Advanced Field Studies in Environmental Science and Ecology

This 3-week, residential field course develops advanced skills for field studies in environmental science and ecology. Through independent research projects, students will design and execute a field-based project, analyze and interpret the data, and present the results in written and oral format. Students will also gain experience with common field techniques and more advanced statistical analyses.

This course provides an opportunity for students to use critical thinking skills by developing research projects firmly based in the hypothetical-deductive reasoning paradigm. They will also critically assess existing literature to aid in their research design and interpretation of their studies.

The goal of this course is to enhance students' reasoning, research, and communication skills in an integrative manner that builds on previous courses and key aspects of ecology, conservation biology and natural resource management. Developing personal research projects provides a sense of ownership of the process by the students and allows them to gain important research skills. Short field trips will enhance their understanding of the broader ecosystem.