Integrative Biology (INTEGBI)

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Summer 2024 Second 6 Week Session, Fall 2023
An introduction to the biomes, plants, and animals of California. The lectures will introduce natural history as the foundation of the sciences, with an overview of geology, paleontology, historical biology, botany, zoology, ecosystem ecology, and conservation biology. The field labs will include activities on the UC Berkeley campus and around the Bay Area. Course is open to all students without prerequisite and will provide a foundation for advanced study in biology and field biology.
California Natural History: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2016, Fall 2014
This course will cover our modern scientific understanding of origins, from the Big Bang to the formation of planets like Earth, evolution by natural selection, the genetic basis of evolution, and the emergence of humans. These ideas are of great intrinsic scientific importance and also have far reaching implications for other aspects of people's lives (e.g., philosophical, religious, and political). A major theme will be the scientific method and how we know what we know.
Origins: from the Big Bang to the Emergence of Humans: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
The Berkeley Seminar Program has been designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small-seminar setting. Berkeley Seminars are offered in all campus departments, and topics vary from department to department and semester to semester.
Freshman Seminars: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Summer 2022 8 Week Session, Summer 2021 8 Week Session, Summer 2020 8 Week Session
Principles of evolution biology as they relate to animal behavior and behavioral ecology with broad coverage of animal groups. Special attention will be paid to the emerging discipline of behavioral ecology.
The Ecology and Evolution of Animal Behavior: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021
Bioinspired design views the process of how we learn from Nature as an innovation strategy translating principles of function, performance and aesthetics from biology to human technology. The creative design process is driven by interdisciplinary exchange among engineering, biology, art, architecture and business. Diverse teams of students will collaborate on, create, and present original bioinspired design projects. Lectures discuss biomimicry, challenges of extracting principles from Nature, scaling, robustness, and entrepreneurship through case studies highlighting robots that run, fly, and swim, materials like gecko-inspired adhesives, artificial muscles, medical prosthetic devices, and translation to start-ups.
Bioinspired Design: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
This is an introductory course
focusing on Mesozoic Earth, the era preceding our current era, the Cenozoic. We will use
an easy-to-relate topic (dinosaurs) to learn about the scientific process and how we know
what we know in paleontology and evolutionary biology. The range of topics to be
covered includes a brief history of paleontology; the geologic timescale; the tree of life;
fossil vertebrate diversity; the major lineages of dinosaurs; the first mammals and the
K-Pg mass extinction event.
Life During the Age of Dinosaurs: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Summer 1996 10 Week Session
Open without prerequisite to all students and designed for those not specializing in paleontology. Evolution history, and ecology of the dinosaurs and their world, including the earliest mammals and birds.
Topics in Paleontology: The Age of Dinosaurs: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
This course addresses modern human biological variation from historical, comparative, evolutionary, biomedical, and cultural perspectives. It is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of comparative biology, evolutionary theory, and genetics.
Human Biological Variation: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Prior to 2007
. Open without prerequisite toall students and designed for those not specializing in paleontology. Survey the evolution, ecology, and history of the primate order. Special emphasis will be given to primate origins, geographic distribution, and the evolution of the human lineage.
Topics in Paleontology: The Antecedents of Man: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Not yet offered
This course invites students to discover the animal within and explore the profound connections that link us humans to the broader tree of life. Through a multidisciplinary approach, we will examine the vestiges of our evolutionary past, from the structural features inherited from fish to the remnants of primate behaviors still visible in modern humans. Students will delve into comparative anatomy, genetics, and paleontology to uncover how over time evolution and major environmental changes has shaped the human form and function.
The Animal In You: Evolutionary Traces In The Human Body: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Summer 2024 8 Week Session, Fall 2023, Summer 2023 8 Week Session
A survey of marine mammal evolution, biology, behavior, ecology, and politics with a concentration on those species found in the North Pacific. Coverage would include: origin and evolution of cetaceans, pinnipeds, sirenians, and sea otters; basic biology and anatomy of marine mammal groups, and North Pacific species in particular; ecological interactions and role in nearshore and pelagic marine communities; and interactions between humans and marine mammals.
Marine Mammals: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Summer 1996 10 Week Session
An introduction to the order of mammals of which we are members. The niches of primates in modern ecosystems, their anatomical and behavorial specialization, and their role as indicator species in conservation. The mechanisms and variety of primate social organization compared with that of other animals.
Primate Biology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2022
We live in a microbial world, and the evolution of multicellular organisms has been intimately affected by microbes. Their influences range from mutualistic benefits to disease and represent a fundamental force that shapes plant and animal phenotypes and evolutionary trajectories. Recent advances in genomic methodologies have further increased our appreciation of the role of microbes in host health and fitness by unraveling the commonness of microbial communities in all organisms and their complex interactions with their hosts. This course will consider the broad range of host-microbe interactions and underlying mechanisms – from mutualism to pathogenesis, and from binary host-microbe interactions, to the microbiome.
What Lives Inside Us? Microbiomes and Symbiosis: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Summer 2024 8 Week Session, Summer 2023 8 Week Session, Summer 2022 8 Week Session
The course will review major groups of food plants from an evolutionary and historical perspective, by examining the origins from wild relatives to current distribution and varieties today. Examples will be reviewed from a diversity of crops from around the world, such as grains, pulses, vegetables, fruits, nuts and others (e.g., caffeine-producing plants). General concepts covered will include plant morphology, evolutionary processes (domestication, hybridization, polyploidy, diversification) and relevant ecology (e.g., pollination biology, pest and pest control). Focus will include California agriculture and crops as illustrated through field trips.
Origins and Evolution of Food Plants: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2022
This course will support students in reflecting on personal values, building relationships with community stakeholders, fostering research experiences, and ultimately designing their own DeCal courses and RSOs to develop leadership potential in the field of science and the department of Integrative Biology. We strongly encourage co-enrollment with freshman or sophomore seminars and aim to support students in identifying internship, externship, and public service opportunities.
Berkeley Changemaker: BioDiscovery, Community, and Culture: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Each week a different Integrative Biology faculty member will give a one hour lecture on how their research field contributes to our understanding of human biology. The integration of the disciplines of evolution, ecology, paleontology, comparative physiology, and comparative anatomy in the study of how humans function in ecosystems illuminates our understanding of human biology. During each presentation, the faculty member will also inform students about IB courses they teach, research in their lab, and which Berkeley Natural History Museum they may be affiliated with. This course gives undergraduates an opportunity to learn about the spectrum of research and courses offered by the different IB faculty.
Integrative Human Biology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Each week a different Integrative Biology faculty member will give a one hour lecture on how their research field contributes to our understanding of human biology. The integration of the disciplines of evolution, ecology, paleontology, comparative physiology, and comparative anatomy in the study of how humans function in ecosystems illuminates our understanding of human biology. During each presentation, the faculty member will also inform students about IB courses they teach, research in their lab, and which Berkeley Natural History Museum they may be affiliated with. This course gives undergraduates an opportunity to learn about the spectrum of research and courses offered by the different IB faculty.
