Winter Courses 24-25
Winter Quarter Hopkins Courses
All classes are offered in-person only
OCEANS 114H: Hopkins Marine Station Seminar (240H)
Instructor: Robin Elahi
Friday, 12:00-1:20 PM
Introduction to research in marine science through a weekly seminar series at Hopkins Marine Station. The weekly seminars will approach questions of development, physiology, ecology, evolution, and oceanography using contemporary methods. Class offered in-person only at Hopkins Marine Station.
OCEANS 140H: Statistical Modeling (OCEANS 240H)
Instructor: Robin Elahi
Tuesday, 10:30 AM - 12:20 PM
Intermediate course focused on statistical modeling in a Bayesian framework, with applications in the biological and environmental sciences. Topics will include probability, causal inference, and generalized linear models. Classroom activities will be a mix of lecture, discussion, and problem sets. We will take a hands-on, computational approach (R, Stan) to gain intuition so that students can design their own inferential models. Outside of class, students will watch pre-recorded lectures and complete readings. Prerequisites: Introductory statistics course, such as STATS 60, STATS 110, STATS 141 and some experience with scientific computing in R, such as STATS 32.
OCEANS 157H: Creative Writing & Science: The Artful Interpreter (ENGLISH 91AI, OCEANS 257H)
Instructor: Sara Michas-Martin
Friday, 1:15 PM - 4:50 PM
What role does creativity play in the life of a scientist? How has science inspired great literature? How do you write accessibly and expressively about things like whales, DNA or cancer? This course provides a unique opportunity for students to directly engage with marine animals, coastal habitats and environmental concerns of Monterey Bay. As historian Jill Lepore writes of Rachel Carson: "She could not have written Silent Spring if she hadn't, for decades, scrambled down rocks, rolled up her pant legs, and waded into tide pools, thinking about how one thing can change another..." Students will complete and workshop three original nonfiction essays that explore the intersection between personal narrative and scientific curiosity. You will develop a more patient and observant eye and improve your ability to articulate scientific concepts to a general readership. **Course taught in-person only at Hopkins Marine Station.** Please note: Depending on enrollment across the courses offered on Fridays at Hopkins, a university shuttle will be made available or carpool mileage reimbursements will be provided. Carpool reimbursement is subject to specific terms and conditions; class lists will be distributed for this purpose. However, if a university shuttle is provided, carpool reimbursements will not be honored.
OCEANS 161H: Between Pacific Tides: Invertebrate Zoology in Monterey Bay (OCEANS 261H)
Instructor: Robin Elahi
Friday, 10:30 AM - 11:50 AM & 1:30 PM - 4:20 PM
Invertebrates range in size from microscopic mites to giant squid and are integral to ecosystems and their functioning. More than 97% of all described animal species lack a spine, and this course is an introductory survey of invertebrate diversity with an emphasis on Monterey Bay. Students will explore the form, function, evolution, and natural history of the major invertebrate groups through reading, observation, and scientific illustration. This course takes place at Hopkins Marine Station (HMS) and consists of a one hour morning lecture (11-11:50) and a three hour afternoon lab (1:30-4:20); both are mandatory. Two field trips will be taken to local habitats. Depending on enrollment across the courses offered on Fridays at Hopkins, a university shuttle will be made available or carpool mileage reimbursements will be provided. Carpool reimbursement is subject to specific terms and conditions; class lists will be distributed for this purpose. However, if a university shuttle is provided, carpool reimbursements will not be honored. Space is limited and an application is required. Apply at: https://forms.gle/BprDHuweqGPZX3tk7.