
Teaching (R. P. Anderson)
ARCHIVES (past semesters)
SPRING 2017
Biology 45000 - undergraduate Symbiosis
Symbiosis is a major phenomenon for all levels of living organisms, important in the evolution and adaptation of various groups. The course aims to explain methodology and approaches used in scientific inquiry on symbiotic interactions, in the context of our larger understanding of biotic interactions. This course will include lectures/discussions, writing clinics, and student presentations.
FALL 2016
Biology 22800 - Ecology and Evolution Lecture
The course combines conceptual and quantitative approaches to topics including ecology, ecosystems, biogeography, genetics, evolution, and systematics. The laboratory is a series of exercises and experiments designed to introduce students to data collection and analysis, including interpretation of lab and field experiences. This course also covers current environmental issues critical to modern society. Major topics covered include: niche/distributions, population growth, species interactions, community structure/succession, species richness/diversity, island biogeography, fitness and selection, genetic drift, phylogeny/systematics, macroevolution, species concepts, speciation, and the relevance of ecology and evolution to society.
SPRING 2016
Biology V/79012 - graduate Seminar in Zoogeography
This graduate seminar covers the conceptual basis and practical application of GIS-based techniques for modeling species’ niches and associated geographic distributions based on occurrence records and digital environmental data. Specifically, we focus on the problem of modeling using presence-only data (where occurrence records are available, but no data exist regarding absences). These techniques are general with regard to taxon and can be applied at any spatial scale, using a grain and extent relevant to the problem at hand. The course is designed for students with a specific research interest in using presence-only niche/distributional modeling.
Biology V/9100 - Colloquium
This seminar course consists of leading biologists invited to describe their most current research, much of which has not been published yet. Students are expected to understand these presentations, engage in scientific discourse by asking questions of the speakers, and to further investigate some topics of interest.
FALL 2015
Biology 45800/A4580 - undergraduate and master's Biogeography
Introduction to biogeography, the study of spatial patterns of biological diversity. The course addresses the study of geographic variation in nature at all levels from genes to communities to ecosystems, with both ecological and evolutionary perspectives. It includes analyses of real data regarding biogeographic problems relevant to conservation biology.
SPRING 2015
Biology 45800/A4580 - undergraduate and master's Biogeography
FALL 2014
Biology 22800 - Ecology and Evolution Lecture
SPRING 2014
Biology V/79012 - graduate Seminar in Zoogeography
FALL 2013
Biology 45800/A4580 - undergraduate and master's Biogeography
SPRING 2013
Biology 45000 - undergraduate Symbiosis
FALL 2012
Biology V/79012 - graduate Seminar in Zoogeography.
I was on sabbatical for the Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 semesters.
SPRING 2011
Biology 22800 - Ecology and Evolution Lecture.
Spring 2011: coordination of the Biology Department's Honors and Independent Studies research courses.
FALL 2010
Biology V/70503 - graduate Evolution course (with Dr. Ana Carnaval).
Fall 2010: coordination of the Biology Department's Honors and Independent Studies research courses.
SPRING 2010
Biology 22800 - Ecology and Evolution Lecture course.
Spring 2010: coordination of the Biology Department's Honors and Independent Studies research courses.
FALL 2009
Biology 31310 - Biogeography course.
Fall 2009: coordination of the Biology Department's Honors and Independent Studies research courses.
SPRING 2009
Biology 22800 - Ecology and Evolution Lecture course.
Spring 2009: coordination of the Biology Department's Honors and Independent Studies research courses.
FALL 2008
Biology V/70503 - graduate Evolution course.
Fall 2008: coordination of the Biology Department's Honors and Independent Studies research courses.
SPRING 2008
Biology 22800 - Ecology and Evolution Lecture course.
Biology V/79012 - graduate Seminar in Zoogeography.
Spring 2008: coordination of the Biology Department's Honors and Independent Studies research courses.
FALL 2007
Fall 2007: coordination of the Biology Department's Honors and Independent Studies research courses.
SPRING 2007
Biology 22800 - Ecology and Evolution Lecture course.
Biology V/79012 - graduate Seminar in Zoogeography.
FALL 2006
Biology 31310 - Biogeography course.
Biology V/70503 - graduate Evolution course.
SPRING 2006
Biology 22800 - Ecology and Evolution Lecture course.
Biology 22800 - Ecology and Evolution Laboratory course.
FALL 2005
Biology V/70503 - graduate Evolution course.
Biology 22800 - Ecology and Evolution Laboratory course.
SPRING 2005
Biology 22800 - Ecology and Evolution Laboratory course.
V9100 - Biology Colloquium course.
FALL 2004
Biology V/70503 - graduate Evolution course.
SPRING 2004
Biology 22800 - Ecology and Evolution Laboratory course.