2021 Update: Spring, summer, and fall 2021 courses will be held, and extensive COVID mitigation protocols have been developed to offer field courses safely. If you are interested in learning more about the 2021 CEC courses, please see links and flyers below.
Summer 2021 applications close Feb. 5th, 2021. You are encouraged you to apply!
CEC course page for more information - https://ucnrs.org/teaching/cec/
CEC course page for more information - https://ucnrs.org/teaching/cec/
CEC UC Merced Flyer
California Ecology and Conservation, launched in Fall 2015, has been a tremendous success. Over 350 students from across the UC system have gained strong independent scientific research skills while immersed in the training grounds of the UC natural reserves, from Big Sur to the Mojave Desert, from coastal redwoods to California grasslands to high altitude bristlecone pines. Check out this video to get glimpses of what students are calling the most rewarding experience in their undergraduate careers. Here is what some alumni have said about the experience:
"This course has made me fall in love with the process of science!" - UC Davis student
"My research, writing, and public speaking skills have improved and I am certain that this is a result of this class." - UC Los Angeles student
"This course has given me an in-depth understanding of scientific research that I haven't gained anywhere else. I have learned more about what a career in this field would look like in the last 50 days than the rest of my undergraduate career." - UC Santa Cruz student
"I loved getting to spend the summer in some of the most beautiful places in California with a group of amazing people". - UC Berkeley student
California Ecology and Conservation brings together 27 undergraduates from across the UC system for seven weeks of intensive learning at NRS reserves. Experienced field instructors help undergraduates transform into scientists. Students complete a series of increasingly independent research studies while learning to notice natural patterns, frame questions into feasible research projects, and practice standard field techniques. At the conclusion of each project, students analyze their data and present their findings in oral presentations and written reports. Students hone their research, public speaking, and scientific writing skills with constant practice and feedback. All the while, students gain a working familiarity with California’s diverse ecosystems.
All UC undergraduates who have a 2.5+ GPA, are in good standing with their home campus, and have successfully completed an introductory biology course are eligible to apply.
California Ecology and Conservation, launched in Fall 2015, has been a tremendous success. Over 350 students from across the UC system have gained strong independent scientific research skills while immersed in the training grounds of the UC natural reserves, from Big Sur to the Mojave Desert, from coastal redwoods to California grasslands to high altitude bristlecone pines. Check out this video to get glimpses of what students are calling the most rewarding experience in their undergraduate careers. Here is what some alumni have said about the experience:
"This course has made me fall in love with the process of science!" - UC Davis student
"My research, writing, and public speaking skills have improved and I am certain that this is a result of this class." - UC Los Angeles student
"This course has given me an in-depth understanding of scientific research that I haven't gained anywhere else. I have learned more about what a career in this field would look like in the last 50 days than the rest of my undergraduate career." - UC Santa Cruz student
"I loved getting to spend the summer in some of the most beautiful places in California with a group of amazing people". - UC Berkeley student
California Ecology and Conservation brings together 27 undergraduates from across the UC system for seven weeks of intensive learning at NRS reserves. Experienced field instructors help undergraduates transform into scientists. Students complete a series of increasingly independent research studies while learning to notice natural patterns, frame questions into feasible research projects, and practice standard field techniques. At the conclusion of each project, students analyze their data and present their findings in oral presentations and written reports. Students hone their research, public speaking, and scientific writing skills with constant practice and feedback. All the while, students gain a working familiarity with California’s diverse ecosystems.
All UC undergraduates who have a 2.5+ GPA, are in good standing with their home campus, and have successfully completed an introductory biology course are eligible to apply.
How to apply: California Ecology and Conservation will be offered every Spring, Summer, and Fall term. More information, including application deadlines, can be found on the course website.
