Collection-Based Research: Principles and Practices in Biodiversity Science

Catalog description

Explores the use of biological collections—such as herbaria, vertebrate and invertebrate museums, and paleontological —in biodiversity research. Globally, biological collections house around 3 billion specimens that provide historical and geographic context that can enhance studies in ecology and evolution. Topics include emerging specimen-based research methods (e.g., CT scanning, isotopes, ancient DNA, machine learning), and practical consideration in specimen uses (e.g., permits and regulations, destructive sampling, data curation). Students will gain practical skills for accessing, analyzing, and contributing to collections-based science using both traditional and emerging techniques.