Fall 2019 Graduate courses
BIO 384k.39 Phylogenetic Perspectives in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior
Prof. Hillis. Meets Wednesdays from 9:00-12:00. An introduction to the methods of phylogenetics as applied to biological data, and applications of these methods to the fields of ecology, evolution, and behavior. Topics covered include parsimony, distance-based, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian approaches for inferring phylogenetic trees; statistical analysis of results; character evolution; coalescent approaches for analyzing collections of gene trees; models of evolution in phylogenetics; species delimitation; and consensus methods. Students in the course select applications of phylogenetics from the current literature to discuss in class. Each class consists of lectures followed by discussion of applications in the current literature.
BIO 384k.45 Seminar Brain, Behavior, and Evolution
Prof. Phelps. This weekly seminar meets Fridays at 12-1pm. It is composed of research presentations by students, faculty, and postdocs from the Center for Brain Behavior and Evolution, from across campus, and from the region. Graduate students in the group typically give one full seminar on original research each year. The students also actively provide feedback to one another. The seminar exposes students to research in evolution, neuroscience, pharmacy, psychology, anthropology -- providing an interdisciplinary training experience.
BIO 386K.03 Advances in Plant Systematics
Prof. Jansen. Meets Monday 1-2 and Wednesday 1-5 in BIO 118. Principles of plant classification, phylogeny and diversity as exemplified by families and species of flowering plants found seasonally in Texas with an emphasis on the local flora. Includes field trips to Austin Parks, collection and identification of plants from central Texas, an overview of flowering plant diversity, evolutionary relationships and classification, and access to UT-Austin’s plant collections in the Plant Resources Center.
BIO 390E Fundamentals of Ecology
Prof. Keitt. Meets Wednesdays from 2:00-5:00 in BIO 214. A graduate level introduction to theory and concepts in Ecology intended for those pursuing research in related disciplines. Major topics include physiological, behavioral, population, community, landscape and ecoystem ecology. Format is lecture and discussion. Basic understanding of calculus and linear algebra is assumed. Requires graduate standing in EEB or instructor's permission.
BIO 359K Principles of Animal Behavior
Prof. Muth. Meets Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30-2pm in BUR 224, plus one discussion hour per week. Will cover topics including the development of behaviour, the physiological and neural basis of behaviour, communication, social behaviour, foraging, mating systems and cognition. Prerequisites are Biology 325 or 325H with a grade of at least C-
BIO 389D Subjects/Skills Graduate Students in Biological Sciences
Prof. Jha. Course meets on Mondays from 9-12 in PAT 142. This course uses an interactive seminar format to introduce students to the many skills required in a successful graduate research program. Specifically, the class will serve as a general introduction to the writing, presenting, and organizational skills needed to excel in biological research. The course focuses on three interrelated topics and skills: 1. General tips for organization and success in graduate school 2. Writing and reviewing a grant proposal (using the NSF-GRFP format) 3. Giving and evaluating research presentations The course will typically be split into two discussion sections, with a break in between. We will cover material via assigned readings, mini-lectures, and in-class exercises/discussions. Students will be expected to complete, evaluate, and revise assignments in order to develop their research program and skill base.
BIO 322 Structure, Physiology and Reproduction of Seed Plants
Prof. Panero. Meets MWF 9-10. This course covers fundamentals of the physiology, reproduction, and structure of seed plants. The course also explores the morphology and reproduction of algae and seedless plants to understand the origin and evolution of vascular systems and reproductive structures in angiosperms and gymnosperms. Lecture and class discussions are gathered from textbook material and scientific papers. Grades will be assessed using four exams and extra credit quizzes. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 122L is required.
BIO 122L Structure, Physiology and Reproduction of Seed Plants Laboratory
Prof. Panero. Meets M, 12-6, three sections, two hours of laboratory each. Twelve laboratories will provide hands-on observation of reproductive and vascular structures of algae, seedless plants, and seed plants, as well as experimental techniques to characterize photosynthetic and floral pigments, cell growth and reproduction, and assess differences in plant water potential across different tissues of plants. Students will keep a lab notebook. Grades will be assessed using weekly, open notebook quizzes. Concurrent enrollment in BIO 322 is required.
spring 2020 courses
BIO 382K Introduction to Biology for Data Science
Prof. Hofmann. Meets Wednesdays 9:00-12:00. This course will cover biological concepts and methods (including its assumptions and limitations), particularly in the areas of systems biology, medical and evolutionary genomics, and neuroscience, with an emphasis on those approaches that produce a lot of data but are analysis-challenged. We will also look at the conceptual foundations and historical roots of various research programs in theoretical and computational biology. This course is aimed at graduate students in the quantitative sciences (e.g., computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and statistics), engineering, and the life sciences. Note that this course will not teach any scripting or coding. Prequisites: None.
BIO 384L Issues in Population Biology
Prof. Farrior. Meets Thursdays 2-4pm The course covers advanced topics in modern ecology, evolution, and behavior (EEB). Students are expected to take this course in the first year of their graduate program. Each class will consist of (1) a faculty, postdoc or student lecture on a foundational biological concept related to current research topics, (2) a Q&A with the speaker and (3) an in depth discussion of an article chosen by the guest speaker. Participation in the class will help students to build a broad foundation of knowledge and to practice active engagement with research outside of the focus of their dissertation. These skills will enable students to be active members of the academic community in biology throughout their time at UT and beyond. Students may take this class on either a C/NC or a full credit basis. Prerequisites: Standing as a graduate student in EEB or Plant Biology graduate groups or with permission from the instructor.
BIO 380C Advanced Conservation Biology
Prof. Fowler. Case-study-based course in conservation biology. Readings from a textbook, scientific papers, government documents, etc. Lectures, class discussions, two exams. Each student does an individual project on a mutually-agreed topic, which includes annotated bibliography, term paper, and class presentation. Course includes an ethics component focusing on stakeholders and their values; public roles of conservation biologists; negotiation.
BIO 384 Meta-analysis
Prof. Havird. Meta-analysis is a quantitative approach for synthesizing results from diverse research studies that address a similar hypothesis. Effect sizes calculated from individual studies are combined to elucidate general patterns across studies. Like most approaches, meta-analysis has limitations (e.g., file drawer problem, dealing with varying publication quality). However, the technique can be a powerful option for identifying patterns in disciplines where the availability of large, under-analyzed datasets is common, such as ecology, psychology, medicine, and education. Through participating in this course, you will (1) practice and develop your critical thinking skills (through in-class group discussions and presentations), (2) learn how to read and interpret the scientific literature, (3) broaden your understanding of meta-analysis, and (4) conduct your own meta-analysis.
BIO 384K Ancient DNA: insights into ecology, evolution, and conservation
Prof. Kemp. Meets Wed course time TBD. Research using biomolecules from fossils, lake core sediments, museum collections, and other denatured samples has transformed our understanding of diversification, extinction, migration, and community ecology in humans and a host of other organisims. This course provides students an introduction to ancient DNA and other similar technologies that allow for the genetic study of degraded samples, including: historical DNA, environmental DNA, and zooarchaeology by mass spectrometry (ZooMS). Through a mixture of lectures, interactive seminars, and a term paper, students will learn about ancient DNA acquisition, analyses, and ethics/challenges as applied to a broad range of topics in ecology, evolution, and conservation biology.
