Symbioses: Physical and Behavioral Interactions among Species

The course explores the important symbiotic relations between organisms, including humans. Species associations are important for reproduction, development, defenses, communication, and acquiring resources. All animals and plants have symbiotic organisms both internal and external, and these associations influence the evolution of species.

Topics cross disciplinary covering fields botany, zoology, behavior, chemistry, evolution, physiology, and many other areas. Students will learn the importance of symbionts for human wellbeing and for maintenance of life on the planet. The course consists of lecture, discussions, readings, hands-on activities, and potential field trips.