Courses

Undergraduate Courses, Spring 2025

Learn more about the teaching faculty here.

AEC 245: Global Conservation Ecology 

TR 1:30 to 2:45 p.m.
Erin McKenney

This course provides an introduction to the scientific principles and concepts that are the foundation of conservation science, with a particular focus on the ways in which justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion shape human relationships with nature. A diversity of topics will be covered, including 1) environmental and anthropomorphic pressures that threaten populations and ecosystems, 2) the importance of biotic and abiotic interactions for stability and resilience, 3) combining ecological theory with empirical data and community engagement to protect, preserve, and restore endangered species and ecosystems. Students will build on their conceptual, analytical, and communication skills and practice real-world decision making through collaborative research projects, in which they will gather data and apply their findings to develop measurable conservation outcomes. This course satisfies Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Global Knowledge requirements for General Education.

AEC 360: Ecology 

MWF 9:35 to 10:25AM
Alonso Ramírez

Ecology elucidates both the relationships between organisms and their environment, and the relationships among organisms. An understanding of ecology enables us to better understand how living organisms function and evolve within the context of the natural world. In this course, ecology is presented as a coherent scientific discipline; emphasis is on ecology as distinct from environmental science.

AEC 370 Parasite & Disease Ecology– Lecture

MW 3:00 to 4:15PM
Skylar Hopkins

Parasite and Disease Ecology is designed to help upper-level undergraduate students develop the tools to solve problems and think critically about topics related to parasites and infectious diseases. By the end of the course, students will be able to summarize how abiotic and biotic factors influence host–parasite interactions; predict how parasites will spread through host populations; explain how parasites are connected within broader ecological communities and ecosystems; and apply their knowledge of disease ecology theory to case studies to recommend effective conservation and human health solutions. Throughout this course, students will also advance their abilities to find and evaluate scientific evidence, interpret figures, analyze data, simulate dynamic ecological systems, collaborate with peers, and communicate ideas and scientific results. The knowledge and skills developed in this class would be beneficial in future careers in ecology, conservation, human or veterinary medicine, public health, science communication, and more. Optional 1-credit lab, AEC 371.

AEC 371 Parasite & Disease Ecology – Laboratory (optional)

T 3 to 5:45PM
Skylar Hopkins

This optional 1-credit laboratory section can be taken concurrently with AEC 370 Parasite and Disease Ecology. This laboratory is designed to provide research experience related to parasites and infectious diseases to upper-level undergraduate students. Depending on the semester, research projects may focus on surveying wild hosts, dissecting roadkill, or analyzing existing datasets. By the end of the course, students will be able to evaluate and synthesize scientific literature related to parasites and infectious diseases; develop testable scientific hypotheses; design observational studies related to parasites and disease in wild animals; collect parasitological and ecological data from wildlife; create effective data visualizations; and communicate the results of scientific research.

AEC 420: Introduction to Fisheries Science 

TR 1:30 to 2:45 p.m.
Nadya Mamoozadeh

This course will introduce students to the fundamental principles of fisheries science.  Class material will focus on the role of fish in aquatic ecosystems and will cover concepts including life history, fish-habitat relationships, fisheries management, and conservation. Emphasis will be on freshwater ecosystems, however by the end of the semester students will have a better understanding of all these concepts across various systems and geographical regions.

AEC 424: Marine Fisheries Ecology 

TR 1:30 to 2:45 p.m.
Jeff Buckel

This course is part of the semester at CMAST program and requires students to be on site in Morehead City, NC. The course covers the life history, stock concept, fishing gears, stock assessment approaches, fish-habitat relationship, socio-economics, and management of marine fishes. Several field trips to state and federal agency laboratories and fish houses/docks are used to emphasize fish sampling, biological sample processing, and gear design.

AEC 437/537: Gut Microbial Ecology

M 10:15 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
W 10:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Erin McKenney

Gut microbiome research helps us understand host-microbial relationships and what constitutes health and disease. As such, the field is highly relevant to both basic science and medical careers. However, the interdisciplinary nature of the microbiome—as well as advances in sequencing technology and analytical methods—requires that scientists achieve a firm grasp of methodological principles, analyze large data sets, and evaluate research results judiciously.  In this course we will analyze and compare data from human, clinical, and comparative/wildlife studies to synthesize a holistic understanding of the relationship between mammals and their gut microbes and identify lifestyle practices to leverage the gut microbiome for optimal health.

AEC 495/592 Biology, Diversity, and Ecology of Algae

T 4:30 to 5:20 p.m.
R 4:30 to 7:17 p.m.
JoAnn Burkholder

This course covers the biology, diversity, and ecology of the amazing group known as algae, which form the foundation of aquatic food webs from freshwaters and estuaries to marine coasts. It begins with an overview of the many economic uses of algae in everyday living, the history of this broad topic, and key characteristics used to identify algae at the phylum level. The major phyla are then discussed in more detail, emphasizing both ecological and economic importance.  Laboratories mostly focus at the genus level or higher, and include three field laboratories designed to showcase these fascinating organisms in their many natural habitats.

Graduate Courses, Spring 2024

AEC 503:  Foundations of Ecology

TR 12:00 to 12:50 p.m. (Online)
Rebecca Irwin

This course will introduce graduate students to the major concepts and theories in ecology.  We will cover population, community, ecosystem, and evolutionary ecology.  Students will critically evaluate classic and contemporary papers.  This class will also help students prepare for their written and oral preliminary exams. This class is offered as online synchronous.  

AEC 437/537: Gut Microbial Ecology

M 10:15 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
W 10:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Erin McKenney 

Gut microbiome research helps us understand host-microbial relationships and what constitutes health and disease. As such, the field is highly relevant to both basic science and medical careers. However, the interdisciplinary nature of the microbiome—as well as advances in sequencing technology and analytical methods—requires that scientists achieve a firm grasp of methodological principles, analyze large data sets, and evaluate research results judiciously.  In this course we will analyze and compare data from human, clinical, and comparative/wildlife studies to synthesize a holistic understanding of the relationship between mammals and their gut microbes and identify lifestyle practices to leverage the gut microbiome for optimal health.

AEC 495 /592 Biology, Diversity, and Ecology of Algae 

T 4:30 to 5:20 p.m. R 4:30 to 7:15 p.m. -10:15AM
JoAnn Burkholder

This course covers the biology, diversity, and ecology of the amazing group known as algae, which form the foundation of aquatic food webs from freshwaters and estuaries to marine coasts. It begins with an overview of the many economic uses of algae in everyday living, the history of this broad topic, and key characteristics used to identify algae at the phylum level. The major phyla are then discussed in more detail, emphasizing both ecological and economic importance.  Laboratories mostly focus at the genus level or higher, and include three field laboratories designed to showcase these fascinating organisms in their many natural habitats.

AEC 630: Pedagogy in Practice

R 9 to 10:15 a.m.
Erin McKenney

Teaching is an inherent and invaluable aspect of the academy, yet pedagogy is not a standard part of graduate training. In this course, we will read and discuss seminal articles about effective course design and delivery. Students will apply those concepts through critical review of course syllabi, sharing personal teaching experiences, and by designing original teaching modules aligned to a specific course and/or learning objectives. The course will culminate with students drafting and peer-reviewing teaching and diversity statements to reflect their personal goals and professional ambitions. Students can sign up for 1-3 credits (speak with the instructor).