BIOL 100 - Reed in Kenya: The Ecology and Evolution of Cooperation and Conflict

This multidisciplinary course is focused on the Ecology and Evolution of Cooperation and Conflict and will take place in Kenya, beginning in Nairobi, based mainly at Mpala Research Centre, and with three excursions to other areas. The evolution of cooperation and the resolution of biological conflicts present a fascinating puzzle in biology? When does it make sense to work together? When does it make sense to compete? Many different organisms demonstrate cooperative behaviors, including humans, but the conditions that favor cooperative behavior (or cheating behaviors) are an active area of research. Similarly, the conditions that lead to competitive, predatory, or defensive behaviors can be dynamic, with different pros and cons resulting in an array of possible conflict resolutions with contrasting outcomes for different participants. We will explore the spectrum of interactions in biology from mutualist to pathogen. This topic provides an integrative, but coherent, guiding theme around which we can explore a number of learning opportunities in Kenya, ranging from the geopolitical and national climate, interactions among humans and their environments, to behavioral ecology among different species of wildlife.

Unit(s): 0.25
Prerequisite(s): Students must apply to participate; approval is required from the instructor and from the International Programs Office.
Instructional Method: Conference
Grading Mode: Credit/no credit only (CR/NC)
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 2 times for credit.
Notes: Students must register for both the fall and spring sections of the course.
Website: https://www.reed.edu/ipo/faculty-led-programs/reed-in-kenya.html