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BIOL 451Advanced Ecology and Evolution

Units
0.50
Faculty
Science
Subject
Biology

When it runs

  1. F24
  2. W25
  3. S25
  4. F25
  5. W26
  6. S26
  7. F26
  8. W27
  9. S27

Ran in 3 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: not on the schedule. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

Students will read and analyze scientific papers to deepen their understanding of core topics in ecology and evolution and how they are related. These topics include the ecological niche, plasticity, competition, community ecology, and climate change. Topics are explored through in-class discussions, written reports, and oral presentations. Students will also improve their proficiency at understanding primary literature and identifying key elements such as research questions, hypotheses, experimental design, and main results.

Prerequisites

  • Complete all of the following
    • Must have completed the following:
      • BIOL359 - Evolution 1: Mechanisms (0.50)
      • BIOL361 - Biostatistics and Experimental Design (0.50)
    • Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
      • BIOL150 - Organismal and Evolutionary Ecology (0.50)
      • BIOL251 - Fundamentals of Ecology (0.50)

Antirequisites

None listed.

Leads to

No course lists it as a requisite.

Fall 2026 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
SectionClassEnrolledMeets
LEC 001729523 / 30MW 13:00–14:20

Reviewed on UW Flow

100% liked it63% easy100% useful

From 3 ratings and 2 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.

  • Great course with Prof Messier.
    Weekly readings of 1 paper + answer questions on it, probably takes about 2 hours. Learned a lot about how to properly read scientific papers so if you plan to continue in sciences, highly recommend.
    also has a final project done in groups. no midterm, no final. very easy to get a 90+

    Jan 2025 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • It was a great course even I am not a ecology student. The course lectures are related with the paper reading assignments, which explained many mechanisms. The final project was evenly distributed over the terms and many useful comments from professor at each stage.

    Dec 2023 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Calendar versions

Undergraduate Calendar