BIOEE 2526 - Ecology and Conservation of Wildlife in the Neotropics II

(BIO-AG) (CU-ITL, CU-SBY)

Multi-semester course, Spring (weeks 1-7). 4 credits. Letter grades only.

Course fee: $3500. Permission of instructor required. There will be a field trip to Patagonia during Winter break. Students must enroll in both BIOEE 2525 and BIOEE 2526 to receive a final grade.

L. Campagna, I. Lovette.

This on-campus and international field course combination provides participating students with a broad introduction to the research process in field ecology, with literature and hands-on examples drawn from the fauna and flora of coastal Patagonia (Argentina), an area that provides us with unprecedented access to both marine and terrestrial wildlife as well as exposure to conservation challenges and success stories. During the 2+ week field component in January, students travel among field sites in Patagonia and put the knowledge gained in the Fall semester to work in an experiential context by designing and implementing a series of research projects, including numerous short ‘blitz’ projects and several longer, more intensive independent projects; many of these field studies involve close-hand observations of marine mammals, penguins, or other seabirds. The 7-week Spring semester component is focused on building skills in data analysis and scientific writing, based on the data collected in the field by each student.

Outcome 1: Experience the scientific process from field- inquiry and hypothesis development, through project design, data collection, analyses, and presentation and dissemination of results.

Outcome 2: Develop depth of knowledge related to the ecology, behavior, and evolutionary biology of Neotropical wildlife.

Outcome 3: Comprehend the intricacy of wildlife conservation and management.