selected field of biology. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Transfer coursework at the 6000 level. Departmental approval required.

The class presents a thorough review and experimental exposure to the process of funding and disseminating results of scientific research. Students will write and submit fundable grant proposals, give research seminars, participate in the peer review process, and examine job opportunities within and outside academia.

Restricted to 5 graduate year students; Directed independent study applying field and laboratory methods to environmental problems.

Restricted to 5 graduate year students; Directed independent study applying field and laboratory methods to environmental problems.

Restricted to 5 graduate year students: Experimental learning in cooperation with federal, state, municipal or private agencies and industry.

Restricted to 5 graduate year students: Experimental learning in cooperation with federal, state, municipal or private agencies and industry.

Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Advanced Standing course: EBIO 6030

Advanced Standing course: EBIO 6580

Advanced Standing course: EBIO 6590

Research toward completion of a masters degree. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Research toward completion of a doctoral degree. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.