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.
Principles of ecology and biodiversity through the lens of conservation planning and policy. Drawing from concepts across multiple disciplines at various spatial and temporal scales in the physical and biological sciences, exploring topics and applications such as watershed management, agricultural practices, wetland delineation, population viability analysis, and ecosystem assessment.
