Eric G. Ekdale, Ph.D.
San Diego State University Courses:
BIOL 100 - General Biology
This class is a general education course that is designed for non-Biology majors. During the semester, we will examine the foundations of life at cellular, organism, and community levels. Biological evolution is the underlying key that links all life. Thus, evolution will be a common thread throughout the course, and we will learn how scientists study the evolution of organisms and create a broader understanding of the interconnection among the Earth’s species.
Caribou (Rangiger tarandus granti), Denali National Park, AK. (Photo: E.G. Ekdale)
BIOL 101 - The World of Animals
The "World of Animals" is a general education course for non-Biology majors. During the semester, we will examine the biodiversity of animals through their evolution, anatomy, life histories, behaviors, and adaptations. Biological evolution is the underlying key that links all life. Thus, we will learn how scientists uncover the evolutionary relationships among organisms, characterize animals, and create a broader understanding of the interconnection among animal species. From the earliest life forms that lived in the Earth’s distant past to our own evolution, the animal world is one of the most fascinating subjects that you are likely to encounter!
Skulls and skins of small and large felids. (Photo: E.G. Ekdale)
California mussels (Mytilus californianus), owl limpets (Lottia gigantea), and conspicuous chitons (Stenoplax conspicua) at Cabrillo National Monument, CA. (Photo: E.G. Ekdale)
BIOL 101 - The World of Dinosaurs
The "World of Dinosaurs" is a natural science general education course for non-Biology majors. During the semester, we will examine the origins, evolution, and eventual demise of dinosaurs. The course employs an interdisciplinary approach to the study of dinosaurs with more complex and in-depth theory, deeper investigation of scientific problems surrounding dinosaurs, and wider awareness of interdisciplinarity in the reconstruction of dinosaur biology. Exploration courses include more extensive reading and written analyses incorporating complex comparisons, well-developed argumentation, and appropriate references to the scientific literature.
BIOL 204/204L - Principles of Organismal Biology
This class is designed for Biology majors and will provide a basic introduction to the origins and diversity of life forms. Evolution is the underlying theme with emphasis placed on presenting diversity within a phylogenetic framework. General principles of biology are explored, all within the perspective of major evolutionary trends. What you learn in this course will serve as a foundation for your upper division biology courses, and will prepare you to be a scientifically literate member of society.
Chinle Formation (Late Triassic) in eastern Arizona. (Photo: E.G. Ekdale)
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BIOL 352 - Evolution
This class is designed for Biology majors and will provide a basic introduction to the intellectual development and basic principles of biological evolution. Evolution is the filament that unites all organisms. Topics discussed throughout the semester will include in discussions of population genetics (microevolution), speciation, and macroevolution. The applications and implications of evolution to our daily lives will be emphasized.
Bivalve burrow (Hillichnus lobosensis) from the Scripps Formation (Eocene) of San Diego County, California. (Photo: E.G. Ekdale)
BIOL 512 - Evolution & Ecology of Marine Mammals
The "Evolution and Ecology of Marine Mammals" is an upper division organismal biology course. During the semester, students examine the biodiversity of marine mammals through their evolution, anatomy, life histories, behaviors, and adaptations to life in a marine environment. Lecture topics include pinniped, cetacean and sirenian evolution, diet and foraging strategies, echolocation, energetics, diving physiology, reproductive strategies, population biology, and conservation. There are several labs concentrating on the identification of local marine mammals, as well as other labs focused on biogeography and functional anatomy.
Mother and pup harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), Prince William Sound, AK. (Photo: E.G. Ekdale)
