Course Description
The study of natural history on location in Asia. During visits to national parks, the animal and plant species will be studied in relationship to their environment. Emphasis will be placed on the evolutionary and ecological relationships among species as well as on the geological and cultural context.
Athena Title
Natural History of Asia
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in GENE 4800H
Non-Traditional Format
A course taught as part of a study abroad program in Asia in which students are intensely engaged with the culture and natural history of the country. Faculty engage students verbally on a daily basis, urging careful observation and rigorous scientific inquiry. Faculty feedback and evaluation occurs daily, as well as on written and oral assignments. Students are challenged by the faculty-defined curriculum, interact with local people, manage travel, and reflect on their individual and group experiences.
Prerequisite
BIOL 1104 or BIOL 1108 or BIOL 1108H or BIOL 2108H or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will learn to carefully observe geological features, animals and plants, in the field in Asia and to record their observations in a journal. Successful students will be able to understand the ecological and evolutionary forces that have shaped these species and ecosystems. Successful students will understand the ecology and evolution of species through direct exposure to the species in the field. The successful student will be able to complete demographic analyses of species. Successful students will have developed a strong foundation for research in ecological genetics, including the ability to plan and execute research projects. Successful students will learn how humans have modified and utilized the natural landscape. A cultural context for ecosystems and national parks in Asian countries will be explored in detail. After completing the course and practicing the skills listed above, the students will be able to make careful observations of nature and natural phenomena. They will be able to write about natural history, and they will appreciate and be able to describe some of the ways humans have learned to interact with nature.
Topical Outline
The course will be taught in a single Asian region where students can visit a variety of ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, montane environments, mangrove, beach and agricultural ecosystems. The course will be based on a study abroad program focused on visits to national parks and protected areas. The topical outline may change depending on the region visited. In general, the topical outline is: 1. introduction to flora and fauna of field sites 2. demographic techniques 3. sampling for population genetic studies 4. sampling for ecological studies