BMSC Summer 2013 Course Descriptions

Marine Behavioural Ecology (3 weeks; May 21 - June 7) FULL
Instructor: Dr. Isabelle Cote (SFU)

A hands-on introduction to the principles of behavioural ecology. Students will carry out a multi-component group-oriented research project with a focus on marine invertebrates. Students will participate in all aspects of the research including, project planning, experimental design, data collection (in the field and laboratory), analysis, and writing.
Prerequisites: Introductory ecology, vertebrates, and invertebrate zoology.
Textbook: There is no required textbook, readings will be provided by instructor.

Ethnobotany
(3 weeks; June 10 - 28)
Instructor: Fiona Hamersley Chambers

Course Description: Ethnobotany is the study of the relationship between plants and human culture. In this class we will learn about the relationships between people and plants with a focus on the traditional plant knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and how this knowledge is shaped by cultural perceptions. We will cover basic plant taxonomy and classification and the Western scientific approach vc. Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Additional topics include (but are not limited to): biodiversity and ethnoecology; kincentric ecology; traditional land and plant resource management; plants as fibres, pigments and in technology; 'keeping it living' sustainable plant management practices; plants as food; diet and diabetes.
Learning will be accomplished through academic readings, class discussions, a class project, and a broad range of practical/experiential excercises such as making a traditional pit cook and cordage from native plant materials. A special effort will be made teach students about traditional uses for important BC native plants. Powerpoint presentations, plant samples, forest walks and a project will be used to facilitate this learning. This is a fascinating, fun and delicious class!

Paleo-Ecology of Marine Environments (6 weeks; July 22 – Aug 30)
Instructors: Dr. Lindsey R. Leighton (U Alberta)
Dr. Michal Kowalewski (Florida Museum of Natural History)

Applied Paleoecology is a research-driven course that will examine the relationship between paleoecology and modern ecology.  Research will focus on modern settings in the Barkley Sound region with the intent of exploring how modern data can be used to establish baselines and test paradigms for paleoecological research, and in turn, how paleoecological data can be used to help answer questions critical to modern conservation and ecology.  Students will be divided into teams to work on group research projects with the goal of producing publishable results.  Project topics will include taphonomy, predation, competition, and community ecology.  Research will be aided by lectures on both theoretical and practical topics including ecology relevant to paleontology, research design, sampling protocols, statistical analysis, and scientific writing.

Research Skills: The principle goal of the class is for students to be involved in a real research project from start to finish, including project development, data collection, analysis and interpretation, and the writing of a potentially publishable manuscript.  Previous graduate classes offered by the instructors have had an excellent record of producing publications in major journals.
Prerequisites: The class is aimed at graduate students in the first two years of their graduate programmes but advanced undergraduate students interested in scientific careers are also encouraged to apply. A class in either Invertebrate Paleontology or Invertebrate Zoology is strongly recommended.  A basic undergraduate Ecology class might prove helpful but is not required.