Courses
Biology 25N - Biogeography of Disease
Observers of human health have known for almost two millennia that certain diseases occur at different places at different times. This seminar will target the patterns of disease distribution and the evolutionary and ecological processes that result in such patterns. We will explore how environmental factors, biotic vectors and diffusion explain the distribution of disease. We will investigate both human and non-human diseases. A primary goal will be to explore how environmental changes such as global warming and habitat destruction will alter the future course of disease.
Sample syllabus (Fall 2008)
Biology 121 - Biogeography
Biogeography is an upper division/graduate course taught in alternate years. The course emphasizes global distributions of organisms through the Phanerozoic, with emphasis on historical causes. We cover topics such as plate tectonics, island biogeography, climatic change, dispersal, vicariance, ecology of invasions, extinction, gradients, and diversity.
3 units, spring 2004
Sample syllabus (Spring 2006)
Biology 136 - Evolutionary Paleobiology
Evolutionary Paleobiology presents a paleontological approach to evolutionary theory. Macroevolution, speciation, heterochrony, evolutionary constraint, coevolution, the Cambrian Explosion, and mass extinctions are amongst the topics that are covered. The course format is lecture with a weekly discussion section focused on assigned primary literature. This course is intended for upper division and graduate students. This class meets for lecture twice a week, with an additional one-hour discussion per week.
4 units, Winter 2004
Sample syllabus (Winter 2005-2006)
BioSci 325/GES 325 - Evolution of Body Size (co-taught with J. Payne, GES)
We investigate of the influence of organism size on evolutionary and ecological patterns and processes, using the primary literature. This course integrates theoretical principles, observations of living organisms, and data from the fossil record. Questions addressed include: What are the physiological and ecological correlates of body size? Is there an optimum size? Do organisms tend to evolve to larger size? Does size affect the likelihood of extinction or speciation? How does size scale from the genome to the phenotype? How is metabolic rate involved in evolution of body size? This course is intended as a discussion seminar for upper division undergraduates and graduate students. Priority is given to graduate students. Taught Spring 2007.
OSPSANTG 25 - Evolution and Ecology of the South American Biota
Students weave together ecology, evolution, paleontology, geology, geography, and philosophy of science to appreciate evolution of the South American biota. Course is built around primary literature that exposes students to the spectacular landscapes and unique biota of South America. We investigate topics such as plate tectonics, mountain uplift and ocean circulation and how those physical events influence macroevolution, speciation, coevolution, migration events, and mass extinctions. The course will conclude with special challenges facing global conservation efforts on this spectacular continent. Taught Fall 2007-2008 in Santiago, Chile.
Sample syllabus (Fall 2007)
Hadly also rotates in the Bio core, in Bio 301, 302, 303, and in Ethics (required for graduate students).