PCB4674 Organic Evolution (Spring 2023 semester) : Gain an understanding of the history and development of evolutionary theory, the origin of evolutionarily relevant phenotypic variation, the process of diversification of species and higher taxa, and an appreciation for the dynamic process of understanding evolutionary biology. In our on-going efforts to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in our curriculum, we will actively evaluate the inherent biases and endeavour to consider under-represented perspectives in the study of evolution.
Biological Diversity & Human Experience (Fall 2022, cross listed among the departments of Anthropology/History/Integrative Biology/Philosophy)
Instructors: Alex Levine, Lorena Madrigal, Adriana Novoa, Christina Richards
This seminar will analyze how the problems related to diversity today have been conceived historically through the emergence of scientific fields that became independent from philosophy. This resulted from the discoveries of the nineteenth century, when such disciplinary boundaries had not yet been established. What is today biology and anthropology were then considered philosophical areas of inquiry. We would like to explore the development of new disciplines, particularly after the emergence of evolutionary science, address how the concept of humanity came to be, and the meaning of human experience in the context of evolutionary discoveries. We will also analyze how a return to research that integrates biological diversity with other disciplines can provide different epistemological insights. We contend that understanding diversity as a problem that is interdisciplinary and humanistic can help to integrate an ethical awareness that is critical for addressing institutional racism and other forms of discrimination in academia.
BSC4933 / BSC6932 Biology of Coastal Plants (Spring 2015): Considering predicted sea level rise and shifts in temperature and salinity (IPCC 2007), it is imperative to understand how coastal plant species might adapt to maintain the integrity of coastal systems. This class will combine discussion, laboratory and field activities to gain an understanding of the morphology, physiology, ecology, genetic make-up and factors influencing gene expression of several species of coastal plants.