Covers the identification and investigation of wildlife diseases, primarily in North America. The course will focus on mammalian, avian, amphibian, reptilian, and some aquatic wildlife, as well as the principles of disease investigation. Attention will be given to the following categories: etiology/causative agents, signs, animal hosts, geographic region, seasonality, means of transmission, pathology, human health/zoonotic risk, economic impacts, prevention, control, and effects of the disease on the population of the species involved. This course will present these topics in a manner appropriate for students from multiple disciplines. Occasionally, it will use experts in wildlife disease and management to provide students with opportunities to interact with veterinarians, biologists, and researchers in zoo and wildlife disease management.

Explore the exciting world of generative AI to tackle real-world environmental challenges. This course blends science, ethics, and practical skills. You will learn the science and ethics of large language models, like ChatGPT, master cutting-edge AI skills, apply them to analyze a practical and complex environmental problem so you can develop a nature-based solution, all while working in a supportive, collaborative setting.

Introduces students to statistical methods used in environmental science to analyze, interpret, and communicate data related to environmental science. The course emphasizes solving problems and independent learning and inquiry. Students will learn key concepts in descriptive and inferential statistics, probability distributions, hypothesis testing, regression modeling, and time series analysis. The course also covers advanced topics such as model selection and spatial data analysis. Hands-on exercises using real-world environmental datasets and statistical software (R) will provide students with practical skills in data visualization, analysis, and decision-making. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to critically evaluate environmental data and apply statistical tools to address pressing environmental challenges.

The study of ecology has a long and interesting history, from early society's efforts to understand and alter their environment as a matter of survival to the challenges the modern world is facing that are global in scale. Through the course text, distributed supplemental chapter readings and an understanding of the scientific literature, this course will cover the essential concepts and principles of ecosystem ecology as well as its history and past and present controversies. Several of the basic methods and tools of field research and the applied management of ecosystems will be discussed and demonstrated with several field excursions in the natural environs of the DC area. Central to this course will be the understanding that modern human society is an integral part of nature, with the power to impact and influence elements of the natural world at multiple scales. An analysis of policy implications for the biosphere will be discussed.