Courses taught by Rodolfo Dirzo

BIO 105A: Ecology and Natural History of Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve (EARTHSYS 105A)

Formerly 96A – Jasper Ridge Docent Training. First of two-quarter sequence training program to join the Jasper Ridge education/docent program. The scientific basis of ecological research in the context of a field station, hands-on field research, field ecology and the natural history of plants and animals, species interactions, archaeology, geology, hydrology, land management, multidisciplinary environmental education; and research projects, as well as management challenges of the preserve presented by faculty, local experts, and staff. Participants lead research-focused educational tours, assist with classes and research, and attend continuing education classes available to members of the JRBP community after the course.

BIO 105B: Ecology and Natural History of Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve (EARTHSYS 105B)

Formerly 96B – Jasper Ridge Docent Training. First of two-quarter sequence training program to join the Jasper Ridge education/docent program. The scientific basis of ecological research in the context of a field station, hands-on field research, field ecology and the natural history of plants and animals, species interactions, archaeology, geology, hydrology, land management, multidisciplinary environmental education; and research projects, as well as management challenges of the preserve presented by faculty, local experts, and staff. Participants lead research-focused educational tours, assist with classes and research, and attend continuing education classes available to members of the JRBP community after the course.

BIO 144: Conservation Biology: A Latin American Perspective (BIO 234, HUMBIO 112)

Principles and application of the science of preserving biological diversity. Conceptually, this course is designed to explore 4 major components relevant to the conservation of biodiversity, as exemplified by the Latin American region. The conceptual frameworks and principles, however, should be generally applicable, and provide insights for all regions of the world, including those of lesser biodiversity. Satisfies Central Menu Area 4 for Bio majors. Prerequisite: BIO 101, or BIO 43 or HUMBIO 2A with consent of instructor. Graduate level students will be expected to conduct a literature research exercise leading to a written paper, addressing a topic of their choosing, derived from any of the themes discussed in class.

BIO 208: Spanish in Science/Science in Spanish (EARTHSYS 207, LATINAM 207)

For graduate and undergraduate students interested in the natural sciences and the Spanish language. Students will acquire the ability to communicate in Spanish using scientific language and will enhance their ability to read scientific literature written in Spanish. Emphasis on the development of science in Spanish-speaking countries or regions. Course is conducted in Spanish and intended for students pursuing degrees in the sciences, particularly disciplines such as ecology, environmental science, sustainability, resource management, anthropology, and archeology.

OSPGEN 63: Bio-Cultural Diversity and Community-Based Conservation in Oaxaca

Examine the conservation and use of natural resources by indigenous communities through the disciplines of ecology and indigenous culture. Test if/how academic institutions and rural indigenous institutions can jointly undertake the challenge of sustainably managing biological resources. Two complementary experiences: i) short components at the beginning and end, visiting Mexico¿s National Commission of Biodiversity and UNAM in Mexico City; and ii) work in the City of Oaxaca and two indigenous communities, Ixtlán and San Juan Jayacatlán, which are regarded as exemplary in sustainable use of biodiversity

BIO 375: Field Ecology & Conservation

This course is based on question-driven research in the field, addressing both conceptual frameworks and methodological aspects of evolutionary ecology and conservation biology. It consists of faculty-led research projects and student independent projects. The field part takes place in a tropical rain forest research station in Mexico September 5-15, 2014. The field component is followed by sessions on campus, where the research data are analyzed, discussed and prepared as scientific papers. The training includes presentations of the papers in a mini-symposium organized as a professional meeting.

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