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.

Gut Check: Exploring Microbiomes Imagine there were an organ in your body with a mass similar to that of your heart, which trained your immune system, affecting your weight and perhaps even your behavior. Wouldn’t you want to know? There is such an organ — your microbiome, the collection of microbes in and on your body.  You are not alone; corals, squid, beetles, and many other organisms harbor microbiomes that generate nutrients, produce light, and defend their host organisms in the environment. Increasingly, we also understand microbiomes to be intrinsically and deeply embedded within social and environmental (in)justice. We will read I Contain Multitudes by Ed Yong, as well as other popular science and research papers to investigate these fascinating microbes.

Microbes and Social (In)equity Microbes shape our ecosystems and society in unseen but profound ways. This course explores and examines microbial communities in our bodies, environments, and built spaces —and how we, in turn, shape them. Through analysis of scientific literature and other readings, we will interrogate the roles of race and racism, gender, socioeconomic status, and other factors that influence human and environmental microbe interactions. Topics such as pregnancy and birth mode, gut health, food access, and green spaces reveal the surprising ways microbes influence our health and environment. Through discussions, presentations, and creative activities, students will build science communication and critical reasoning skills. The course culminates in a final project based on a student-designed research question. (BIOL 0140 or BIOL 0145) 3 hr. lecture

Extremophiles: conquering Earth’s Extreme Environments Even the most extreme environments are teeming with microbial life. From highly acidic streams to hydrothermal vents with temperatures exceeding 120ºC, microorganisms manage to not only grow, but thrive. How? We will utilize biogeochemistry and cellular biology to characterize these unique microbial processes, and their impact on ecosystems, through critical reading and robust discussion of primary literature. Student-driven research will provide opportunities for advanced oral and written communication skill development.

Microbes and Social (In)equity Microbes shape our ecosystems and society in unseen but profound ways. This course explores and examines microbial communities in our bodies, environments, and built spaces —and how we, in turn, shape them. Through analysis of scientific literature and other readings, we will interrogate the roles of race and racism, gender, socioeconomic status, and other factors that influence human and environmental microbe interactions. Topics such as pregnancy and birth mode, gut health, food access, and green spaces reveal the surprising ways microbes influence our health and environment. Through discussions, presentations, and creative activities, students will build science communication and critical reasoning skills. The course culminates in a final project based on a student-designed research question. 3 hr. lecture

Microbiology This course introduces key microbiological principles, providing a foundation for advanced study in modern biology. Students will explore microbial cell structure and function, as well as the roles of microbes in health, biotechnology, agriculture, and the environment. The course integrates both basic and applied microbiology through lectures and hands-on lab experiences. A central component is an independent research project in which students will apply microbiological techniques to either isolate and characterize microorganisms from natural sources or investigate a novel, student-driven research question involving microbes.

Molecular Microbial Ecology Molecular microbial ecology (MME) uses leading-edge molecular tools to study the  interactions and diversity of microorganisms in the natural environment. MME covers topics ranging from ancient polar microbes, the human microbiome, and possibly life beyond Earth.  This course will discuss papers that highlight modern technical approaches and form the current theoretical framework in microbial ecology. The laboratory will examine the structure (who is there) and function (what are they doing) of microbial communities in environmental samples. We will cultivate novel microorganisms and analyze nucleic acids via community fingerprinting, functional gene analysis, and the computational exploration of metagenomic datasets.

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.

Erin Eggleston

Reviews and ratings for Erin Eggleston at Middlebury College.Erin Eggleston teaches Ecology and Evolution, Gut Check, Microbes and Social (In)equity and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Erin Eggleston good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Wonderful course. If you're interested in how biology relates to other aspects of society, this class is a must. Erin is so effective at teaching and the final research project is very self-directed, making a large part of the course based on your own interest for research.

I really enjoyed this class with professor Eggleston! She is super knowledgable and would incorporate lots of images and examples onto her slides and into her lectures which made them more interesting and also made the material easier to remember. We were allowed one page of notes for the exams which was helpful to keep track of definitions and graphs to remember to include in short answers on the exams. The exams weren't hard they just required some thought and insightful answers that incorporated lecture concepts to the question/example given. I also find the content from this class super helpful in upper level biology courses! The labs for this class are also a lot of fun.

The course is largely self-taught, with small groups being formed that each research one extreme environment and its co-occurring extremophiles. Those groups then present once every other week, with Erin being available to fill in any gaps that might be difficult to explain. With it being a seminar, the workload is definitely manageable if you allot time to do the homework throughout the week.