Turning students into field scientists
California Ecology and Conservation transforms University of California undergraduates into field scientists. Over seven weeks of visiting UC Natural Reserves, students learn to detect natural patterns, then frame questions into feasible study topics. After lectures on statistics and field techniques, students go outside to practice by conducting rapid research projects.
Students describe the findings of each project before the entire class, enabling them to raise their public speaking confidence and hone their presentation skills.
It’s as close to being a working field scientist as most undergraduates can get.
During the term, students travel from one UC Nature reserve to another. They experience deserts and conifer forests, dry mountaintops and unique island systems, oak savannas and coastal prairies. They gain a bone-deep appreciation of California’s diverse ecosystems and the organizing forces that makes each unique.
Watch the Fall 2015 class lay out transects, set insect pitfall traps, scan for sea otters, bond over the campfire and discover the marvels of natural California.
Applications for the spring 2016 course close DATE, so send in your application today.
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