The Science of Extreme Life of the Sea

Covers the way marine animals and plants live in extreme environments by examining morphological, ecological, and genetic adaptations to low temperature, high heat, deep water, etc. We also cover extreme lifestyles such as fast swimming, small and large body size, and novel reproductive systems. Lecture material is punctuated with a series of tutorials on narrative writing skills in science, especially creative non-fiction, memoirs, braided essays and short fiction. The goal is to integrate quantitative thinking about the life sciences with creative writing that brings facts to life. Prerequisites: core courses in biology, creative writing, environmental sciences or engineering. Two lectures back to back on Tuesdays with a Writing Intermezzo between.