TEACHING
NRM 495: TRENDS IN NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Winter Semester
The course comprises a comprehensive and integrative analysis of the fundamental assumptions, issues and problems of natural resources management. Students examine the historical roots of natural resource management, identify factors that caused natural resource management to change, and explore proposals for managing natural resources in the future.
BIO 470: CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
Winter Semester
This course is designed to introduce and explore the multidisciplinary field of conservation biology, the applied science of maintaining the planet’s biological diversity. We consider underlying theoretical concepts along with basic and applied research as it pertains to the conservation of genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. We examine the patterns, causes, and consequences of global biodiversity loss and evaluate and critique solutions to the problem.
BIO 444: HERPETOLOGY
Fall Semester
Herpetology surveys the world's amphibians and reptiles from the standpoint of their evolution, taxonomy, paleontology, morphology, physiology, behavioral ecology and conservation. Lectures are complemented by laboratory exercises, field trips, videos/films and a library research paper in order to explore the fascinating biology of these unique vertebrates.
BIO 610: SCIENTIFIC METHODOLOGY
Fall Semester
The course provides an overview of the contemporary skills of biological scientists including hypothesis development, experimental design and control, data management, critical interpretation of data, project organization and monitoring, collaborative work habits, and effective communication.
BIO 570: LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY
Fall Semester
Landscape ecology explores the influence of landscape patterns on ecological processes. Topics include landscape patterns, dynamics, and heterogeneity; issues of scale; and spatial analysis. Students will examine various applications of landscape ecology concepts through discussions of peer-reviewed journal articles, computer-based assignments, and project work.