Splash Biography

Have you ever wondered how our feathered friends evolved from enormous beasts? Or how scientists can separate all the different sparrows of the world into different species? This course will cover the evolutionary history of birds, starting from their dinosaur ancestors to the great diversity of bird life present today. The class will also examine how scientists determine what separates one species of bird from another and explore historical and modern approaches to speciation.

Speculative biology is worldbuilding tool that combines science and imagination to explore how real-world biological concepts might apply to fictional creatures and worlds, such as dragons or Vulcans. This course will give an overview of how speculative biology can be used to enrich a fictional world and provide explanations for fantastical phenomena while teaching students about ecology & evolution. We will look at a few case studies, and then students will get the chance to collaboratively design their own speculative creatures and environments.

Most people don't think twice about insects beyond killing pests and admiring butterflies, but insects are the most diverse group of land animals alive today, and have been a critical part of Earth's ecosystems since long before vertebrates ventured onto land. This class will provide a basic introduction to insect biology and ecology. Students will learn to identify a few major insect orders and understand how these animals contribute to their ecosystems.