Courses
Principles of Evolution (BIO 3240)
This course offers an introduction to the study of evolution. Evolution is the study of how and why organisms change over time. Our investigation of evolution begins with the origins of evolutionary theory, considers the key concepts of natural selection and adaptation, examines the genetic mechanisms underlying evolutionary change, and finally assesses the consequences of evolutionary change for the origins and diversification of life on earth. We focus on how to develop and test rigorous hypotheses about evolution. The emphasis is on theoretical principles, development and testing of hypotheses, and critical interpretation of data.
Animal Behavior (BIO 4990)
This course offers an introduction to animal behavior and behavioral ecology. Behavioral ecologists are concerned with the fitness consequences of behavior – in other words, how behavior contributes to survival and reproduction in the context of an organism’s ecology. We focus on how to develop and test hypotheses about the evolution and function of animal behavior, and examine both proximate and ultimate behavioral questions. We study the evolution of a variety of behaviors, including communication and displays, mate choice, parental care, cooperation, mating systems, social behavior, habitat selection, foraging, and anti-predator behavior. The emphasis is on theoretical principles, design of experiments, development of hypotheses, and critical interpretation of data.
Scientific Writing (BIO 5990)
In this graduate course we cover the principles of good scientific writing. The semester is structured around the development and writing of a thesis proposal and is aimed at second-year Master's students.
Population Genetics (BIO 4990/L & 5990/L)
This course offers an applied introduction to population genetics. Lectures and discussions explore how evolutionary processes shape genetic variation through time and space, and how population-level evolutionary processes can be inferred from patterns of genetic variation. We cover basic population genetic theory, investigate current topics in the field, and work with simulated and real data. Labs use a combination of simulations in Shiny and analyses in R and specialized population genetics software to reinforce and expand on concepts. Students obtain experience reading the primary literature, writing in a technical style, analyzing data, and giving class presentations.
*This class is supported by DataCamp, the most intuitive learning platform for data science. Students learn R through a combination of short expert videos and hands-on-the-keyboard exercises. The also have access to 100+ courses taught by expert instructors on topics such as importing data, data visualization or machine learning and learn faster through immediate and personalized feedback on every exercise.
Leadership and Mentorship in Science (EBIO 6100)
This graduate seminar was offered at the University of Colorado in spring 2016 and 2017. I developed this course with Amanda Hund and co-taught with Amanda (2016) and Helen McCreery (2017). The course draws on tools developed in the private sector and the social sciences and applies them to mentoring students and managing personnel in academic STEM fields. Good leadership and management skills are important for successful careers in industry or other fields, and the training provided by this course is therefore broadly applicable. The course is structured as a combination of discussion, readings, invited speakers, and various interactive exercises. The semester begins with sessions aimed at identifying and developing personal mentorship and leadership styles and philosophies. We then move on to conflict management, team building, and practical mentoring and management skills such as running efficient meetings and sending good emails. We address, discuss, and practice such topics as writing and reviewing letters of recommendation, talking through conflict scenarios, avoiding common pitfalls, and adjusting mentorship style for individuals with different backgrounds and personality types.
Principles of Evolution (BIO 3240)
This course offers an introduction to the study of evolution. Evolution is the study of how and why organisms change over time. Our investigation of evolution begins with the origins of evolutionary theory, considers the key concepts of natural selection and adaptation, examines the genetic mechanisms underlying evolutionary change, and finally assesses the consequences of evolutionary change for the origins and diversification of life on earth. We focus on how to develop and test rigorous hypotheses about evolution. The emphasis is on theoretical principles, development and testing of hypotheses, and critical interpretation of data.
Animal Behavior (BIO 4990)
This course offers an introduction to animal behavior and behavioral ecology. Behavioral ecologists are concerned with the fitness consequences of behavior – in other words, how behavior contributes to survival and reproduction in the context of an organism’s ecology. We focus on how to develop and test hypotheses about the evolution and function of animal behavior, and examine both proximate and ultimate behavioral questions. We study the evolution of a variety of behaviors, including communication and displays, mate choice, parental care, cooperation, mating systems, social behavior, habitat selection, foraging, and anti-predator behavior. The emphasis is on theoretical principles, design of experiments, development of hypotheses, and critical interpretation of data.
Scientific Writing (BIO 5990)
In this graduate course we cover the principles of good scientific writing. The semester is structured around the development and writing of a thesis proposal and is aimed at second-year Master's students.
Population Genetics (BIO 4990/L & 5990/L)
This course offers an applied introduction to population genetics. Lectures and discussions explore how evolutionary processes shape genetic variation through time and space, and how population-level evolutionary processes can be inferred from patterns of genetic variation. We cover basic population genetic theory, investigate current topics in the field, and work with simulated and real data. Labs use a combination of simulations in Shiny and analyses in R and specialized population genetics software to reinforce and expand on concepts. Students obtain experience reading the primary literature, writing in a technical style, analyzing data, and giving class presentations.
*This class is supported by DataCamp, the most intuitive learning platform for data science. Students learn R through a combination of short expert videos and hands-on-the-keyboard exercises. The also have access to 100+ courses taught by expert instructors on topics such as importing data, data visualization or machine learning and learn faster through immediate and personalized feedback on every exercise.
Leadership and Mentorship in Science (EBIO 6100)
This graduate seminar was offered at the University of Colorado in spring 2016 and 2017. I developed this course with Amanda Hund and co-taught with Amanda (2016) and Helen McCreery (2017). The course draws on tools developed in the private sector and the social sciences and applies them to mentoring students and managing personnel in academic STEM fields. Good leadership and management skills are important for successful careers in industry or other fields, and the training provided by this course is therefore broadly applicable. The course is structured as a combination of discussion, readings, invited speakers, and various interactive exercises. The semester begins with sessions aimed at identifying and developing personal mentorship and leadership styles and philosophies. We then move on to conflict management, team building, and practical mentoring and management skills such as running efficient meetings and sending good emails. We address, discuss, and practice such topics as writing and reviewing letters of recommendation, talking through conflict scenarios, avoiding common pitfalls, and adjusting mentorship style for individuals with different backgrounds and personality types.