Courses Taught

Freshman Seminar (IB 24 004 - SEM 04) - Fall: Night (and Day) in the Museum: What Really Goes on in Berkeley’s Museum of Vertebrate Zoology?​
​Ever wonder what museum curators really do? Through a combination of tours, hands-on exercises, and student projects, we will explore the diverse activities encompassed by modern natural history museums. This is a rare chance to go behind the scenes at one of the top vertebrate natural history collections in North America . . . and learn how you could become involved in museums-based studies of vertebrate evolution and conservation. We are hoping to attract freshmen interested in potential long-term involvement in the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology community as students, interns, and research assistants. This includes (but is not limited to) students interested in museum science, vertebrate biology, field research, ecology and evolution. Are you a natural history nut? If so, this seminar is for you!

Animal Behavior (IB c144/ESPM c126) - Fall
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. Co-instructors: Damian Elias, George Bentley

Behavioral Ecology (IB 146) - Odd Springs
An upper level course that explores in detail relationships between behavioral and ecological variation. A combination of lectures, discussions, lab exercises, and local field trips are used to examine topics such as kin recognition, reproductive competition, mate choice, and alloparental care. Critical reading of the primary literature provides the basis for topical discussions; exams and written assignments emphasize evaluation of current hypotheses regarding the functional significance of animal behavior.