ERIC F. MAURER, TEACHING
 

BIOL610- Conservation Biology (Syllabus)
This course examines the ecological and evolutionary influences on the patterns of biological diversity. I approach the course as an advanced ecology course focusing on species showing i) small and or declining populations and/or ii) small or declining range sizes. We explore the factors that determine range size and whether a species persists or declines to extinction (such as the relative roles of habitat loss, over exploitation, and introduced species) and the interdisciplinary approaches being used to study, manage and protect biodiversity.

EVST398H- The Ecology of Emerging Infectious Diseases
This course examines the ecological and evolutionary influences on the emergence and reemergence of a variety of infectious diseases across the globe. Infectious disease is the number one killer worldwide and number three in the US. We will use a combination of lecture, discussion, case studies and exercises to examine how ecological, evolutionary, policy and social changes have altered the interrelationships between infectious agents, the environment and their hosts.

EVST/POL602- Global Biodiversity: Law & Policy
Seminar course examining domestic & international policies and laws relating to biodiversity conservation and management. The course will address relevant laws & regulations (e.g., US Endangered Species Act), international conventions and treaties (e.g., Convention on Biological
Diversity), & the key institutions (e.g., International Whaling Commission) involved in biodiversity protection. Cross-listed in Political Science.

EVST501, 502- Environmental Capstone Sequence
Projects-based course that serves as the capstone experience for Environmental Studies students. This year ES students are involved in an EPA funded project examining the recycling of phosphorous from wastewater and its use as a crop fertilizer. The project is in collaboration with Environmental Engineering, and students from both programs work together to design a bioreactor for phosphorous removal and then conduct greenhouse studies to examine the use of the nutrient as fertilizer. The EPA grant program is called "People, Prosperity and the Planet", e.g., the P3 project, and is designed to encourage projects that address the sustainability of human practices. The project will culminate in a national competition in Washington, D.C., where 60 schools will compete on the Mall. This is the second year of funding, and more information can be found at the P3 site.