Integrative Human Biology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2001, Spring 2000
A field-based course with overnight and day trips to natural areas in the Bay Area and coastal California. Field trips and lectures emphasize natural history of California organisms and field research methods to study global climate change as well as preparing students for careers in ecology, evolutionary biology and conservation. There will be four field trips. Two of these field trips are day trips and two of these trips will involve weekends. Vans to transport students to field trips which will be driven by the instructors and the GSI. Camping equipment will be provided.
Introduction to Field Research in Global Change Biology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Sophomore seminars are small interactive courses offered by faculty members in departments all across the campus. Sophomore seminars offer opportunity for close, regular intellectual contact between faculty members and students in the crucial second year. The topics vary from department to department and semester to semester. Enrollment limited to 15 sophomores.
Sophomore Seminar: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Summer 2014 8 Week Session, Summer 2013 8 Week Session, Summer 2012 8 Week Session
This course provides a functional understanding of hypothesis/data driven research and exposure to current approaches and methods in biological science. The lectures address foundational concepts of the scientific method, research ethics, scientific communication, and how to understand scientific literature. The labs provide exposure to faculty research and experimental methods. The course is geared to incoming freshmen, sophomores, and transfer students interested in learning more about research.
Introduction to Research Methods in Biology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Fall 2016, Spring 2016
Students enrolled in Biology 1B can participate in special field research in addition to attending regular laboratory sections. Students work independently with minimal supervision. Students will learn how to develop a project, collect and record data, conduct and analyze experiments, write a report, and make an oral presentation. Project may require traveling to off-campus sites, and may include night or weekend work.
Special Research Project in Biology 1B: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Enrollment into this course is for students interested in teaching science to children under the guidance of the Lawrence Hall of Science Instructors and Staff. As a LHS Teaching Assistant (TA), you will have the opportunity to assist with workshops serving grade school-aged children and to lead small discussion groups. The workshops consist of organismal biology related materials. You will undergo training in the Hall’s Animal Discovery Room to ensure that you are prepared to support school and public programs scheduled in that space. There will also be opportunities to travel to nearby school districts to give presentations on the materials you work with.
Lawrence Hall of Science Teaching Assistant: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Students will be introduced to the "culture" of the biological sciences, along with an in-depth orientation to the academic life and the culture of the university as they relate to majoring in biology. Students will learn concepts, skills, and information that they can use in their major courses, and as future science professionals.
Studying the Biological Sciences: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Lectures and small group discussions focusing on topics of interest, varying from semester to semester.
Directed Group Study: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Berkeley Connect is a mentoring program, offered through various academic departments, that helps students build intellectual community. Over the course of a semester, enrolled students participate in regular small-group discussions facilitated by a graduate student mentor (following a faculty-directed curriculum), meet with their graduate student mentor for one-on-one academic advising, attend lectures and panel discussions featuring department faculty and alumni, and go on field trips to campus resources. Students are not required to be declared majors in order to participate.
Berkeley Connect: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2022, Spring 2015, Spring 2014
Lower division independent study and research intended for the academically superior student. Enrollment only with prior approval of faculty adviser directing the research.
Supervised Independent Study and Research: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2020, Spring 2018, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
For undergraduates interested in improving their ability to communicate their scientific knowledge by teaching ocean science in elementary schools or science centers/aquariums. The course will combine instruction in inquiry-based teaching methods and learning pedagogy with six weeks of supervised teaching experience in a local school classroom or the Lawrence Hall of Science with a partner. Thus, students will practice communicating scientific knowledge and receive mentoring on how to improve their presentations.
Communicating Ocean Science: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2018
This course will introduce students to concepts and techniques for effective communication of scientific findings, both within the scientific community and to the general public. Students will be exposed to a variety of formats, including systematic observations in field journals, proposals, conference presentations, seminars, journal articles, popular science writing, and interviews. Students can expect to gain a sense of confidence in writing and public speaking about research. Direct language is valued in scientific writing, but creative approaches to style and structure will be emphasized.
Introduction to Scientific Writing: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2022, Spring 2020, Spring 2018
The relationship of the main plant groups and the plant communities of California to climate, soils, vegetation, geological and recent history, and conservation. Laboratory will also include at least two Saturday field trips and focus on main plant groups and major plant families in California, and use of keys to identify introduced and especially native pteridophytes, conifers, and flowering plants of the state.
Introduction to California Plant Life with Laboratory: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2019, Spring 2018, Spring 2016
Introductory survey of the biology of invertebrates, stressing comparative functional morphology, phylogeny, natural history, and aspects of physiology and development. Laboratory study of invertebrate diversity and functional morphology, and field study of the natural history of local marine invertebrates.
Invertebrate Zoology with Laboratory: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Biology of the vertebrates, exclusive of fish. Laboratory and field study of local vertebrates exclusive of fish.
Natural History of the Vertebrates with Laboratory: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
(1) survey of museum resources, including strategies for accession, conservation, collecting and acquiring material, administration, and policies; (2) strategies for making collections digitally available (digitization, databasing, georeferencing, mapping); (3) tools and approaches for examining historical specimens (genomics, isotopes, ecology, morphology, etc); and (4) data integration and inference. The final third of the course will involve individual projects within a given museum.
Natural History Museums and Biodiversity Science: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2019, Fall 2017, Fall 2016
An analysis of the structural diversity of land plants plants with emphasis on the developmental mechanisms responsible for this variation in morphology and the significance of this diversity in relation to adaptation and evolution.
Principles of Plant Morphology with Laboratory: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Summer 2022 8 Week Session, Summer 2021 8 Week Session
This course focus on the interactions among marine organisms and on their relationship to the environment. Topics include an overview of marine organisms, functioning of marine ecosystems, anthropogenic impacts, climate change impacts, and conservation. Lectures consist of discussions of primary literature, videos, and student presentations; and discussion sections review and expand on topics covered in lecture. By the end of
the course, you should be able to compare marine ecosystems, identify the major marine organisms and explain their role within a community, explain the main abiotic factors affecting the dynamics and distribution of marine species, and discuss how human communities and marine organisms and ecosystem affect one another.
Marine Biology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2019, Fall 2018, Fall 2016
From the seahorse’s body to the venus flytrap’s jaws to the human brain, nature abounds with amazing adaptations. This interdisciplinary course explores how and why such biodiversity evolves as well as what limits diversity. Lectures and case studies will focus on core concepts, recent advances, and integrative approaches, placing special emphasis on the interplay between gene regulatory networks, the environment, and population genetics.
Evolution and Ecology of Development: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Fall 2021
Selected aspects of fungi: their structure, reproduction, physiology, ecology, genetics and evolution; their role in plant disease, human welfare, and industry. Offered even fall semesters.
