Intended for biology majors. Collection, preservation, identification, and culturing of marine and freshwater algae. Comparative studies of morphology, life history, and ecology. Field trips. Classwork, 2 units; laboratory, 1 unit. Paired with BIOL 702. Students who complete BIOL 702 may not take BIOL 502 for credit.

Distribution and abundance of planktonic animals in space and time; analysis of their interactions. Small scale distributions and behavior, population dynamics and energetics, life history strategies, trophic interactions, pelagic community structure, secondary production and biogeography, biological-physical interactions. 2 units.

Physiological adaptation of animals in their habitats: freshwater, saltwater (ocean), estuarine, terrestrial (xeric and arctic), hydrothermal vents, and high altitude. Fundamentals of comparative vertebrate and invertebrate cardiovascular, renal, acid-base, and endocrine anatomy and physiology.

Ecology of a variety of wetland types; biotic and abiotic characteristics and processes; conservation, restoration and management. Fieldtrips to wetland habitats and participation in field and/or greenhouse experiments. Classwork, three units; laboratory, one unit.

Intended for M.S. students at the Romberg Tiburon Center (RTC). Research seminar series at RTC including invited and RTC graduate student presentations of research progress. Emphasis on effective research communication.  See the seminar schedule here.

Intended for biology majors. Laboratory measurement of physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of animals. Classical and modern methods in physiological research. Classwork, 2 units; laboratory 2 units. Paired with BIOL 731. Students who complete BIOL 631 may not take BIOL 731 for credit.