FACULTY & STUDENT RESOURCES
Environmental Courses
Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
OEB 10. Foundations of Biological Diversity 7967
B. Farrell, N. Michele Holbrook Fall M, W, F 12:00 and three
hours of lab/discussion section weekly, including field trips to marine and
forest environments.
An integrated approach to the diversity of life, emphasizing how chemical,
physical, genetic, ecological and geologic processes contribute to the origin
and maintenance of biological diversity. Topics to be covered include the
evolution of metabolic pathways, multicellularity and structural complexity;
causes and consequences of differences in diversity over space and time; the
role of species interactions (including symbioses) as an evolutionary force;
and the evolution of humans and their impact on the environment.
Note: Knowledge of introductory molecular, cellular biology, and genetics is
recommended.
OEB 52 (formerly OEB 124). Biology of Plants 1343
E. Kramer, J. Dumais, N. Michele Holbrook Spring T, Th 10-11:30,
one afternoon laboratory per week, plus occasional field trips
Introduction to the structure, diversity, and physiology of plants with an
emphasis on evolutionary relationships and adaptations to life on land.
Topics include growth, resource acquisition, interactions with other
organisms (i.e., fungi, bacteria, insects), reproduction, and survival in extreme
environments. Laboratory sessions provide an overview of plant and diversity
and an introduction to basic physiological processes.
OEB 53 (formerly Biological Sciences 53). Evolutionary Biology 3342
A. Berry, H. Hoekstra Spring T, Th 10:00-11:30 and a weekly two hour
section
Prerequisite: Life Sciences 1b or BS 50 or permission of instructor.
The course covers micro- and macro-evolution, ranging in its focus from
population genetics through molecular evolution to the grand patterns
of the fossil record. Topics emphasized include both natural and sexual
selection, the ecological context of adaptation, genomic and developmental
mechanisms of evolutionary innovation, speciation, phylogenetics, and
evolutionary approaches to human problems.
OEB 54. Biology of the Fungi 9326
D. Pfister, A. Pringle Fall T, Th 1:00–2:30 and weekly lab T 2:30-5:00
Prerequisite: Life Sciences 1a and 1b or permission of instructor.
This intensive course explores the fascinating diversity of the kingdom fungi, including evolution, ecology and morphology. All the major groups of fungi from smuts to molds will be included. Students will use a variety of techniques to learn about fungi and their activities. Note: A weekly laboratory, at least one weekend field trip, and several afternoon field trips are required (dates to be announced).
OEB 55 (formerly Biological Sciences 55). Ecology: Populations, Communities, and Ecosystems 3365
P. Moorcroft Spring M, W, F 10:00, a weekly discussion section, and
two field trips on Saturdays or Sundays during mid-April to early May.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 1b and prior biology experience.
Relationships of organisms to their environment at the individual,
population, and community level. Topics in pure and applied ecology
including adaptations to physical environment, competition, population
dynamics, predator-prey interactions, herbivore effects, community ecology,
ecosystem structure, stability and function, and resource management.
OEB 59 (formerly OEB 104). Plants and Human Affairs 5281
D. Pfister, C. Davis Fall M, W, F 10:00
Prerequisite: OEB 10 or BS 51, or permission of the instructor.
An introduction to the uses of plants by humans. Topics include the form, structure, and genetics of plants related to their use as sources of food, shelter, fiber, flavors, beverages, drugs, and medicines. Plant structure and reproduction are studied in lecture and laboratory with a particular focus on relationships between the plant’s structural, chemical, or physiological attributes and the utility plant.
OEB 100. Evolution in Action – (New Course) 9930
C. Marx Spring TBA
Prerequisite: Life Sciences 1a and Life Sciences 1b or permission of the
instructor required. OEB 192 (Microbial Evolution) recommended but not
required. Open to students from any concentration.
In this project-based laboratory course students will conduct research
utilizing experimental evolution of microbial populations. The research
will address questions that synthesize knowledge of genetics, biochemistry,
systems biology, microbiology, evolution and ecology.
OEB 103. Plant Systematics and Evolution 8704
C. Davis Spring T, Th 10:00-11:30, and a four-hour lab on Thursdays.
Prerequisite: OEB 10 or BS 51 or permission of instructor.