Biology of Fungi with Laboratory: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025
Unlock the power of programming for biological exploration! This beginnerfriendly
course introduces biologists to essential programming concepts using C and Python. Dive
into hands-on projects tailored for biological applications, equipping you with the skills to analyze
data, visualize results, and automate tasks. No prior coding experience required. Embrace the
world of programming to elevate your research capabilities in the life sciences!
Introductory Programming for Biologists: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
An introduction to horticultural techniques utilizing the diverse collections of the University Botanical Garden.
Horticultural Methods in the Botanical Garden: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
This course will center around answering the following questions: What do the fossil and geologic records have to tell us about the nature of ecological and evolutionary processes? What do they teach us that cannot be learned from the living world alone? In answering these questions, the course will provide an introduction to the analysis of key problems in paleobiology, with an emphasis on how evolutionary and ecological processes operate on geologic timescales.
Paleobiological Perspectives on Ecology and Evolution: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Summer 2024 8 Week Session, Summer 2023 8 Week Session
Many of the challenges of managing infectious disease are essentially ecological and evolutionary problems. Disease follows the rules of species interactions as it spreads through host populations while resistance to antibiotics occurs through the rules of evolutionary biology. The key aim of the module is to teach ecological and evolutionary principles in the light of infectious diseases affecting human populations and societies as well as agriculture and wildlife. This is applied ecology and applied evolution writ large.
Infectious Disease Dynamics: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Summer 2021 First 6 Week Session, Summer 2020 First 6 Week Session, Summer 2019 First 6 Week Session
This course includes the biology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention of various medically important parasitic infections. Life cycles of parasitic helminths and protozoa, the biological aspects of the host-parasite relationship, the epidemiology of the infection, and the interplay of social, economical, and ecological factors which contribute to the disease will be covered in both lectures and videos.
Medical Parasitology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2021, Fall 2020, Fall 2019
Biological diversity and ethno-linguistic diversity sustain traditional botanical medicine systems of the world. Major topics covered in this course include cultural origins of medicinal plant knowledge on plant-derived pharmaceuticals and phytomedicines; field research methods in ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology; examples of how traditional botanical medicines provide safe, effective, affordable, and sustainable primary health care to tropical countries; human physiology, human diseases, and mechanisms of action of plant-derived drugs.
Medical Ethnobotany: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2021, Fall 2020, Fall 2019
Laboratory will focus on studying medicinal plants from the major ecosystems and geographical regions of the world. Students will learn common names, scientific names, plant families, field identification, habitats, and ethnomedical uses of medicinal plants. How the medicinal plant is prepared, administered, and used as a phytomedicine will also be discussed. There will be reference to the phylogenetic relationships between the plant families and genera represented by the medicinal plants.
Medical Ethnobotany Laboratory: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2021, Fall 2020
We live in a microbial world, and microbes have shaped (and continue to shape) plant and animal physiology and evolution through a myriad of contributions – from mutualistic benefits to disease. Recent advances in genomic methodologies have further increased our appreciation of such contributions by highlighting the prevalence of organismal microbial communities and their complex interactions with their hosts. Through lectures and discussions, IB 118 will consider the broad range of host-microbe interactions – from mutualism to pathogenesis, and from pairwise interactions to the microbiome - learning the principles that shape these interactions, the technologies used to interrogate them and the molecular mechanisms underlying them.
Organismal Microbiomes and Host-Pathogen Interactions: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
This course provides a fast-paced introduction to a variety of quantitative methods used in biology and their mathematical underpinnings. While no topic will be covered in depth, the course will provide an overview of several different topics commonly encountered in modern biological research including differential equations and systems of differential equations, a review of basic concepts in linear algebra, an introduction to probability theory, Markov chains, maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimation, measures of statistical confidence, hypothesis testing and model choice, permutation and simulation, and several topics in statistics and machine learning including regression analyses, clustering, and principal component analyses.
Introduction to Quantitative Methods In Biology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2021, Fall 2019
Discussion of how chemical energy is captured within cells and how potential chemical energy is converted to muscular work. Energetics, direct and indirect calorimetry, pathways of carbon flow in exercise, ventilation, circulation, skeletal muscle fiber types. Laboratory component of the course is to obtain practical experience in the measurement of physiological parameters and to be able to compile, compare, contrast, and interpret physiological data. Laboratory demonstrations and exercises will explain lecture content.
Exercise and Environmental Physiology with Laboratory: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2016, Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2013
Basic biomechanical and anatomical concepts of human movement and their application to fundamental movement patterns, exercise, and sport skills.
Introduction to the Biomechanical Analysis of Human Movement: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Summer 2024 First 6 Week Session, Summer 2023 First 6 Week Session, Summer 2022 First 6 Week Session
Survey course of sports medicine including topics of athletic injury (cause, evaluation, and treatment options), exercise physiology, exercise and health, fitness testing, issues specific to female athletes, drug abuse in sports, environmental issues (heat, altitude, sun exposure), nutrition, careers in sports medicine, introduction to clinical research.
Sports Medicine: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2022, Spring 2020, Spring 2019
Principles and theories of human physiological assessment in relation to physical activity and conditioning. Performance of laboratory procedures in the measurement and interpretation of physiological fitness (cardiorespiratory endurance, body composition, musculoskeletal fitness).
Human Physiological Assessment: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Summer 2024 8 Week Session, Fall 2023
The functional anatomy of the human body as revealed by gross and microscopic examination. Designed to be taken concurrently with 131L.
General Human Anatomy: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Summer 2024 8 Week Session, Fall 2023
Prepared human dissections, models, and microscopic slides.
General Human Anatomy Laboratory: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Mechanisms by which key physiological priorities are maintained in healthy humans. From a basis in elementary theories of information and control, we develop an understanding of homeostasis of cellular composition, structure, and energy metabolism. We then study neural and endocrine signaling in humans, and develop the key concepts of control and homeostasis in all the major organ and multi-organ systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, metabolic, reproductive, and immune systems, growth and development, and sensory and motor systems.
Human Physiology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
In the laboratory component of IB132, students gain hands-on experience measuring physiological parameters, interpreting physiological data, designing experiments, and communicating ideas in writing and orally. Guided investigations include measurements of membrane potentials, responses of skeletal muscle to electrical stimulation, electromyography, pulmonary and cardiovascular measurements in humans, contractility and regulation of the frog heart, human electrocardiography, and renal control of body fluids. In two independent investigations, students identify their own questions, develop hypotheses, design and perform experiments, and present their studies in symposia.

Human Physiology Laboratory: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Genome sequencing and analyses have transformed biology over the past two decades. This course provides a hands-on introduction to the world of computational biology and bioinformatics. Students will apply state-of-the-art techniques to analyze genome and microbiome data from the UC Berkeley campus fox squirrels and local California ground squirrels each week. Students will master practical bioinformatics skills and then take on their own scientific research projects, all using genomic data collected specifically for this course. We will also explore key advances in the field of genomics over the past two decades of both humans and non-model organisms that have driven the current revolution in genome sciences.
