This two-week field-intensive course focuses on observation and analysis of the Colorado Front Range ecosystem. The location is Cal-Wood Education Center, a 1,200-acre outdoor classroom in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. This site offers exceptional opportunities to study a relatively pristine and highly diverse landscape. Students conduct ecosystem analysis with investigation of the geography, climatology, geology, and ecology. Ecological concepts and methods are explored in greatest detail. Instruction is delivered with inquiry-based activities incorporating observation & data collection, small working groups, direct lecture, focused exploration & 3 off-site trips. This course applies and synthesizes information learned in a classroom context to an authentic and dynamic environmental setting.

Opportunity Information

Deadline: 

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Qualifications: 

Students must enroll in a course through the University of Colorado at Boulder. More information is included below:

Course Accreditation

Approved for 3 undergraduate credits through the Environmental Studies Department of the University of Colorado at Boulder (ENVS 2100- Topics in Applied Environmental Studies.) Prerequisites are an introductory class in either biology, geography, geology or environmental studies/science. (For CU students: ENVS 1000 will suffice.) Also satisfies the field requirement for the Environmental Studies Department of the University of Colorado at Boulder. Note: non-University of Colorado at Boulder students must confirm with their university/department that credits will transfer.

Application Method: 

Non-University of Colorado at Boulder undergraduate students: must request and submit an application.The application deadline is April 1. Notifications will be sent in early April. Applicants are selected on a variety of factors such as # of openings, interest, experience, and group diversity. A $50 application fee is required. This fee will be applied to course fees if accepted or refunded if not accepted.

University of Colorado at Boulder undergraduate students: must request and submit a registration form and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. CU students may pre-register directly at the continuing Education office.

Links to more information: 

Colorado Ecosystem Field Studies

Links to more information: 

2011 Syllabus (PDF)

PDF Flier: 

Colorado Ecosystem Field Studies - 2011 Announcement