BIOL 635

Advanced Chemical Ecology

This course will explore the remarkable world of chemical ecology. Where ecological outcomes between or among individuals are influenced or determined directly or indirectly by chemicals produced by individuals. A key focus will be the chemical ecology of plants. Though we will also explore chemical ecology in animals as well. Considerable ecological information is derived from chemicals produced by organisms both to other members of the same species or to a different species, and affect both natural and sexual selection. We will use an interactive discussion/seminar-style to interrogate the primary literature for current knowledge of how chemical cues influence a diverse array of ecological interactions. From the African savannas to galling insects in our own backyard. Students will have flexibility to choose their own research topics to pursue focused critical thinking and hypothesis generation. Discussions will span a range of disciplines including genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, natural products, ecology, and evolution. Graduate students will be required to write a publication-quality review paper or meta analysis on a topic related to chemical ecology

Units: 4.0