Practical Genomics: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2016, Fall 2013
Organism design in terms of mechanical principles; basics of fluid and solid mechanics with examples of their biological implications, stressing the dependence of mechanical behavior and locomotion on the structure of molecules, tissues, structural elements, whole organisms, and habitats.
The Mechanics of Organisms: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Spring 2013, Spring 2012
Introduction to laboratory and field study of the biomechanics of animals and plants using fundamental biomechanical techniques and equipment. Course has a series of rotations involving students in experiments demonstrating how solid and fluid mechanics can be used to discover the way in which diverse organisms move and interact with their physical environment. The laboratories emphasize sampling methodology, experimental design, and statistical interpretation of results. Latter third of course devoted to independent research projects. Written reports and class presentation of project results are required.
Laboratory in the Mechanics of Organisms: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2021, Fall 2014
The ability to reproduce is a defining characteristic of life, and of great interest to biologists as well as humanity in general. What is sex, and why did it develop? Why do we have sexual reproduction, whereas some animals do not? This course will provide a comprehensive overview on the biology of sex from an evolutionary perspective with an emphasis on humans in comparison to other species. The course will consist of two lectures each week, and a lab where we discuss a paper, watch videos, or have discussion sections on specific topics that were covered in class.
The Biology of Sex: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2020, Fall 2019, Fall 2018
Course will address the role of hormones in physiology with a focus on humans. Regulation of hormone secretion and mechanisms of hormone action will be discussed. Physiological processes to be addressed include reproduction, metabolism, water balance, growth, fetal development. Experimental and clinical aspects will be addressed.
Human Endocrinology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
The primary goal of this course is to provide students with a broad understanding of the evolution of hormonal systems. A comparative approach allows us to envisage how the complex mammalian endocrine system presumably evolved from that of more primitive vertebrates. Students will learn about endocrine pathways and endocrine-based behaviors of jawless fishes, fishes, amphibia, reptiles, birds, and mammals. In addition, students will gain an understanding of the experimental methods used in endocrine research. The class teaches students how to read and interpret the primary scientific literature; thus it encourages the critical thinking that is a fundamental skill for any scientist.
Comparative Endocrinology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2022, Fall 2020, Fall 2019
This course is designed to be an interdisciplinary course. It will adopt a broad-based approach to explore the concepts of stress, health, and disease, with a particular focus on current primary literature. The course will cover multiple dimensions in the study of stress, which employ genetic, epigenetic, molecular, cellular, physiological, and cognitive approaches, especially in the context of endocrine and neuroscience research. We will analyze the individual response to stress, how genetic and environmental factors play a role in it, how it translates to physiological and mental health and well-being vs. pathological conditions, and put that in a public health perspective.

The Neurobiology of Stress: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Summer 2024 8 Week Session, Spring 2024
Course focuses on biological and cultural aspects of human reproduction including conception, embryology, pregnancy, labor, delivery, lactation, infant/child development, puberty, and reproductive aging. This includes study of factors that diminish and factors that enhance fertility, reproduction, and maternal-child health. We explore evolutionary, ecological, environmental, cultural, ethnobiological, and nutritional determinants of fertility, reproductive rate, infant survival, and population growth.
Biology of Human Reproduction: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Summer 2024 8 Week Session, Summer 2023 8 Week Session, Summer 2022 8 Week Session
Principles of inheritance, especially as applied to human traits, including molecular aspects of genetics, the genetic constitutions of populations, and questions of heredity/environment.
Human Genetics: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2023
How do experiences and exposures get “under the skin” to impact human development? This course takes a research approach to understanding environmental origins of adult behavior. We begin with foundations in endocrinology, neurobiology, reproduction, and development. This sets the stage for studying how experiences influence development, including nutrition, stress, immune challenges, endocrine disruptors, and more. Students will engage in authentic research using seasonal transitions in rodent physiology and behavior to understand adaptation to changing environments.
Brain, Behavior, and Environment: a research approach: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2020, Fall 2018
A consideration of the biological clocks that generate daily, lunar, seasonal and annual rhythms in various animals including people. Emphasis on neuroendocrine substrates, development and adaptive significance of estrous cycles, feeding rhythms, sleep-wakefulness cycles, reproductive and hibernation cycles, body weight and migratory cycles.
Biological Clocks: Physiology and Behavior: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
An introduction to comparative animal behavior and behavioral physiology in an evolutionary context, including but not limited to analysis of behavior, genetics and development, learning, aggression, reproduction, adaptiveness, and physiological substrates.
Animal Behavior: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Spring 2020
Communication is central to the lives of most, if not all animals. How and why animals communicate is thus central to understanding the ecology, behavior, neurobiology, and evolution of animal systems. This course will focus on understanding the basic principles driving the communication system of a species, drawing together topics ranging from the physical properties of the environment, physiology of sensory systems, animal behavior and ecology, using examples from classic and recent publications.
Animal Communication: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2019, Spring 2017, Spring 2015
An in-depth examination of the ecological and evolutionary bases for behavioral diversity. Topics covered include behavior as an adaptive response, sexual selection, animal mating systems, group living, and cooperative and competitive interactions. Current conceptual approaches to these topics are explored, with an emphasis upon rigorous testing of hypotheses drawn from primary literature. Hands-on laboratory training in the methods of experimental design, data collection, and data analysis.
Behavioral Ecology with Laboratory: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Fall 2020
Comparative study of physiological systems among animal phyla. General physiological principles will be illustrated by examining variation in neural, muscular, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and osmoregulatory systems. Students will read original literature and give a group presentation in a symposium.
Comparative Animal Physiology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2022, Spring 2020, Spring 2018
Evolutionary physiology studies how physiological traits arise and are modified during adaptation to the environment. An integrative understanding of the origin and maintenance of physiological traits, encompassing levels of biological hierarchy from molecular to ecological and biogeographic, is essential for improving human health and stewarding the natural world through the current era of rapid environmental change. This course consists of three parts: 1) big questions in evolutionary physiology and how they are addressed; 2) a student-led exploration of how environmental factors have shaped physiological evolution; and 3) predicting responses to global change using evolutionary physiology.
Evolutionary Environmental Physiology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Spring 2020
This course focuses on a survey of physiological approaches to understanding plant-environment interactions from the functional perspective. Lectures cover physiological adaptation; limiting factors; resources acquisition/allocation; photosynthesis, carbon, energy balance; water use and relations; nutrient relations; linking physiology; stable isotope applications in ecophysiology; stress physiology; life history and physiology; evolution of physiological performance; physiology population, community, and ecosystem levels.
Plant Physiological Ecology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Spring 2020
The laboratory is focused on instructing you on observational and experimental approaches and methods used in plant physiological ecology. Students are introduced to a wide range of techniques and will make measurements on different plant species growing in the field or greenhouse (weeks 1-7). A group research project is required (weeks 9-12).
