Dr. Catherine deRivera - Classes and Coursework
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Topics in BioInvasions
Topics in Marine Ecology
Course Overviews
Winter 2006: Topics in BioInvasions ESR 410/510
 Biological invasions are one of the leading causes of native species declines. Moreover, introduced diseases infect humans, animals, and crops. To mitigate their impacts, we must understand the biology of alien species, the ways these species spread, and the social factors that contribute to the incredibly high rates of species introductions.
Topics in BioInvasions will take a broad look at biological invasions. Through student presentations, readings, discussion, lectures, guest speakers, and fieldtrips, students will learn why biological invasions are a key issue of our time and also locally important. We will discuss ways key nuisance species and Oregon non-natives impact native species and habitats. Then we will discuss various successful and failed efforts to manage their populations and reduce the rate of introductions. We will also highlight ways biological invasions provide invaluable information about the functioning of natural systems.
For more information on this class go here.
Fall 2005: Topics in Marine Ecology
This course will introduce you to hypotheses concerning the relationships between marine species and their environment, intra and interspecific interactions, and factors structuring marine communities. After an overview of oceanography, ecology, and marine phyla and biogeography, we will study the ecology of the major marine communities: intertidal and subtidal hard and soft substrate, kelp, estuarine, coral reef and deep sea. We will finish the quarter examining of marine conservation issues, including some fisheries questions. A combination of lectures, discussion of relevant scientific literature, and a field trip focused on the rocky intertidal community of Oregon will help you integrate knowledge of how biological and physical environments determine the distributions, abundances, activities, and diversity of marine life.
Course Objectives
. Master ecological concepts about the marine habitats
. Understand key factors structuring marine communities
. Improve your ability to find, understand, and critique relevant literature and incorporate scientific papers into your learning
. Become an expert in one aspect of marine ecology that interests you
. Learn what types of patterns to look for and how one might design an experiment to test a hypothesis about a pattern.
. Identify new, exciting research topics in marine ecology
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