An introduction to the diversity and evolution of vascular plants. The
course focuses mainly on flowering plants because of their dominant role
on the earth, but lycophytes, ferns, and gymnosperms are studied as well.
A phylogeny of vascular plants provides the framework for their evolution
and diversification. Related subjects, including plant habitats, biogeography,
phylogenetics, herbaria, nomenclature, and pollination biology are also
presented in lecture and laboratory.
Note: There are two midterms, a final, frequent lab quizzes, and an optional
trip to the Brazilian state of Bahia to study plants in their native setting.
OEB 107. Evolution of Plant Life in Geologic Time 1318
A. Knoll Spring M, W 10:00 and a weekly 2-hour lab TBA
Prerequisite: OEB 10 or permission of instructor.
Origin, evolution, dispersal, paleoecology, and geologic history of the major
groups of the plant kingdom. Laboratory study of representative groups,
living and fossil.
OEB 111. Plants and Environmental Sensing 7832
S. Mathews Spring M, W, F 11:00
Prerequisite: OEB 10, OEB 52, or approval of the instructor
The exquisite capacity of plants for fine-tuning their growth and
development to environmental cues provides evidence of the systems they
use for monitoring their environments. This course covers the systems
used to sense and respond to light (quality, quantity, direction, periodicity),
gravity, temperature, neighboring vegetation, mutualistic partners, pathogens,
parasites, herbivores, and abiotic stressors.
OEB 113. Paleobiological Perspectives on Ecology and Evolution 1777
C. Marshall Fall T, Th 1:00-2:30
Prerequisite: Prior biology experience or permission of instructor.
Introduction to the analysis of key problems in paleobiology, with an
emphasis on how evolutionary and ecological processes operate on
geologic timescales. Topics include: the evolution of ecosystems; dissecting
biodiversity dynamics; determining times of origin and extinction; assessing
the absolute completeness of the fossil record; stratigraphy and phylogeny
reconstruction; theoretical and functional morphology.
OEB 119. Deep Sea Biology 1397
P. Girguis Spring M, W 1:00-2:30
The oceans contain 97% of Earth’s water, and host the most disparate
ecosystems on the planet. This course provides an introduction to deep
ocean habitats, macrofauna and microorganisms. Emphasis is placed on the
physiological adaptations of organisms to their environment, as well the role
of microbes in mediating oceanic biogeochemical cycles.
OEB 139. Evolution of the Vertebrates 8562
F. Jenkins, Jr. Fall M, W 12:10-1:30
A survey of the origination and evolution of the major groups of vertebrates, with emphasis on the anatomical and physiological transformations that occurred during the transitions to diverse lineages of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The structures and functions exhibited in extant taxa are explored with perspectives from the fossil record.
OEB 152. Population Genetics 0903
D. Hartl Spring W 2:00-5:00
Prerequisite: OEB 53 (or BS 53), calculus, and knowledge of statistics and
probability.
Introduction to population genetic theory. Covers deterministic and
stochastic theory of gene frequencies, and coalescent theory of sample-based
statistics. Emphasis on patterns of genetic variation within and between
populations, and how these can serve as the basis for inference about
mutation, genetic drift, migration, natural selection, and population structure.
*OEB 155r. Biology of Insects 2346
N. Pierce, M. Canfield Fall 2:00-3:30
An introduction to the major groups of insects. The life history, morphology, physiology, and ecology of the main taxa are examined through a combination of lecture, lab, and field exercises. Topics include the phylogeny of terrestrial arthropods with a review of the extant orders, an analysis of abiotic and biotic factors regulating populations, including water balance, temperature, migration, parasitism, mutualism, sociality, insect/plant interactions, medical entomology, and the use of insects in biological control. Enrollment: Limited to 16.
OEB 157. Global Change Biology 7055
P. Moorcroft, J. McCarthy Spring TBA
Prerequisite: OEB 10 or BS 51 or OEB 53 (formerly BS 53) and
Mathematics 1a required. OEB 55 (formerly BS 55) recommended.
Examines natural and anthropogenic changes in the earth system and
their impact on the structure and functioning of terrestrial and oceanic
ecosystems. Topics include earth system history, fossil fuel emissions,
changing water chemistry, ozone, species extinctions and invasions, and
human exploitation of natural resources.
OEB 168r. Sociobotany 5092
D. Haig Spring W 2:00-4:00
A study of the diversity and evolution of plant life cycles, with an emphasis
on interactions between the generations.