Plant Physiological Ecology Laboratory: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Ecology is a scientific discipline that focuses on the interactions between organisms and their
environment. This class will provide an overview of core concepts and applications, and will also provide practice with writing, small-group work, critical thinking, and data analysis.
The class will specifically cover principles of population ecology, illustrated with examples from marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats. It will consider the roles of physical and biological processes in structuring natural communities. Observational, experimental, and theoretical approaches will be discussed. Topics will include quantitative approaches relying on algebra, visual analysis of graphs, and elementary calculus.
Ecology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2015, Fall 2013
An introduction to ecology of plants, covering individuals, populations, communities, and global processes. Topics include: form and function, population ecology, life histories, community structure and dynamics, disturbance and succession, diversity and global change.
Plant Ecology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2015, Fall 2013, Spring 2005
Field and laboratory class in plant ecology. Laboratory exercises covering plant functional morphology, dispersal ecology, spatial dispersion in plant populations, environmental gradients and plant distributions, population dynamics simulations, and restoration ecology. Small-group independents projects, with write-ups and presentations. Concurrent enrollment in Integrative Biology 154 is required.
Plant Ecology Laboratory: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Summer 2022 Second 6 Week Session
A survey of the principles and practices of conservation biology. Factors that affect the creation, destruction, and distribution of biological diversity at the level of the gene, species, and ecosystem are examined. Tools and management options derived from ecology and evolutionary biology that can recover or prevent the loss of biological diversity are explored.
Principles of Conservation Biology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
The ecosystems of California are studied from both an ecological and historical biogeographical perspective with a focus on terrestrial plant communities. Students learn how to identify about 150 species of native plants (mostly trees, but also other dominant plants from the non-forest biomes). Field trips occur each Friday and over several weekends. Students conduct group projects that involve plant inventories and data collection as well as how to collect plant specimens and use the Herbarium.
Ecosystems of California: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
In this class, students study the natural history and evolutionary biology of island terrestrial and freshwater organisms and their communities, and of marine organisms in the coral reef and lagoon systems. The students also learn about the geomorphology of volcanic islands, coral reefs, and reef islands. Features of island biogeography are illustrated with topics linked to subsequent field studies on the island of Mo’orea, French Polynesia. The course trains students as independent scientists, as students develop, conduct, and communicate independent research projects on a topic of their choice.
Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Earth is a complex dynamic system. Interplay between its components (solid earth, oceans, and atmosphere) governs conditions on the planet's outside that we and other biota inhabit. In turn, life asserts a vast influence on the abiotic components; in fact, the biosphere itself is a crucial system component. We will explore the effect that 3.5 billion years of evolving biosphere had on System Earth and vice versa (e.g., in terms of climate), including the recent human impact on the system.
The Living Planet: Impact of the Biosphere on the Earth System: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023
An analysis of the patterns and processes of organic evolution. History and philosophy of evolutionary thought; the different lines of evidence and fields of inquiry that bear on the understanding of evolution. The major features and processes of evolution through geologic times; the generation of new forms and new lineages; extinction; population processes of selection, adaptation, and other forces; genetics, genomics, and the molecular basis of evolution; evolutionary developmental biology; sexual selection; behavorial evolution; applications of evolutionary biology to medical, agricultural, conservational, and anthropological research.
Evolution: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2021, Spring 2019, Spring 2017
Population genetics provides the theoretical foundation for modern evolutionary thinking. It also provides a basis for understanding genetic variation within populations. We will study population genetic theory and use it to illuminate a number of different topics, including the existence of sex, altruism and cooperation, genome evolution speciation, and human genetic variation and evolution.
Population and Evolutionary Genetics: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2020, Fall 2016, Fall 2014
This course integrates ecology, genetics, and evolutionary biology. It presents contemporary approaches to studying evolution in natural populations, including analyzing heritability of ecologically important traits, using molecular techniques to decompose genotypes, documenting and measuring the magnitude of selection in natural systems, and using models to predict evolution in natural populations. Case studies are used to examine evolutionary effects of ecological interactions among organisms, the importance of population size and structure, and interactions among populations through migration and dispersal.
Ecological Genetics: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
This course will introduce students to basic principles of genetics, including transmissions genetics, gene regulation, pedigree analysis, genetic mapping, population genetics, and the principles of molecular evolution. The course will also introduce students to recent developments in genomics as applied to problems in human genetic diseases, human history, and the relationship between humans and their closest relatives.
Human Genetics and Genomics: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2023, Spring 2023
An in-depth study of taxonomy, with a special focus on plants. We will first learn how plants are classified and how they fit into the tree of life, and what practical challenges exist for current practitioners of botany. Next, we will study the history of the ideas underlying classification and their connections to colonial, extractivist empire-building activities since Linnaeus. Finally, we will work to create a new taxonomy that acknowledges and imagines other relationships with plants.
Post-Apocalyptic Botany: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Fall 2021
The course will provide a historical background for the field of biogeography and the ecological foundations needed to understand the distribution and abundance of species and their changes over time. It will also discuss developing technologies (including genomic tools and environmental models) together with the availability of big data and increasingly sophisticated analytical tools to examine the relevance of the field to global change biology, conservation, and invasion biology, as well as sustainable food systems and ecosystem services.
Biogeography: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2016, Spring 2014
The diversity of life is the product of evolutionary changes. This course will integrate fossil and molecular data to consider some of the outstanding questions in the study of evolution. Major topics covered include the origin and early evolution of life, the expansion of the biosphere through time, the generation of variation and the mechanisms of natural selection, genetics and developmental evolution, and the relationships between microevolution and macroevolution.

Evolution and Earth History: From Genes to Fossils: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2021, Spring 2019, Spring 2017
Plants form the foundation of terrestrial life, are critical for human civilization, and exhibit an extraordinary variety of “behaviours”, forms, and functions. This courses introduces the global diversity of land plants and their evolution. There are far too many plants to cover in a single course so our goals, instead, are to become familiar with the major groups, to understand their evolution and their importance to human society, and to be familiar with the tools used to study their relationships and classification (systematics).
Plants: Diversity and Evolution: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Summer 2023 First 6 Week Session
This course explores the ways that evolutionary theory, natural selection, drift, genetics, and epigenetics can illuminate our understanding of human health and disease. The course begins with an overview of primate and hominid evolution and human genetic variation. We then evaluate reproductive biology and maternal/child health through an evolutionary lens. We explore how human ecosystem interactions influence diet, metabolic adaptations, hematological adaptions, human microbiome, and human pathogens. We examine evolutionary concepts related to aging, senescence and development of cancer. Finally we study psychology, behavior, and social/cultural organization through an evolutionary perspective.
Evolutionary Medicine: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2019, Spring 2017, Spring 2015
This course is a hands-on introduction to common research methods in population and community ecology. Each method and its application are first presented in a lecture session, illustrated with published examples. The method is then practiced in a subsequent group field exercise, conducted in a local terrestrial, aquatic, or marine habitat. The course focuses on sampling methods, experimental designs, and statistical analyses used to investigate patterns of species distribution and abundance, interspecific associations, and local species diversity. Graded assignments include write-ups of field exercise results, and an in-depth review paper and oral in-class presentation on an ecological method of particular interest to the student.
