Undergraduate Field Courses

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Undergraduate Field Courses

Undergraduate Field Courses

UNDERC provides opportunities to promote understanding of field biology and how field research is conducted for 10 weeks throughout the summer in the northwoods of Wisconsin and Michigan. 

Tuition, housing for the summer field courses, and transportation from Notre Dame to the field sites are paid for by UNDERC. Participants receive:

  • $5000 stipend
  • $500 research budget for supplies (Track 2 only)
  • Unique research opportunity

Deadline

Application Deadline for Track 1 program is Friday, November 17, 2023

UNDERC 2024 Track 1 Flyer

Courses

Underc 06
BIOS 35501-01: Introduction to UNDERC

A one-credit introductory course during the spring semester provides students with the basic background in aquatic, terrestrial, and environmental biology necessary for the field course. Training in the design of experiments, data collection and analysis, and the presentation of research results are included. Student materials (weekly handouts, PowerPoint presentations, etc.) are posted online for off-campus students not able to attend or enroll in the course.

 

BIOS 35502-01: Practicum in Field Environmental Biology, Track 1

This opportunity is offered to individuals at any stage of their undergraduate education that have an interest in gaining training and research experience in field biology. You will receive a structured introduction to field biology through a mixture of classroom and field training at the UNDERC facility. Classroom training includes visits to the George W. Brown, Jr. Ojibwe Museum and Cultural Center and the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission.  Classwork will also promote understanding of Native American attitudes towards the environment for non-Native American students. The summer is broken up into four learning modules including - vertebrate ecology, invertebrate ecology, aquatic ecology and forest ecology. This training will be leveraged by the class to conduct a summer-long collaborative research project.  

  • 10-week summer course from May through July
  • Students from Notre Dame and other universities
  • Consideration is given to Native American and Puerto Rican students
  • Focus on a variety of taxa and natural habitats in the Michigan Upper Peninsula
  • Four 1-week modules
    • Aquatic Ecology
    • Forest Ecology
    • Invertebrate Ecology
    • Vertebrate Ecology
  • Collaborative research project
  • Research symposium in the final week of class

Students must complete the UNDERC-East Track 1 program before being considered for the UNDERC-East Track 2 program. 

UNDERC Track 1 Application

 

BIOS 35503-01: Practicum in Field Environmental Biology, Track 2

This independent research opportunity is offered to undergraduates that have completed Track 1 or have had at least one summer or semester of research experience. An UNDERC-affiliated scientist will mentor each student on the development of a research proposal, implementation of the project, analyses of the data collected, and the writing up and presentation of the project at the end of the summer. Past projects have ranged from behavioral, population, community, and ecosystem ecology to local Native American ecosystem use.

UNDERC Track 2 Applications will be available soon.

 

 

Modules

Aquatic Ecology Aquatic Ecology explores the wide range of aquatic habitats found on the property (bogs, lakes, streams), examining differences in physical and chemical features and food web structure. Students work in small groups to develop and carry out a project relating to an aquatic topic of their choice. Module culminates in a final group presentation.
Forest Ecology Forest Ecology examines the ecology and function of forests, discussing topics that range from tree species identification to measurements of tree function to remote sensing. This module includes a& field trip to a large tract of old growth forests in the Upper Peninsula. The week is completed with a class project.
Insect Ecology Insect Ecology emphasizes the taxonomy, diversity, conservation, and ecosystem function of insects in the region. Multiple surveying methods are emphasized as students work in small groups, examining a specific habitat or set of trapping techniques. Students engage in two multi-day studies that test the dynamics and response of insects. Written reports of the two experiments are required.
Vertebrate Ecology Vertebrate Ecology emphasizes taxonomy and identification of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals in the region. Also includes implementing trapping techniques in the field. Students also conduct a short experiment on species diversity or animal behavior, and read and discuss sections of Aldo Leopold’s seminal book Sand County Almanac. The course culminates with a lab practical, and short written assignments.