OEB 174r. Topics in Behavioral Ecology 5199
N. Pierce Spring M 2:30-4:30
Prerequisite: OEB 57 (formerly BS 57) or MCB 80 or Science B-29 or
permission of instructor.
Current issues in neuroethology, behavior, and behavioral ecology are
examined, with topics that change each year. Topics in previous years
have included: evolution of sex, evolution of cooperation, evolution of
communication, and learning and Memory. The topic this year will focus
on comparative methods in studying the evolution of behavior. The course
involves invited speakers and discussion of the primary literature.
OEB 181. Systematics 5459
G. Giribet, C. Marshall Fall T, Th 10:00-11:30; Lab: W, TBA
Prerequisite: OEB 53 (formerly BS 53), or permission of instructor required.
Familiarity with computers, especially Mac and PC platforms.
Theory and practice of systematics, emphasizing issues associated with
homology statements and alignments, methods of tree reconstruction, and
hypothesis evaluation. The course combines theoretical considerations,
paying special attention to algorithmic aspects of phylogenetics, with
the use of different computer programs for conducting evolutionary and
phylogenetic analyses.
OEB 190. Biology and Diversity of Birds 3870
S. Edwards Spring T, Th 11:30-1:00 and two hours weekly of
specimen laboratory
Prerequisite: OEB 10 or OEB 53 or permission of the instructor.
An introduction to the biology of birds. Covers the fossil record and theories
for avian origins, physiology and anatomy, higher-level systematics and field
characters of the ~27 orders, speciation processes, nesting and courtship
behavior, vocalizations, mating systems and sexual selection, cooperative
breeding, demography and conservation. Optional field trip during spring
break. Laboratories will consist of gross anatomy, bird watching excursions
in the Cambridge area, field techniques and specimen preparation, and
systematic study of avian groups using the collections of the Museum of
Comparative Zoology.
OEB 191. Physiological and Biochemical Adaptation 2314
P. Girguis, S. Combes Spring T, Th 11:30-1:00
Prerequisite: OEB 10 or BS 51 or MCB 56 (formerly BS 56), or permission of the instructor.
This course examines how metabolic systems, in organisms from microbes to mammals, have evolved to maintain function throughout the wide range of habitats found on Earth. Emphasis is placed on organismal physiology and biochemical evolution in response to the environment, including the oxygenation of earth’s atmosphere and the so-called “extreme” environments. Topics will include pH regulation, thermo-tolerance, desiccation, locomotion, as well as numerous novel physiological adaptations.
OEB 192. Microbial Evolution 5019
C. Marx Fall M, W, 1:00–2:30
Prerequisite: Life Sciences 1a and Life Sciences 1b, or equivalent required. OEB 53 (formerly BS 53) or equivalent recommended but not required.
An examination of major questions regarding the evolution of microbes and how these processes compare to those for metazoans. This course will integrate lectures with discussion of primary literature and will draw upon knowledge from both laboratory-based study of experimental microcosms and comparative studies of natural populations.
OEB 193 (formerly OEB 122b). Advanced Research in Ecology and Conservation 7742
D. Foster, N. Michele Holbrook Fall M 1:00-3:00
Prerequisite: OEB 10, OEB 55 (formerly BS 55), OEB 122 or equivalent.
Unique peer learning/workshop format provides formal training to students actively engaged in the research process. Students will develop publications, presentations, senior theses, and/or interdisciplinary collaborations from current or recent field/lab research activities. Includes focused reading and discussion of student work and relevant literature, plus field trips to the Harvard Forest for hands-on training and workshops in scientific writing/presentations, mapping/graphics, & experimental design/analysis. Tailored to the individual research needs of enrollees. Can supplement or substitute for 99r.
OEB 211r. Form, Function, and Evolution 2056
K. Liem Fall TBA
Evolutionary mechanisms underlying the diversity in design of living
vertebrates. Recent advances of topics selected by faculty and students.
*OEB 214. Biology of Acoustic Communities 2422
B. Farrell Spring TBA
Prerequisite: OEB 10 or permission of the instructor.