Methods in Population and Community Ecology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Lakes, rivers, wetlands, and estuaries are biologically rich, dynamic, and among the most vital and the most vulnerable of Earth’s ecosystems. Lectures will introduce general topics including the natural history of freshwater biota and habitats, ecological interactions, and ecosystem linkages and dynamics. Broad principles will be illustrated with results from selected recent research publications. Factors affecting resilience or vulnerability of freshwater ecosystems to change will be examined. Course requirements: two exams and a short synthesis paper projecting the future states of a freshwater or estuarine ecosystem of the student's choice under plausible scenarios of local, regional, or global change.
Freshwater Ecology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2021, Spring 2020
The biological world is shaped by interactions among species. These inter-specific interactions, such as between predators and prey, plants and pollinators, or hosts and pathogens, have led to an impressive array of adaptations, helping to explain the incredible organismal and genetic diversity on Earth. Our understanding of coevolution (the responses to reciprocal selection acting on two interacting populations) has been greatly facilitated in the last few years by conceptual advancements, new methods allowing direct tests of theory, next generation sequencing technology, and the advance of ‘omics’ approaches.
Coevolution: From Genes to Ecosystems: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Fall 2020
An advanced course in the biology of mammals. Topics covered include elements of modern mammalian biology such as morphology, physiology, ecology, and behavior. For all topics, the traits that define mammals are emphasized, as is the variation on these themes evident within modern mammalian lineages. Laboratory and field explore the biology of modern mammals. Laboratories use the extensive collections of the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology to introduce students to mammalian diversity in a phylogenetic context.
Mammalogy with Laboratory: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2022, Spring 2019
An advanced course in the biology of birds. Laboratory: an introduction to the diversity, morphology, and general ecology of birds of the world.
Ornithology with Laboratory: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Spring 2020
Lectures will introduce students to the diversity of amphibians and reptiles on a world-wide basis, with an emphasis on systematics, ecology, morphology, and life history. Laboratories will teach students the diagnostic characteristics and some functional attributes of amphibians and reptiles on a world-wide basis. Field trips will acquaint students with techniques for collecting, preserving, identifying, and studying amphibians and reptiles.
Herpetology with Laboratory: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021
Did you know that our closest living fish relative can build a cocoon and hibernate for three years? Or that some fish make a living by eating scales? This class will conduct publishable research in evolution, ecology, and behavior by doing actual science on fishes. We will attempt to answer unknown questions about the evolution of fascinating adaptations in diverse groups of fishes in both the laboratory and field.
Ichthyology: An Introduction to the Scientific Process Through Research on Fishes: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2022
This course will present a broad overview of the diverse interactions between plants and animals, including antagonistic and mutualistic interactions as well as interactions involving multiple species and across trophic levels. It will emphasize macro-level interactions in various ecosystems. We will consider both ecological and evolutionary aspects of the mechanisms and impacts of these interactions, incorporating basic knowledge with advanced and applied approaches. Students will improve their knowledge on how plant-animal interactions shape patterns of biological diversity and influence the functioning of ecosystems as a whole and be able to analyze and predict how current environmental changes affect these interactions.
Plant-Animal Interactions: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2022, Spring 2020
Introduction to the evolution of plants and terrestrial
ecosystems through time. From the invasion of land to the present, we will follow the
evolution of major plant groups through important moments of the Phanerozoic eon (the past
540 million years). By studying fossilized plant assemblages, we will interpret how major
environmental changes unfolded across landscapes in the past and how plants have influenced
the shaping of our planet. Lectures will be complemented by an interactive laboratory covering
paleobotanical research techniques, study of fossil and living plant form and function in the lab
and field, and analysis of peer-reviewed literature.
Paleobotany - The 500-Million Year History of a Greening Planet: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2021, Fall 2019
Lectures on comparative osteology of vertebrates, with emphasis on selected groups of terrestrial vertebrates considered in paleoecological, paleoclimatological, and biostratigraphic analyses. Laboratory: comparative osteology of vertebrates, with emphasis on selected groups of vertebrates. Structure, anatomy, morphology, function, and development of the vertebrate skeleton.
Morphology of the Vertebrate Skeleton with Laboratory: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2016, Spring 2015, Spring 2014
This upper-division undergraduate course will allow students to pursue specialized topics in biology in a seminar format. The specific content of the course will vary based on the topic and the instructor. In general, weekly meetings will provide a forum for extended discussion of selected aspects of evolutionary biology. Supplementary readings and assignments will provide critical background information and keep students engaged in relevant topics between weekly meetings.
Seminar for Integrative Biology Majors: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2020, Spring 2017, Fall 2016
This course is intended for advanced undergraduates wishing to pursue independent research projects under the mentorship of an IB faculty member. Research projects will be rigorous and will provide significant training in the methods of evoluntionary research. A project proposal is required to enroll and students are expected to produce a substantial written summary of their work.
Directed Undergraduate Research: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
This course provides undergraduate students with direct, hands-on experience with pedagogical practices in a laboratory course setting. Many students seek opportunities to continue participating in laboratory courses that they have already completed due to an interest in the topic and a desire to engage in the process of biological instruction. This course allows qualified undergraduates to gain direct experience with instruction of lab courses in a structured, mentored, and pedagogically informed setting. Each student in the course will be paired with a Graduate Student Instructor who will provide near-peer mentoring regarding classroom practices and development of pedagogical practices.
Applied Pedagogy in Integrative Biology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
This course provides undergraduates with conceptual and practical expertise in teaching lab-based courses in biology. Through discussion and implementation of diverse pedagogical practices, students will gain competence as instructors while furthering their understanding of select topics in evolutionary biology.
Practical Pedagogy: Becoming an Effective Instructor in Biology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2018
This course prepares students to conduct a 10-week global health research project in a low or middle-income country (LMIC); provides a background in global health, emphasizing infectious disease research, international research ethics, and the conduct of health research in low-resource settings. Leads students through the process of preparing for, conducting, and completing a short-term research project, with modules focused on cultural communication, the role and pace of research in these other countries, presentation preparation, project development, and troubleshooting skills; gaining perspective into the relationship between global health and health disparities in the USA
Introduction to Global Health Disparities Research: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2016, Fall 2013, Fall 2012
Individual study and research for at least one academic year on a special problem to be chosen in consultation with a member of the staff; preparation of the thesis on broader aspects of this work.
Thesis Course: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2014, Fall 2013, Spring 2013
Individual study and research for at least one academic year on a special problem to be chosen in consultation with a member of the staff; preparation of the thesis on broader aspects of this work.
Thesis Course: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2016, Spring 2015, Spring 2014
Supervised experience relevant to specific topics of biology in off-campus organizations. Written report and evaluation from internship supervisor required.
