• Conduct ecosystem and community sampling along with the 
analytical methods used in field ecology and geography to 
monitor habitat dynamics, with emphasis on coastal Georgia 
wildlife and landscapes
• Learn the basic ecology of the primary coastal terrestrial and 
aquatic ecosystems of Georgia
• Understand the relevance and application of applied management 
techniques in both functional and anthropogenically disturbed 
landscapes
• Conduct surveys using drones and other technology for GIS 
mapping analysis techniques used in the fields of ecology and 
geography and for application to coastal issues
• Receive exposure to a diversity of professionals and career 
paths in ecology, geography, and engineering
• Participate in interactive discussions for exposure to 
scenario-consequence analysis, debates, and other real-world 
decision making
• Learn communication skills for both public and professional 
sectors
• Practice professional development tactics for networking, 
interviewing, and strategic electronic and in-person 
professional communications

• Current issues in coastal ecology and societal perspectives of 
natural resource conservation and management
• Techniques used for monitoring patterns in populations and 
communities over space and time
• Processes and features of coastal habitats in Georgia, 
including both aquatic and terrestrial ecotypes
• Ecological and experimental designs at various spatial scales
• Climate change, with emphasis on sea level rise and shoreline 
management 
• Application of management practices in coastal aquatic and 
terrestrial habitats
• Infrastructure design and engineering in urbanized and 
developing areas
• Societal components and stakeholders of decision making and 
scenario-consequence analysis
• Communication and networking with peers and other professionals
• Building a professional profile electronically and 
professional environments