Advanced Field Studies in Functional Ecology

Course not offered in 2026. Plants and animals from cold alpine environments have evolved strategies to enable them to survive freezing temperatures and short growing seasons. While in tropical rainforests, they have evolved to deal with wet, often dark conditions where they rarely encounter other members of their own species. Finding suitable places to settle, grow and reproduce is a challenge. In both environments plants and animals have evolved special morphologies, physiologies and behaviours that influence the way they interact with other species, and that allow them deal with extreme conditions. If you would like to conduct original field research on plants and animals in a beautiful field site, this intensive residential field course may be for you. The advanced version of this course is aimed at students who have completed 2000 level science courses and are interested to explore and develop an independent research project. Working with practitioners, students develop independent field research projects in plant and animal ecology. We explore the ways that diverse organisms respond to conditions in their environments and acquire the resources they need to survive, grow and reproduce: their functional ecology. The course location varies among years, but regardless of location the same theoretical principles will be explored in the context of protected area management, conservation and climate change. By exploring the functional ecology of plants and animals simultaneously, students develop an understanding of the differences and commonalities among organisms. Students develop skills in research including project design and execution, data analysis and interpretation, and oral and written presentation of results. Students will get to apply a wide array of field techniques used in ecophysiology and behavioural ecology. Students will also engage in supported peer mentoring and peer review processes. Our aim is to give participants a chance to do real science and to embrace being an independent scientist. In addition to the hard research skills, we explore keys to effective collaboration and collegial interactions. The experience enables students to approach their later year studies with a new perspective and will provide real-world skills relevant in both science and non-science careers. Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately.