The capstone course is an opportunity for students to apply what they have learned in the program by completing the proposed capstone project in a professional, laboratory, or field setting. The outcomes of the capstone project will be presented in a summary report. Prerequisite: Successful completion of BCM 790.
Prepares students for an applied self-directed capstone experience. Address problem identification, research, and project formulation. Culminates in an oral and written proposal with project schedule. Prerequisites: Completion of at least 15 credits, including at least one course in each of the three certificates: Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Conservation Data Management and Analysis, Conservation Leadership, Policy,
Foundational concepts in mapping and geospatial analysis as they apply to conservation. Process and utilize remotely sensed imagery and other geographic data. Hands-on experience using software for storing, managing, and displaying spatial information such as topography, vegetation, soil, and watershed data.
Focuses on strategies and tools for leading and implementing collaborative conservation projects. Topics include engaging conservation partners and community volunteers, strategic planning and assessment, and communicating project progress and results to diverse audiences using mixed media. Exercises will enhance leadership and team-building skills relevant to conservation objectives.
A survey of current and developing approaches to conservation and land stewardship. Explore principles and emerging methods relevant to invasive species management, prescribed fire, disturbance regimes, and core conservation challenges. Innovative tools and monitoring technologies are investigated, including literature review and application to individual projects.
Apply analytical tools to investigate, visualize, interpret, and communicate conservation data. Students will gain hands-on experience with applications such as the R Statistical Computing System, Microsoft Excel, and cloud-based data storage frameworks.
Explore species concepts, biogeography, and phylogenetics as they relate to conservation. Evaluate the curation and use of biological collections in conservation research and education. Practice using taxonomic keys and analyzing molecular data. Students will choose taxa of particular interest for a targeted project.
Principles and application of conservation relating to complexities of the human relationship with nature. Investigate and integrate social science into management, understand treaties, laws and policies, realize economic and recreational aspects, and consider ethics and advocacy. Enhance cultural competency and build capabilities for communicating and engaging with diverse audiences.
Focuses on all aspects of conservation project management, including understanding context and culture, writing grants, building partnerships, developing and managing a budget, assessing outcomes and deliverables, and communicating project results with diverse audiences. Students will explore principles of adaptive management related to conservation projects.
Overview of current tools and best practices for designing research projects and acquiring, managing, and presenting conservation data. Topics include quality control, the importance of metadata, effective research design, statistical power, and other strategies for generating valid answers to important conservation questions.
