Below are examples of the current graduate courses. For a more complete list, please visit

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Advanced Plant Physiology – BOT5503C

Core aspects of plant physiology, with a hands-on research-driven focus on traits and processes that govern interaction with the environment

  • Credits: COS-BIOL 4(3,3)
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the M.S. in Biology, Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, Certificate in Conservation Biology, PSM in Conservation Biology, or C.I.
  • Fee: $45
Plant Microtechniques – BOT5XXXL

Introduction to techniques used in the preparation of microscope slides/specimens of vascular plants, including infecting organisms.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL 2(0,6)
  • Prerequisites: Plant Anatomy or Instructor Consent
Tropical Biology Research and Conservation – BSC 5258L

Research and conservation in New World tropics, including a field trip to Belize. Tropical biodiversity and forest ecology, integrating conservation strategies in research and communication. Occasional.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL 3(0,3)
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the M.S. in Biology, Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, PSM in Conservation Biology, or Certificate in Conservation Biology, or C.I.
Advanced Biology Laboratory Techniques – BSC 5408L

This course will emphasize those biological techniques and resources necessary for students about to begin thesis research. Individual and small group instruction in current laboratory techniques, literature searches, and hands-on practice of techniques will be stressed. May not be repeated for credit. Occasional.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL 3(0,9)
  • Prerequisites: BS degree or C.I.
Marine Conservation Biology – BSC5316

Examine human impacts in marine ecosystems and how humans can become better stewards of these habitats. Even Fall.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL 3(3,0)
  • Prerequisites: Undergraduates: BSC 4312C , graduate standing or C.I.
  • Graduate Students: Admission to the M.S. in Biology, Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, Certificate in Conservation Biology, PSM in Conservation Biology, or C.I.
Invasion Biology – BSC5532

The three stages of Biological invasion (introduction, establishment and spread) as well as impacts on native species and ecosystems. Occasional.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL 3(3,0)
  • Prerequisites: Ecology or C.I.
Biogeography – BSC5824

Study of geographic variation in nature, ranging from past to present and from genes to ecosystems. Odd Fall.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL 4(4,0)
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the M.S. in Biology, Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, Certificate in Conservation Biology, PSM in Conservation Biology, or C.I.
Entomology – ENY5006C

Morphology, physiology, ontogeny, behavior, ecology and population biology of insects. Fall.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL 4(2,6)
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the M.S. in Biology, Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, Certificate in Conservation Biology, PSM in Conservation Biology, or C.I.
  • Fee: $40
Zoo and Aquarium Biology Management – PAZ 5235

Conservation, propagation and exhibition of wild animals in captivity. Summer.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL 3(3,0)
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the M.S. in Biology, Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, Certificate in Conservation Biology, PSM in Conservation Biology, or C.I.
Wildlife Genomics – PCB 4575

Understanding how genomic methods are applied to problems in wildlife biology, with an emphasis on vertebrate animal species in terrestrial and marine ecosystems, including plants, microbes, and all forms of natural populations. Odd Fall.

  • Credits: COS_BIOL 3(3,0)
  • Prerequisites: “B” or better in PCB 4683
Ecosystems of Florida – PCB 5326C

Ecosystems of Florida will be discussed to include geography, geology, climate, energetics, nutrient cycling, community structure and conservation. Occasional.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL 5(3,2)
  • Prerequisites: Undergraduates: PCB 3044, PCB 3044L or equivalent, and graduate status or senior standing or C.I.
  • Graduate Students: Admission to the M.S. in Biology, Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, Certificate in Conservation Biology, PSM in Conservation Biology, or C.I.
  • Fee: $15.00
Marine Ecology of Florida – PCB 5435C

Survey of experimental methods used in the study of marine communities in central and southern Florida, combining field manipulation and readings from primary literature. Odd Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL 4(2,6)
  • Prerequisites: Undergraduates: BSC 4312C, graduate status or senior standing, or C.I.
  • Graduate Students: Admission to M.S. in Biology, Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, PSM in Conservation Biology, or Certificate in Conservation Biology, or C.I.
Models in Ecology – PCB 5485

A survey of how simulation models are applied to ecological questions of both a theoretical and managerial nature. Fall.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL 3(3,0)
  • Prerequisites: Undergraduate Students: PCB 3044, MAC 2311 (or equivalent), and graduate status or senior standing or C.I.
  • Graduate Students: Admission to the M.S. in Biology, Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, Certificate in Conservation Biology, PSM in Conservation Biology, or C.I.
Wetland Ecology and Biogeochemistry – PCB 5XXXC

Examination of wetland ecosystems, laws and policy, current research, global biogeochemical cycles, and relevant field and laboratory techniques. Even Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL 4(2,3)
  • Prerequisites: Ecology or C.I.
Conservation Biology – PCB5045

Scientific basis of conservation; conservation of ecosystems, populations, exploited species, and endangered species. Odd Fall.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL 4(4,0)
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the M.S. in Biology, Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, Certificate in Conservation Biology, PSM in Conservation Biology, or C.I.
Disease Ecology & Ecoimmunology – PCB5447

Examination of how hosts, parasites and environment interact to shape organisms, populations and communities. Occasional.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL 3(3,0)
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the M.S. in Biology, Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, Certificate in Conservation Biology, PSM in Conservation Biology, or C.I. Genetics and Ecology, or C.I.
Evolutionary Ecology – PCB5687

Evolution of life history traits (e.g., propagule size/number, age/size at maturity, survivorship and senescence) examined using a quantitative genetic framework. Occasional.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL 3(3,0)
  • Prerequisites: Undergraduates: PCB4683 or equivalent or C.I.
  • Graduate students: Admission to the M.S. in Biology, Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, Certificate in Conservation Biology, PSM in Conservation Biology, or C.I.
Population Genetics – PCB5935

Population genetics and the study of the various forces that result in evolutionary changes through time. Even Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL 3(3,0)
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the M.S. in Biology, Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, Certificate in Conservation Biology, PSM in Conservation Biology, or C.I.
Herpetology – ZOO 5463C

Introduction to the biology of the amphibians and retiles, their classification, evolution, and life histories. Odd Spring.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL 4(2,4)
  • Prerequisites: PR: Admission to the M.S. in Biology, Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, Certificate in Conservation Biology, PSM in Conservation Biology, or C.I.
  • Fee: $60.00
Ichthyology – ZOO5456C

Introduction to the biology of the fishes, their classification, evolution, and life histories. Occasional.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL 4(2,6)
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the M.S. in Biology, Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, Certificate in Conservation Biology, PSM in Conservation Biology, or C.I.
Field Ornithology – ZOO5475L

Introduction to the identification, taxonomy, natural history, and biology of birds, with emphasis on survey techniques and systematics. Occasional.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL 3(0,6)
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the M.S. in Biology, Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, Certificate in Conservation Biology, PSM in Conservation Biology, or C.I.
  • Fee: $30
Mammalogy – ZOO5486

Study of the diversity and biology of mammals from an evolutionary perspective. Occasional.

  • Credits: COS-BIOL 4(4,0)
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the M.S. in Biology, Ph.D. in Conservation Biology, Certificate in Conservation Biology, PSM in Conservation Biology, or C.I.