Principles of Chemical Ecology. 3 credits, 3 contact hours

Catalog description

Prerequisites: CHEM 243 with a C or better. This course explores how chemistry underlies interactions among living organisms and is designed for students who already have a basic background in chemistry and biology. The focus is on the ecology and chemistry of plants, animals, and microorganisms, highlighting chemical signals and informational molecules that operate across diverse ecosystems within a Darwinian natural selection framework. Major themes include plant defensive strategies, microbial conflict, chemical communication in marine systems, and mutualistic as well as social interactions among species.