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California Ecology and Conservation

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About the program

California Ecology and Conservation is an undergraduate field program that brings together students from across the UC system for seven weeks of intensive scientific training at NRS reserves. Guided by experienced field instructors, students complete a series of increasingly independent research studies while learning to detect natural patterns, frame questions into feasible research projects, and apply field techniques. At the conclusion of each project, students analyze their data and present their findings in oral presentations, posters, and written reports. Students hone their research, public speaking, and scientific writing skills with constant practice and feedback while gaining a working familiarity with California’s diverse ecosystems.


My research, writing, and public speaking skills have improved and I am certain that
this is a result of this class.
Ian Perrett
Ian Perrett
Summer 2017, UC Los Angeles

This course helped to demystify the idea of research. We all learned to look at science
as a completely accessible process, and a fantastically rewarding one.
Tanner Dulay
Tanner DulaySpring 2016, UC Santa Cruz

We were given tons of room to be creative with our research topics. I was excited to see the
entire project through because I genuinely had interest in the topic.
Andy Cardoza
Andray CardozaSummer 2016, UC Santa Barbara

Before this I had never conducted research or worked in a lab, but now I am very comfortable
with the scientific process.
California Ecology and Conservation 1
Kai WilmsenSpring 2016, UC Santa Barbara

The most valuable aspect of the course is having daily, direct, easy access to two awesome
professors who are very experienced in the field.
Rachel Friesen
Rachel FriesenFall 2016, UC Davis

The immersive nature of this course really pushed me outside of my comfort zone and taught me
how to do science in a way that I do not think I could have learned in a traditional classroom.
Annie Radigan
Annie RadiganFall 2016, Los Angeles

I loved getting to spend the summer in some of the most beautiful places in California with
a group of amazing people.
California Ecology and Conservation 2
Hannah RoodenrijsSummer 2016, UC Berkeley

Contact us

CAecology@ucop.edu
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