Dr. Cooke enjoys interacting with students and is a firm believer that research and teaching are complimentary and should be interfaced (See his teaching philosophy). Dr. Cooke teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses though Carleton University. His primary teaching appointment is in the Institute of Environmental Science (an undergraduate degree program). In addition, he also delivers undergraduate programming in the Department of Biology in the general areas of ecology, fisheries science, and conservation. Dr. Cooke also teaches a graduate level course through the Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology. Brief descriptions of the courses that he has offered or are currently in development include:
Undergraduate Courses offered through the Institute of Environment Science
ENSC 1500 [0.5 credit]
Environmental Science Seminar
Offered to first year environmental science students. The purpose and nature of the program; society's view on the natural and human-modified environment; major environmental issues and their scientific aspects; preparation and presentation of paper and seminars.
ENSC 4700 [0.5 credit] Aquatic Restoration. Offered through “Special Topics in Environmental Science”
Principles and applications of aquatic restoration ranging from headwater streams to coastal marine systems. Delivered as a capstone course to provide students with the skills needed to succeed upon graduation (e.g., responding to requests for proposals, dealing with media, applying for positions, delivering presentations).
ENSC 4906 [1.0 credits] Environmental Science Honours Research Project
An independent research project undertaken in the field and/or the laboratory, under the direct supervision of a Faculty adviser. The candidate prepares a written thesis and is orally examined by a faculty committee after the thesis has been presented for examination. Current topic pursued in the Cooke Lab focus on understanding the effects of recreational fishing activities on fish, fisheries, and the environment.
Undergraduate Courses offered through the Department of Biology
BIOL 3605 [0.5 credit] Ecology and Conservation of Tropical Island Ecosystems. Offered through “Field Course I” in the Ontario University Field Course Program. (Co-Instructed with Dr. Andy Danylchuk, Cape Eleuthera Institute, The Bahamas)
Credit is based on two weeks of full-time fieldwork with attendant assignments. This course will provide participants with an understanding of the natural history of tropical islands as well as their many environmental issues and conservation concerns. This course will cover a range of issues including cultural ecology, sustainability, resource management, and conservation biology, presented in the context of integrated coastal management. Students will be exposed to a number of coastal and terrestrial environments such as patch reefs and mangrove forests, and encounter a broad range of flora and fauna. We will also examine how agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, and tourism development have presented major challenges to island ecosystems. The first week of the course will be devoted to learning about island ecosystems through field excursions (e.g., snorkelling, hikes, boat tours, down-island trips), student-lead seminars, guest speakers, and lecture. The second week will be devoted to research projects focused on the terrestrial-marine interface; coastal mangrove communities. Please note that transportation and room and board costs are borne by the student.
BIOL 4503 [0.5 credit] Fish Ecology,
Conservation and Management
An introduction to the diversity and environmental
biology of the world’s fishes. Coverage
of applied issues in fisheries management, conservation,
and aquaculture. Workshops will expose
students to techniques in fisheries science
through hands-on demonstrations and field excursions.
Offered in alternate years during the fall semester
beginning in 2007.
Class Resources
BIOL 4901 [0.5 credit] Directed Special Studies in Biology
Independent or group study, open to third- and fourth-year students to explore a particular topic, in consultation with a Faculty supervisor. Typically these courses are “fishy” in nature. May include directed reading, written assignments, tutorials, laboratory or field work.
BIOL 4908 [1.0 credit] Honours Research Thesis in Biology
An independent research project undertaken in the field and/or the laboratory, under the direct supervision of a Faculty adviser. The candidate prepares a written thesis and is orally examined by a faculty committee after the thesis has been presented for examination. Current topic pursued in the Cooke Lab include examining the spatial ecology of freshwater fish and the consequences of thermal variation on centrarchid reproductive biology.
Graduate Courses offered through the Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology
BIOL 5508 [0.5 credit] (BIO 8306 at U of Ottawa) Advanced Fish Ecology and Conservation. Offered through “Advanced Topics in Ecology I” (Graduate Students Only)
Lectures, seminars and discussions on current concepts
and applications in fish ecology and conservation.
Emphasis on synthesis of information and
development of critical thinking skills.
Specific topics discussed vary among years and
have included the life-history physiology nexus
as it applies to fisheries science and the cosmopolitan
effects of water temperature on fish across
all biological levels.
Conservation
Biology Graduate Course 2009 Readings
