SEM-PLANT PHYSIOLOGY & ECOLOGY

Biology is made up of inextricably linked disciplines. Yet, many researchers identify themselves as working in one subfield, or the other, and frequently discount the value of the other subject in their own work. This subdivision is reflected in fundamental differences in how the fields view shared topics, what journals they read, and conferences which they attend. In this graduate-level course, we will contrast the ways in which biologists think about shared core ideas in their field, and seek an integrated perspective that can facilitate inter-disciplinary research and communication. A few example topics include genetic, population and community ecology, and ecosystem science. In-class time will consist of lectures representing differing subdisciplines, followed by a discussion. Assessment will be based on student participation in discussions in class, including co-leading a discussion, and end presentations.