|
Fall Semester 2008. 9 AM - 12 PM and 2 - 5 PM Wednesdays |
|
This graduate-level course will introduce you to the fantastic diversity of invertebrates in the sea. The title of the course is a bit of a misnomer. We will survey a subset of the 30+ extant invertebrate phyla in a traditional zoological framework, and demonstrate how structure (morphology) and function (physiology) are inextricably interrelated. Yet the course also focuses on a suite of topics that are of active research interest, including larval dispersal, life history evolution, recruitment, habitat and mate choice, the conservation of biodiversity, and speciation, among other issues. When possible, the phyla and these special topics will be placed into evolutionary contexts in order to understand the roles that phylogenetic history play in organismal biology. We hope that by the end of this course, you will have gained several very practical skills. These include: being able to generate and interpret phylogenies; critically examine and discuss the primary literature in front of your peers; design, implement and report an experimental study; and feel comfortable with the features of the major invertebrate phyla found within the southeastern US. You will have a great deal of autonomy in this course, especially in the final 4 weeks in which you will use the time to generate and report on a project of your choosing. |
|
INSTRUCTORS: Dr. Bob Podolsky and Dr. Erik Sotka OFFICE: Grice Marine Laboratory OFFICE HOURS: By appointment HomeLinks Where can I collect invertebrates in Charleston??? A guide to Grey's Reef Invertebrates Discussion Articles
|