Courses

Vision Science 84, Section 1

Comparative eye design: Differences between animals and relationship to visual needs (1 unit, P/NP)

Monday 10:00-11:00, Minor Hall (specific room TBD), Class number: 29687
This seminar is designed for students interested in eyes and/or vision and curious about biological design and evolution, with possible career goals of vision research or eye-related health professions.

The eyes have it in terms of diversity of design. Also why do we have just 2 eyes and the poisonous box jellyfish has multiple eyes at the base of each of its 4 sets of tentacles? This seminar examines and compares the eyes and also the vision of different animals, as primitive as jellyfish to other primates, in the context of their usual habitat and behavior. There are lessons to be learned from comparing eye designs across the animal kingdom. Examples where such analyses have spawned new bioengineering lines of research will be given. This seminar will review and compare not only the structural components of various eyes but also the associated motor and neural accessories, by way of understanding the diversity of designs, and strengths and limitations from a functional perspective. The course includes hands-on activities and an excursion. Those interested in ecology, vet med through to medicine and optometry may find this topic interesting, especially if you are curious about what eyes really look like, as some eye dissections are included.
Quotes from students in fall 2020 seminar:

"Take notes when appropriate, not to painstakingly memorize the information but to have something to remember once the class is over, because it is likely you will look back fondly on the class."

"I now feel better about networking with people by expressing my personal interests and not feeling afraid to ask someone more about themselves and what they do in their careers."

Quotes from students in Fall 2018 seminar:

"I feel as if this class is a high level course available to lower division students. I am glad I got the opportunity to be involved."

"A comfortable environment and interesting subject. Nice way to learn more about if you are interested in optometry."

Quotes from students in Fall 2015 seminar:

"It’s a great way to feel comfortable talking to your professor."

"It is really engaging, and you should do your own research to learn more!"

"Dr. Wildsoet is very kind and is really excited about the material she teaches. Plus, we dissect eyes!"

"It will give you a deeper appreciation of animals. I can understand vision lingo more and love my eyes."

"It’s a great opportunity to learn about the optometry of animals, meet like-minded students, and connect with a knowledgeable professor."

"This course is extremely helpful to students considering a future in optometry or who are just interested in eyes." - student in fall 2014 seminar

"They have the opportunity to dissect eyes from different organisms (for example, chick, sheep, and pig eyes) in this course, which no other course offers at Berkeley." - student in fall 2014 seminar

"Take it, and be prepared to change how you observe eyes." - student in fall 2013 seminar

"This course was very fun with lots of interesting activities to examine how we see and how other living organisms see." - student in fall 2012 seminarf