Ecology and Evolution In this introduction to ecology and evolutionary biology we will cover the topics of interspecific interactions (competition, predation, mutualism), demography and life-history patterns, succession and disturbance in natural communities, species diversity, stability and complexity, causes of evolutionary change, speciation, phylogenetic reconstruction, and population genetics.   The laboratory component will examine lecture topics in detail (such as measuring the evolutionary response of bacteria, adaptations of stream invertebrates to life in moving water, invasive species and their patterns of spread).  We will emphasize experimental design, data collection in the field and in the laboratory, data analysis, and writing skills. This course is not open to seniors and second semester juniors.

Aquatic Ecology In this course we will combine field-based laboratory exercises with classroom activities to examine how humans interact with freshwater ecosystems and how these systems contribute to our understanding of fundamental ecological concepts. We will take frequent field trips to aquatic ecosystems in Vermont and use data and observations collected to connect to broader ecological concepts and environmental issues. Topics covered will include food web structure of aquatic ecosystems, biotic monitoring of water quality, the measurement and interpretation of ecosystem metabolism, and the ecology of emerging contaminants. Evaluation will be based on consistent attendance and engaged participation in class discussions and lab exercises, reports synthesizing the lab exercises, and an original research project. (BIOL 0140).

Experimental Design and Statistical Analysis Experimental design is one of the most important parts of doing science, but it is difficult to do well. How do you randomize mice? How many replicate petri plates should be inoculated? If I am measuring temperature in a forest, where do I put the thermometer? In this course students will design experiments across the sub-areas of biology. We will run student designed experiments, and then learn ways to analyze the data, and communicate the results. Students planning to do independent research are encouraged to take this course. (BIOL 0140 or BIOL 0145).

Advanced Field Biology: Place-based Global Biology Education In this upper-level biology course, we will conduct field-based scientific observation, sample and data collection, and interpretation of biological phenomena. Students will be deeply engaged in off-campus, place-based learning linking Puerto Rico’s terrestrial landscapes to marine ecosystems, with a focus on the ecology, evolution and biogeochemistry across freshwater to marine system gradients. The course is split between time on-campus and off-campus conducting group research projects integrating field observations with data analysis. Students will collaborate and partner with local community members on intercultural projects with ethical local impact and relevance. Open to BIOL, MBBC, ESBI, BIOL-ECSC majors or waiver.

Advanced Evolutionary Ecology In 1965, the influential biologist G. Evelyn Hutchinson argued that ecological processes are like a theater in which evolutionary plays are performed. Implicit in his argument was the idea that ecological and evolutionary processes occur at distinct timescales, and can thus be easily separated. We will challenge this notion by studying phenotypic plasticity, ecological speciation, evo-eco dynamics, and other advanced topics through a hybrid of lecture, discussion, and a research experiment conducted as a class. Evaluation will be based on quizzes, discussions of the primary literature, several short written assignments, and the group research project. (BIOL 140 and 211 or waiver).

Eric Moody

Reviews and ratings for Eric Moody at Middlebury College.Eric Moody teaches Ecology and Evolution, Aquatic Ecology, Biostatistics and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Eric Moody good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Moody was a fine teacher; he was just very dull. I think that he cares about what he is teaching, but he is just not my kind of teacher. They are very specific when grading the tests, and you need to say the answer verbatim. 

This course was difficult, but the material was very interesting. Professor Moody is very passionate about the material, and he is a very good lecturer. I learned a lot from the small group discussion sections we had every Wednesday, it was a very helpful collaborative environment. The labs were definitely a lot of work, but we went to a lot of cool places and the work was very hands-on. This class inspired me to become a biology major.

This class was a lot of fun, especially the labs. We went to a lot of really cool aquatic locations, and had the opportunity to snorkel and explore at a a lot of them. In the classroom, Eric likes to make learning fun, for example we did an activity on stoichiometry by using legos. Lab reports are pretty traditional, but graded fairly. And you have the option to do a pretty creative final project.