Global Arc

Seminars review classic papers, combine concepts covered in separate courses, and intergrate ecology, evolution, and behavior. Here are examples: behavioral assessment and investment patterns affect optimal trade-off between fecundity and hardiness, which are criteria of evolution of species by natural selection. Sexual selection produces social systems, mediated by hormonal rhythms, that have implications for conservation. Evolution of efficiency in nutrient use sets ability of a community to respond to anthropogenic change. Exercises explore resources for design, execution, and analysis of observations or experiements in lab or field

Our options for controlling infectious disease are intimately linked to the epidemiological dynamics and evolution of pathogens and parasites. Mathematical models are a natural bridge between dynamics and policy, but they need to be rooted in epidemiological data and biological understanding of disease-causing agents. This course explores the links between data, theory, and policy via a series of case studies. We introduce a range of modeling and data analytical tools and apply them to policy issues via lectures and case studies. Applications include the control of infections like measles, influenza, and sexually-transmitted infections.

In this course you will learn two of the most popular programming languages in biology, R and python, along with current bioinformatics tools for dealing with genomic datasets. We will cover the basics of programming logic, along with project and data management skills. Special focus will be given to processing and curation of large tabular and genomic datasets. This course will serve as a practical introduction to programming, giving students the tools they need to succeed in their projects and showing how simple computational tools can liberate them to pursue the questions they are passionate about.

An introduction to the ecology and evolution of the woods, grasslands and rivers in and around Princeton. The course will meet on Friday mornings and afternoons and after preliminary lecture undertake field trips to local sites of ecological interest: the Institute Woods, Mountain Lakes, Stony Ford, Terhune Orchards, D&R Greenway, Autumn Hill and Bowman¿s Hill. Students will learn about the ecology and evolution of local plant and animal communities and develop independent research projects that examine specific aspects of their ecology.