Supervised Internship: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023
Undergraduate research by small groups.
Supervised Group Study and Research By Upper Division Students: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Berkeley Connect is a mentoring program, offered through various academic departments, that helps students build intellectual community. Over the course of a semester, enrolled students participate in regular small-group discussions facilitated by a graduate student mentor (following a faculty-directed curriculum), meet with their graduate student mentor for one-on-one academic advising, attend lectures and panel discussions featuring department faculty and alumni, and go on field trips to campus resources. Students are not required to be declared majors in order to participate.
Berkeley Connect: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2016, Summer 2016 10 Week Session, Spring 2014
Enrollment restrictions apply; see department.
Supervised Independent Study and Research: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2020, Spring 2018, Spring 2016
The core theory and methodology for comparative biology, beginning
with issues in building phylogenetic trees, with emphases on both
morphology and molecules, and both living and fossil organisms. Also
covers the many applications of phylogenetic trees to systematics,
biogeography, speciation, conservation, population genetics, ecology,
behavior, development, functional morphology, and macroevolution
that have revolutionized those fields. Labs are closely integrated with
lectures and cover the major algorithms and computer software used
to implement these approaches. Requirements include participation in
discussions, two exams, and a term project.
Principles of Phylogenetics: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
This course provides a fast-paced introduction to a variety of quantitative methods used in biology and their mathematical underpinnings. While no topic will be covered in depth, the course will provide an overview of several different topics commonly encountered in modern biological research including differential equations and systems of differential equations, a review of basic concepts in linear algebra, an introduction to probability theory, Markov chains, maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimation, measures of statistical confidence, hypothesis testing and model choice, permutation and simulation, and several topics in statistics and machine learning including regression analyses, clustering, and principal component analyses.
Introduction to Quantitative Methods In Biology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023
This course will provide a rigorous, critical review of current research in animal behavior. Emphases will include hypothesis testing and experimental design, as well as methods of data collection and analysis. Each week, a student in the course will present original research in the form of a seminar presentation, grant proposal, or manuscript. Through discussion with seminar participants, presenters will gain critical feedback regarding their research.
Research Reviews in Animal Behavior: Behavior Review: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2015, Fall 2013, Fall 2012, Fall 2011, Fall 2009
This course will review the background mathematical and statistical tools necessary for students interested in pursuing ecological and environmental modeling. Topics include linear algebra; difference equation, ordinary differential equation, and partial differential equation models; stochastic processes; parameter estimation; and a number of statistical techniques. This course will be recommended as a prerequisite for advanced modeling courses in Integrative Biology, Energy and Resources Group, and Environmental Science, Policy, and Management.
Quantitative Methods for Ecological and Environmental Modeling: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2022, Fall 2020
This course is aimed at students who wish to understand the evolutionary models and methods for estimating phylogenies (which are trees representing how organisms are related to one another). Topics include continuous-time Markov chains as applied in phylogenetics; maximum likelihood estimation; Bayesian estimation; the combinatorics of evolutionary trees; Markov chain Monte Carlo; distance and parsimony methods for estimating trees; optimization strategies for finding best trees. Students will learn to write computer programs that implement many of the methods discussed in class, and apply their knowledge in a research project.
Statistical Phylogenetics: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2021, Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2015, Fall 2014, Spring 2014, Spring 2013
For graduate students interested in improving their ability to communicate their scientific knowledge by teaching ocean science in elementary schools or science centers/aquariums. The course will combine instruction in inquiry-based teaching methods and learning pedagogy with six weeks of supervised teaching experience in a local school classroom or the Lawrence Hall of Science with a partner. Thus, students will practice communicating scientific knowledge and receive mentoring on how to improve their presentations.
Communicating Ocean Science: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2022, Spring 2021, Spring 2020, Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Spring 2013
This graduate course will combine formal lectures and discussion, with the overall goal of exposing students to general concepts in freshwater ecology. We will discuss a broad range of topics including freshwater environments and biota, natural selection and adaptive evolution, food webs and trophic cascades, cross-ecosystem linkages, and social-ecological resilience of freshwater ecosystems under global change. Upper division undergraduates are welcome, with permission of the instructors.
Freshwater Ecology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Spring 2014, Fall 2010
Study of nature's solutions to specific problems with the aim of determining appropriate engineering analogs. Morphology, scaling, and design in organisms applied to engineering structures. Mechanical principles in nature and their application to engineering devices. Mechanical behavior of biological materials as governed by underlying microstructure, with the potential for synthesis into engineered materials. Trade-offs between redundancy and efficiency. Students will work in teams on projects where they will take examples of designs, concepts, and models from biology and determine their potential in specific engineering applications.
Biomimetic Engineering -- Engineering from Biology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2021
Discussion and critique of scientific literature and current topics in physiological energetics and biomechanics. Emphasis is on metabolic energetics. Topics include efficiency, energy-saving mechanisms, muscle function, oxidative stress, development in metabolic physiology and biochemistry and comparative aspects.
Seminar in Physiological Energetics and Biomechanics: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2021, Fall 2020
Immediate and long-range adaptations of the body to exercise. Physiological limits and work capacities in relation to age, sex, diet, environmental factors, and nature of activity.
Seminar on Bioenergetics and Metabolism: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
This seminar will explore current topics that employ the use of stable isotopes. Discussion topics include the areas of biology, paleontology, biogeochemistry, soil science, and atmospheric science. Students will be required to lead at least one discussion of relevant literature in the topic area.
Isotopics: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021, Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2016
Course focuses on principles and applications of stable isotope chemistry as applied to the broad science of ecology. Lecture topics include principles of isotope behavior and chemistry, and isotope measurements in the context of terrestrial, aquatic, and marine ecological processes and problems. Students participate in a set of laboratory exercises involving preparation of samples of choice for isotopic analyses, the use of the mass spectrometer and optical analysis systems, and the anlaysis of data.
Stable Isotope Ecology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2022, Fall 2018, Spring 2018
The purpose of this course is to discuss recent advances in the effects of global change (inclusive of climate change, pollution, overfishing, introduced species, etc.) on any aspect of coastal marine or estuarine ecosystems. This class is aimed at graduate students or advanced undergraduate students ready to read the primary literature and engage in active discussions of the findings and implications. Students interested in learning about cutting edge research on the effects of climate change and other anthropogenic stressors on coastal marine and estuarine ecosystems will find this class to be worthwhile.
Marine Ecosystems and Global Change: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2019, Fall 2017, Spring 2017
Presentation, discussion, and critique of current literature in scientific research and current topics in comparative biomechanics which include solid and fluid mechanics, locomotion, and energetics.
Seminar in Biomechanics: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Review of current research activity and literature concerning the biology of amphibians and reptiles.
Seminar on Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2019, Spring 2018, Spring 2015
This course will examine intentional endocrine disruption, such as the use of pharmaceuticals to regulate hormones in humans, livestock, and wildlife. We will also evaluate endocrine disrupting pollutants and their impacts on wildlife and humans, including their potential role in cancer.
