Our vision for the field biology program is to foster in students a broad appreciation of the diversity, interrelationships, and complexity of natural systems in the northwest and other selected areas. Develop specific knowledge of organisms, ecosystems, and patterns and processes in nature, and integrate such knowledge into an appreciation of how humans fit into our natural world. Emphasis is on learning basic skills in how to identify organisms in the field, making field observations, and keeping a field journal. We develop familiarity with current resource management issues in the northwest, and an appreciation of the biological, social, and political demands and challenges facing resource managers and researchers.
Students develop skills in various techniques used by field biologists.
Many techniques are demonstrated by professional biologists from state and federal agencies. All courses are taught in the field. Tents and cooking gear are provided, but students are required to provide their own sleeping bags, pads, and personal gear. Also listed as GEOL 377. Emphasis is on recording field observations, keeping a field journal, plant and animal identification, field study techniques, and performing investigations chosen and developed by student participants.