Four principal animal groups (insects, frogs, birds and mammals) sing and
call in habitats around the world. We discuss the ecology, evolution and
characteristics of such acoustic communities and the hypothesis that their
members compete for “bandwidth”. We discuss readings on acoustic ecology
and evolution, and listen to (and watch, via spectrum analysis) soundscapes
from selected tropical and temperate habitats. The capstone will be a fieldtrip
to record natural soundscapes.
OEB 227. Molecular Approaches to Environmental Microbiology 4444
C. Cavanaugh Spring TBA
Prerequisite: Earth and Planetary Sciences 30 or permission of instructor.
Critical review and discussion of current advances in our understanding of
biodiversity, community structure, and metabolic activities in Bacteria and
Archaea resulting from the application of cellular and molecular approaches
in diverse environments.
*OEB 230. Speciation – (New Course) 0122
H. Hoekstra Fall M 2:00
This discussion based course covers the latest advances in speciation with
a focus on controverial issues and new approaches. The course combines
readings from Speciation chapters and the recent primary literature with
guest lecturers and discussion from experts in the field.
*OEB 234. Topics in Marine Biology 4637
R. Woollacott Spring W 2:00–5:00
Reproduction and dispersal of marine organisms. Human impact on marine community structure. Note: Weekly class meeting including several laboratories and demonstrations and one field trip through the course of term.
OEB 255. Nature and Regulation of Marine Ecosystems 7753
J. McCarthy and guest lecturers Fall F 10:00-12:00
Prerequisite: OEB 55 (formerly BS 55) and OEB 118.
A presentation of topics that are of current interest in marine ecosystems.
Emphasis on identification and quantification of biological and
environmental factors important in the regulation of community structure in
the intertidal, deep benthic, and planktonic realms.
OEB 275r. Neutrality, Selection and Population History 5004
S. Edwards Spring M 1:30-3:00
Prerequisite: OEB 53, OEB 152 or equivalent
A survey of the cutting-edge frontiers of evolutionary biology. Modules
consist of paired Monday-Wed. and occasional Friday lectures and professorled
learning sessions. Sessions include paper discussions, debates on a specific
topic, or introduction to novel computer programs in phylogenetics. Topics
include macroevolution and the history of life, evolutionary developmental
biology, genome evolution and population genetics, phylogenetics and the
comparative method, natural and sexual selection, speciation, evolutionary
dynamics and cooperation, microbial evolution, evolutionary ecology and
co-speciation.
OEB 278. Ecological Genetics 0732
A. Pringle Spring M, 2:00–4:30
Ecological genetics explores the adjustments and adaptations of wild populations to their environment. We will use the primary literature to explore how diverse organisms are actually evolving in nature, and challenge the traditional divide between evolution and ecology.
*OEB 299r. Forest Practice and Research 6128
D. Foster Fall; repeated Spring TBA
Field and laboratory research into the history, biology, ecology, culture, and
economic problems of local, regional, and world forests. Individual research
projects. Note: Seminars, conferences, field, and laboratory work at the
Harvard Forest, Petersham, Massachusetts.
*OEB 305. The Fundamental Interconnectedness of All Things 3647
D. Haig
*OEB 311. Ecosystem Ecology 6416
P. Moorcroft
*OEB 313. Paleobiological Approaches to Evolution and Ecology 6679
C. Marshall
*OEB 325. Marine Biology 4643
R. Woollacott
*OEB 334. Behavioral Ecology 8279
N. Pierce
*OEB 335. Ichthyology and Functional Anatomy of Fishes 4640
K. Liem
*OEB 339. Whole-Plant Physiology 5214
N. Michele Holbrook
*OEB 343. Microbial Ecology and Symbiosis 1288
C. Cavanaugh
*OEB 345. Biological Oceanography 4676
J. McCarthy
*OEB 355. Evolutionary Developmental Biology 9192
J. Hanken
*OEB 359. Paleobotany 0248
A. Knoll
*OEB 363. Plant Diversity and Evolution 0001
C. Davis
*OEB 364. Ecological Physiology of Microbes 0002
P. Girguis
*OEB 366. Ecological Genetics and Mycology 0004
A. Pringle
*OEB 367. Evolutionary and Ecological Diversity 0420
J. Losos
*OEB 399. Topics in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology 0764
C. Cavanaugh Fall W 5:00–7:00 pm
Presents the research interests and experiences of scientists in organismic and evolutionary biology. Specific topics treated vary from year to year.
Note: Required of all first-year graduate students in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology.
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