Course Description
This course provides an introduction to access and use of digital biodiversity data. Students will learn to discover freely accessible biodiversity occurrence records on the internet; learn where different data types come from, how they are curated, and their underlying structure; and explore their use in research, conservation, and education.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
Specific Learning Objectives
- Describe different types of biodiversity occurrence data.
- Perform queries of biodiversity data portals
- Evaluate interdependencies among individuals, institutions, political entities, and global initiatives for biodiversity conservation.
- Communicate effectively through speaking and visual presentation about biodiversity data.
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| In-class Participation (asking questions and critical reviews of readings and lectures) | 10% |
| Lab Modules (usually screenshots of your work or written short answers) | 25% |
| Article Evaluations | 25% |
| Final Project Data Collection | 10% |
| Final Project Presentation | 20% |
| Field trip Participation and Behavior | 10% |
Grade Scale:
Grading Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 92.00% - 100% | A |
| 90% - 91.99% | A- |
| 88.01% - 89.99% | B+ |
| 82.00% - 88% | B |
| 80% - 81.99% | B- |
| 78.01% - 79.99% | C+ |
| 72.00% - 78% | C |
| 70% - 71.99% | C- |
| 68.01% - 69.99% | D+ |
| 62.00% - 68% | D |
| 60.00% – 61.99% | D- |
| <60% | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Synchronous and in-person attendance is required at all class meetings unless advised otherwise by the instructor or the university. If you miss activities due to circumstances beyond your control, let the instructor know before or immediately after your absence (within 1 hour of start time). If you know ahead of time that you will miss major in-class activities, notify the instructor in advance so that arrangements can be made accordingly.
There are no scheduled make-up times for lectures or presentations (either your own, or those of others).
Fall Break Field Trip: This course includes a MANDATORY 3-day, 2 night field trip during the official UNCG-scheduled Fall Break. Not attending the trip will result in a non-passing grade in the course.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
No course materials are required.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.