Field Courses

Field Botany (BIOL 3229): A field course stressing identification, classification and habitat of the vascular plants, particularly of the Piedmont, but also including the Coastal Plain and the mountains of North Carolina.Six hours a day for 9 days.

Field Entomology (BIOL 3234): A hands-on course that blends field techniques, classification, and real-world exploration. Students collect, pin, identify, and label specimens while delving into insect systematics, physiology, phylogenetics, anatomy, ecology, and life histories – focusing on Southeast species. The course thrives on collaborative learning and extensive field experience – running for 10 exciting days, resulting in students receiving a well-deserved laboratory credit. Critical skills gained by biology majors in the course:

•  Field Research Techniques: Mastering hands-on methods for collecting, processing, and preserving biological specimens in natural environments.
• Taxonomic Identification and Classification: Developing expertise in insect systematics, phylogenetics, and identifying orders, families, and species.
• Understanding Physiological and Ecological Principles: Gaining insights into insect anatomy, behavior, evolution, and their roles in biodiversity and conservation.
• Scientific Communication and Presentation: Building skills in presenting research on specific insect orders and applying entomological knowledge to broader scientific contexts.

Field Ecology (BIOL 3244): Creates North Carolina naturalists by employing common field methods to explore the native flora and fauna. Introduction to modern field ecology by understanding its development from natural history. Class lectures teach the basics of a number of interdisciplinary fields within ecology. Field exercises offer a variety of sampling techniques, designs, and protocols to identify and study local plants and animals. Current literature is used to support these exercises.