Advanced Topics in Endocrine-Regulated Development: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
This graduate seminar consists of weekly presentations from Berkeley graduate students as well as outside speakers on topics surrounding evolution, genetics, and genomics. Many labs spread across different departments have research programs focused on evolution, genetics, and genomics. However, it can be challenging to keep abreast of this research and to identify potential collaborations due to the dispersion of labs across different departments and specialties. The Center for Theoretical and Evolutionary Genetics (CTEG) is an informal group of labs that collectively work on genetics and genomics. The seminar seeks to provide a common space for graduate students to present their research and learn about the research of their colleagues.
CTEG Evolution, Genetics, and Genomics Seminar: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Spring 2013
This course discusses seminal papers in the field of systems biology with particular emphasis on gene regulation and cell biology. The course covers the critical analysis of primary research data, computational modeling, and important theoretical concepts in systems biology. Topics vary from year to year.
Seminars in Systems Biology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Reviews and reports of current research in vertebrate endocrinology and physiology.
Comparative Physiology and Endocrinology Seminar: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2020, Spring 2009, Spring 2008
Recent developments in evolutionary genetics will be discussed in a seminar format.
Seminar on Evolutionary Genetics: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2021, Spring 2020, Spring 2019
Readings and discussion of current topics.
Seminar in Ecology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2021, Fall 2020, Fall 2019
Reports and discussions of original research.
Ecological Research Reviews: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2010, Spring 2009, Fall 1999
Topics to vary. Report and discussion of current literature.
Current Topics in Behavioral Physiology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2013, Spring 2011, Spring 2009
Topics vary from year to year but will include paleoecology of major groups of organisms or major environments from population, community evolutionary, or taxonomic persepectives.
Advanced Paleoecology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2009, Fall 2008
Students will discuss original papers in the general area of computational biology and will discuss new research presented by instructors in the course and by invited speakers from other departments at UC Berkeley and from other universities and research groups.
Seminar in Computational Biology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2016, Spring 2015, Spring 2012
In this seminar, we will explore the genetic underpinnings of vertebrate skeletal variation and review how such information is being incorporated into evolutionary and paleontological studies. Topics include quantitative genetic analyses of cranial variation and developmental genetics of the limb and dentition. This course will be tailored each semester to cover new research; therefore, students may enroll in this course multiple semesters.
Genetics and the Evolution of the Skeleton: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Presentation of results of original research by students, faculty, and visitors.
Seminar in Evolutionary Biology of the Vertebrates: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2019
This is a graduate level course that focuses on special topics within hominid evolutionary studies. The topic for each semester will be decided upon during the first class meeting. Previous advanced training in biology, human evolutionary studies, and evolutionary theory is required.
Advanced Studies in Hominid Paleobiology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2009, Fall 2006, Fall 2004
Current issues in macroevolution and paleobiology, using both neontological and paleontological data.
Seminar in Evolution above the Species Level: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021
Advanced study and current literature in various fields of evolution. Topics vary from year to year.
Seminar in Evolution: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Spring 2016
Presentations and discussions of original research and new literature in vertebrate evolution and paleontology. Syllabus and reading list will vary as topics change from semester to semester. Open to Undergraduate students with permission. Enrollment limit: 20.
Seminar in Vertebrate Evolution and Paleontology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Spring 2023
Advanced study and current literature in various fields of paleontology. Topics vary from year to year.
Seminars in Paleontology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Seminar series based on recently published and in-progress research relevant to the mission of the University of California Museum of Paleontology.
Paleontology Seminar Series: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023
Advanced study in various fields of Integrative Biology. Topics will be announced in advance of each semester. Enrollment in more than one section permitted.
Research Seminar: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016
Review and discussion of topics of current interest. Topics to vary.
Research Seminar: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022
Meetings for the presentation of original work by faculty, visiting lecturers, and graduate students.
Integrative Biology Colloquium: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2016, Fall 2015, Spring 2015
Reading or other advanced study by arrangement with a staff member.
Special Study for Graduate Students: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Spring 2017, Fall 2016
Open to qualified students directly engaged in field studies.
Directed Field Studies: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Graduate research by small groups.
Special Study in Integrative Biology: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Credit awarded according to work planned and accomplished.
Graduate Research: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Summer 2015 Second 6 Week Session, Summer 2010 10 Week Session, Summer 2007 10 Week Session
Graduate student research.
Graduate Research: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Fall 2012
This course will consist of lectures and class discussions about mechanisms of communicating about science to the public. We will consider how to convey the issues, process, and findings of scientific research to a variety of audiences using different media (e.g., posters, web pages, newsletters, newspaper and magazine articles, books, television). Projects conducted by teams of students under the direct supervision of the instructors will include preparation of outreach materials (e.g., posters, newsletters, web pages).
Dissemination of Research: Your Interface with the Public: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023
Series of lectures and workshops to prepare graduate students for many aspects of academic careers, including grant proposal writing, giving talks at meetings or to academic departments, preparing job applications and having job interviews, advising graduate students and postdocs, reviewing manuscripts and grant proposals, service activities and time management, working at teaching college vs. research universities, alternative careers, etc.
Thriving in Academia: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022
Series of workshops and seminars involving graduate students and faculty participation. The main objectives of this course are to train graduate students to become effective instructors and to discuss important issues that graduate students face when teaching undergraduate classes.
Teaching Colloquium: Graduate Student Instructor Training: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021
An intensive lecture and laboratory training course on the fundamental principles and practical applications of stable isotope methods in biogeochemistry, ecology, physiology, and environmental science. Topics covered are sample preparation, operating of an isotope ratio mass spectrometer, and analysis of stable isotope data. This course is required for all students interested in using the facilities housed in the Center for Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry for their research.
Training in Stable Isotope Methods and Mass Spectrometry: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015
Diving physics, physiology, medicine, rescue, decompression, theory, navigation, environment, marine life, research methods, equipment, and University regulations. Course leads to University certification to use underwater life support apparatus for study or research under University auspices.
Introduction to Scientific Diving: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2016, Fall 2015, Spring 2015
Individual study for the comprehensive requirements in consultation with the major adviser. Units may not be used to meet either unit or residence requirements for a master's degree.
Individual Study for Master's Students: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Spring 2016, Fall 2015, Spring 2015
Individual study in consultation with the major adviser. Intended to provide an opportunity for qualified students to prepare themselves for the various examinations required for candidates for the Ph.D.
Individual Study for Doctoral Students: Read More [+]

Terms offered: Prior to 2007
Formerly < Paleon 602, Zoology 602, Botany 602, Physiol 602, Anatomy 602> Individual study in consultation with the major field adadviser. Intended to provide an opportunity for qualified students to prepare themselves for the various examinations required for candidates for the Ph.D.
Individual Study for Doctoral Students: Read More [+]