The main thrust of the course is to explore the field of climatology with an emphasis on the examination of scientific data. Five intensive labs provide students the opportunity to observe climatological variables and analyze climatological data in its many forms. Students grapple with mathematical and scientific concepts central to the fields of climatology and weather analysis. This course provides an introduction to research methods in field biology, focusing on local species and habitats. Topics include species identification, field techniques, data analysis and scientific writing.
Students design and conduct experiments individually or in groups.
The study of the economics of renewable and exhaustible resources, environmental problems and policy responses. This course considers the relationship of human communities to the specific locale of the Green Oaks area, the surrounding prairie region, and the Spoon River Valley. We examine the various groups' uses of, and sensibilities toward the land, and the ways in which both the land and diverse cultural influences has shaped these outlooks. Native Americans, white pioneers, recent local residents, mining companies, conservationists, and the resident community at Green Oaks are each examined in terms of these issues. Participants contribute to an ongoing study of plant and animal populations, while developing expertise in the theory and experimental and analytical techniques necessary for a deep biological understanding of a natural place.