BIOS 275: A Concise Survey of Biodiversity: Natural History and Field Methods Across Taxonomic Groups

Course Description

This mini course introduces students to biodiversity through sampling protocols across major taxonomic groups, with a focus on conservation. Through guest lectures by experts, students will engage in hands-on exercises and learn the concise natural history of vascular plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Each lecture is followed by applied sessions to train students in field techniques and data collection strategies. The course also addresses permitting protocols and ethical considerations for fieldwork. By integrating perspectives across taxa and disciplines, the course provides a comparative framework for understanding how biodiversity is studied and monitored for conservation purposes.