In the field, students learn by doing. They readily absorb concepts difficult to teach in a traditional classroom, such as how to set up a transect, obtain tissue samples from wildlife, or observe animal behavior using professional standards. They experience what the land smells and feels like—and discover clues to the workings of an ecosystem. Their direct observations enrich lectures and textbook readings. Being outdoors lets students witness for themselves the importance of ecological relationships, and the interconnectedness of species.
More than 150 undergraduate courses across the UC system visit UC Nature reserves each year. Class subjects range from botany to zoology, archaeology to environmental planning, public health to the performing and visual arts. Reserves welcome university-level courses on virtually all topics of study; photography and outdoor writing are considered as valid as the natural sciences. Institutions from around the world bring their classes to UC Nature to learn.
UC Nature administers two university-level programs at reserves, California Ecology and Conservation and Data Science Training Essentials.
California Ecology and Conservation
Spend 7 weeks studying California’s diverse habitats and gain field research skills. Open to all UC undergraduates. 27 students accepted per term.
Data Science Training Essentials
The six-week UC Nature Data Science Training Essentials teaches R programming and data analysis, preparing students for internships and graduate studies.
Bring your class to a reserve
UC Nature reserves welcome field trips and longer educational excursions; many have classrooms as well. Apply through RAMS to bring your class to a reserve.
