Ecology Field Skills. 4 credits

Catalog description

In this course, you will be introduced to a variety of field techniques used in ecological research through occasional classroom lectures and intensive field activities. You start with an overview of sampling methodologies common to the discipline and progress to hands-on and remote sampling techniques for plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. You will become familiar with Virginia’s flora and fauna, gain experience in sampling and identifying representative plants, invertebrates and vertebrates, and obtain experience in making observations and characterizing ecological interactions related to population, community, and behavioral ecology. Also, you will maintain a field journal and complete a research proposal following adapted guidelines of Mason’s OSCAR program. Come to Front Royal ready to work hard and to spend long days in the field. Offered by Biology . Limited to three attempts.