Department of Biology
Renn Lab
Fish 'N Chips: Comparative Genomics and the Evolution of Behavior in African Cichlid Fishes.
Teaching
(note, some links for past years may not work)
Bio342 Animal Behavior: From Genetics to Ecology and Back
Full course one semester: This course presents an integrated approach to the study of behavior - the phenotype through which an organism interacts with, and also modifies, its environment.
We will study how behavioral phenotypes are shaped by the social and physical environment and analyze how they are implemented through development by neural physiology, gene networks and individual genes. Conversely, we will study how the behavior modifies the environment and thus impacts the physiology and genetics of organisms as well as the evolution of species. Examples will be drawn from both laboratory and field studies using comparative molecular and behavioral approaches to identify patterns and recurring themes, which will be discussed in the context of existing theories about animal behavior
LINK TO 2007 COURSE SYLLABUS WEBSITE
LINK TO 2008 COURSE SYLLABUS WEBSITE
LINK TO 2010 COURSE SYLLABUS WEBSITE
LINK TO 2012 COURSE SYLLABUS WEBSITE
LINK TO 2014 COURSE SYLLABUS WEBSITE
MOVED TO MOODLE 2015 +
In class students prepare an Animal Behavior Website
2006 Animal Behaivor
Student Websites
2007 Animal Behaivor
Student Websites
2008 Animal Behavior Student Websites
2010 Animal Behavior Student Websites
2011 Animal Behavior Student Websites
2012 Animal Behavior Student Websites
2014 Animal Behavior Student Websites
2015 Animal Behavior Student Websites
2016 Animal Behavior Student Websites
In lab students conduct Independent Research Projects
2006 Student Independent Projects
2007
Student Independent Projects
2008
Student Independent Projects
2010 Student Independent Projects
2011 Student Independent Projects
2012 Student Independent Projects
2014 Student Independent Projects
2015 Student Independent Projects
2016 Student Independent Projects
Bio 431: Seminar Course
Comparative Functional Genomics
Genomic Approaches Beyond the Model Organisms: An exploration of current research that pairs genomic techniques and bioinformatics approaches with ecologically and evolutionarily interesting questions using organisms that are not the traditional models in biomedical science. Following an introduction to techniques, student guided topics may include, phenotypic plasticity, alternate reproductive strategies, animal behavior, the evolution of development, response to environmental change etc.
Course Website 2008 (includes student selected topics)
Course Website 2009 (includes student selected topics)
Course Website 2011 (includes student selected topics)
Student/Faculty Research in Bioinformatics
June 18 - 20th, 2008 Workshop Website
