Why are participants given a choice of topics, its so confusing?
A wide variety of students sign up for this class. Some are from veterinary, biology, or animal science programs and have little background in questions of evolution or wildlife species. Others are specifically interested in one taxon, e.g. fish, and consider it a waste of time to take a course that focuses more on mammals and birds. Within the conceptual framework of a standard course, there is room for choosing specific papers that are most relevant to individual students, in terms of what will help them design and conduct their research. The diversity of interests and experience within the group is a benefit. Participants are exposed to new ideas.
