Russell Burke
General Ecology: BIO 114
Taught in the fall semester
Lecture on the basic principles determining the distribution and abundance of populations and species, including ecological tests of adaptation. Structure and relationships at the population, community, landscape, and biosphere levels. Emphasis on applied topics such as pollution abatement, ancient and contemporary climate change, pest and wildlife management, and human population growth. Several homework assignments will be based on your work with the computer program Ecobeaker. 3 hours lecture. Credit given for this course or New College NBG 1, not both. Prerequisites: BIO 11-15.
Conservation Biology: BIO 115
Taught in the spring semester
Lecture and discussion of the basic principles of the conservation of biological diversity. Review of the main causes of extinction events past and present, sustainable development, and the importance of zoos and laws to species conservation. 2 hours lecture. During the semester you will be required to carry out an out-of-doors work project for a conservation organization of your choice. We will have one class out of doors. Prerequisites: either BIO 3 and BIO 4 (non-majors) or BIO 11-15, or permission of instructor.
Field Ecology: BIO 110A
plus grad level
The study abroad class meets for two to three days on campus in the fall, then we head for Ecuador for about 20 days. This includes about 11 days in the Galapagos Islands and 3 days in the rainforest. HU Geology Prof Bret Bennington keeps us informed about the fascinating geology of this region, and my focus will be on the wildlife and amazing historical importance of the islands to the development of evolutionary thought.
Advanced Conservation Biology: BIO 275
Taught in the spring
Lecture and discussion of the basic principles of the conservation of biological diversity. Review of the main causes of extinction events past and present, sustainable development, and the importance of zoos and laws to species conservation. Computer simulations to compare management/restoration strategies for endangered species and ecological communities. Students submit a paper reviewing in detail a specific problem in conservation biology. 2 hours lecture and 1 hour laboratory/recitation.