AIP-GFP-ISP: Core Course Descriptions
Core Courses for Miami’s National and Global Master’s Degrees
The following describes courses offered through web-based learning communities for the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP), Global Field Program (GFP), and Integrative Science Program (ISP).
1-Conservation Science and Community (CSC)
2-Biology in the Age of Technology (BAT)
3-Issues in Biodiversity (IBD)
4-Issues in Evolution (IEV)
5-Leadership in Science Inquiry
6-Professional Media Workshop
7-Master’s Capstone
FIRST YEAR
ZOO/BOT 699.T Conservation Science and Community. 2 credits. Fall semesters only.
An introduction to conservation science and its application in community settings through education and participatory research. Readings include topics such as environmental values, population biology, and landscape ecology. Students apply course concepts to formal or informal learning environments through Community Engagement Labs.
ZOO/BOT 699.Y Biology in the Age of Technology (BAT). 2 credits. Spring semesters only.
Introduces new ways to engage students and communities in collaborative research and education through such technologies as camera traps, remote sensing, and GPS. This course explores new knowledge structures made possible through cyber-enabled public research and social networks. Includes Community Engagement Labs.
ZOO/BOT 699.Z Issues in Biodiversity. 2 credits. Spring semesters only.
Graduate seminar on foundational and emerging topics in biodiversity. Includes readings and group-led discussions. Topics vary year-to-year to reflect changes in the field.
SECOND YEAR
ZOO/BOT/MBI 699 Issues in Evolution. 2 credits. Fall semesters only.
Graduate seminar on foundational and emerging topics in evolution. Includes readings and group-led discussions. Topics vary year-to-year to reflect changes in the field.
ZOO/BOT/MBI 699 Leadership in Science Inquiry. 2 credits. Spring semesters only.
All students in this course direct a defined professional development program or other leadership experience targeting a specific audience. Students read and discuss different models for inquiry-driven change. This course is one of two exit courses for the Master’s degree.
ZOO/BOT/MBI 699 Professional Media Workshop. 2 credits. Spring semesters only.
Students in this workshop develop a full proposal for a work to be submitted to a professional journal or other media outlet. Students complete a critical research review as well as a study design, outline, and sample text that relates directly to their Master Plan.
THIRD YEAR
ZOO/BOT/MBI 699.X Master’s Capstone. 2 credits. Fall semesters only.
Students complete all exit requirements for the Master’s degree, including submitting an article or other media for a professional audience (completing work initiated in the Professional Media Workshop). Students also finalize their cumulative Master’s Portfolios, documenting achievements through their Master’s degree program.