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UCSD Courses That Use the NRS

Ecology Laboratory (BIEB 121)

Dr. Heather Henter, Dr. Elsa Cleland

A laboratory course to familiarize students with ecological problem solving and methods. Students will perform outdoor field work and use the Macintosh computer for data exploration and analysis. Two hours of lecture and eight hours of laboratory each week.

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Wilderness and Human Values (ENVR 140)

Dr. Matthew Herbst

"Wilderness" plays a central role in the consciousness of American environmentalists and serves as focal point for public policies, recreation, and political activism. This course explores its evolving historical, philosophical, ecological, and aesthetic meanings and includes guest speakers and a field component.

History of Environmentalism

Dr. Mark Hineline

History of human effects on the natural environment, with emphasis on understanding the roles of the physical and biological sciences in providing insights into environmental processes.

Natural Disasters (SIO 15)

Dr. Gabe Laski

Introduction to environmental perils and their impact on everyday life. Geological and meteorological processes, including earthquakes, volcanic activity, large storms, global climate change, mass extinctions throughout Earth's history, and human activity that causes and prevents natural disasters.

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Introduction to Field Geology (SIO 100)

Dr. Lisa Tauxe

Mapping and interpretation of geologic units. Field work is done locally and the data are analyzed in the laboratory. There will be one mandatory weekend field trip to Anza Borrego State Park. Program and/or material fee may apply.

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Marine Biology Laboratory (SIO 136)

Introductory laboratory course in current principles and techniques applicable to research problems in marine biology. Field component includes introduction to intertidal, salt marsh, or other marine ecosystems. Program or material fee may apply. Prerequisites: BILD 3 and SIO 132 or SIO 134 or consent of instructor. (S)

Phycology (SIO 183)

Dr. Jennifer Smith

Lecture and laboratory course emphasizing the biology, ecology and taxonomy of marine plants and seaweeds. Laboratory work mainly involves examination, slide preparation and dissection of fresh material collected locally. An oral presentation on a current research topic is required. Program or course fee may apply. Prerequisites: BILD 3 or consent of instructor. (W)

Rock and Paleomagnetism (SIO 247)

Dr. Lisa Tauxe

Rock magnetism and acquisition of magnetic remanence in geological materials as well as laboratory procedures and data analysis (isolating remanence components and statistical approaches). The paleomagnetic literature will be used to illustrate applications in geological and geophysical problems.

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Wetlands Ecology Conservation and Management (SIO 286)

Dr. Lisa Levin


This course investigates global issues in marine conservation and potential policy solutions. The approach is interdisciplinary, fast-paced, and discussion oriented. Students will become acquainted with sufficient background in marine biology, ecology, marine and conservation economics, international law, and policy as preparation for participation in discussion on real-world issues in marine conservation. Topics and instructors change each quarter.

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Conservation Solutions (ENVR 102)

Dr. Heather Henter

Students will be introduced to the natural and human history and management challenges of Dawson reserve. Students will then build on their knowledge through their own research and this will include exploring the reserve, reading literature, and interviewing local experts. Students will create a project-oriented curriculum for a local high school, along with blogs and videos to support that curriculum.