Join this class to delve into the
world of bugs, creepy crawlies, and anything without a backbone. Bugs are
interesting, not gross (ok, maybe a little), and understanding their outlook on
life can, in turn, change how we perceive the world. Based on biological
principles, this course will explore these animals in our lives, society,
homes, and even our bodies. Discussions and activities will be a part of every
class to more deeply engage in how these creatures go about their lives.
Instructor: Brian O’Neill is an invertebrate biology professor and community ecologist
at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. He has conducted research on
a wide variety of invertebrates including: how the invertebrates of rivers of
the U.S. Great Plains cope with floods; the food webs of temporary wetland
communities in shortgrass prairies; and the ecotoxicology of common
agricultural pharmaceuticals on wetland invertebrates. He has a
productive international research initiative aimed at understanding the impact
of humans on mammalian wildlife communities in South Africa, Costa Rica,
Jordan, and the USA. His teaching interests include Aquatic Biology,
Invertebrate Biology, Community and Introductory Ecology, and Introductory Biology
for non-science majors.
Course dates are: Mondays, July 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12.
This course is offered by the National Resource Center (NRC) for Osher Institutes. After registration is complete, the NRC will facilitate the rest, including hosting each course on Zoom, sending emails to participants with registration details, Zoom links, etc. Registered participants are encouraged to attend the online "Osher Online Member Orientation" on June 27 at 2:00 p.m.