The University of Wisconsin-Madison Skip navigation
UW Home > Center for Biology Education > WisTEP Courses > Rainforests and Coral Reefs  





Syllabus


Credits & Fees


Enrollment Info for Teachers


Enrollment Info for Regular Students


Instructor

 

Welcome to Biology 375
Special Topics for Science Teachers:


Rainforests and Coral Reefs - Online

11-week session
SEPT 29 - DEC 12, 2008

Earn up to 2 UW credits*


Teachers: ENROLL BY SEPT 12!

 

What defines a rainforest or coral reef?
Why are they important?
What is being done to protect them?
What can we learn from them, and how can we teach about them?

 

Delve into the astounding biodiversity and intricate complexity of rainforest and coral reefs during this new web-based course designed for science teachers. This "virtual exploration" puts ecological principles and biophysical processes in the context of the Earth's most diverse ecosystems. We'll also take a critical look at current science coming out of these systems and actions we can take for their conservation.

With online lectures and discussion forums that you can participate in at any time, this course allows for maximum scheduling flexibility. It also aligns with Wisconsin academic standards in natural and environmental sciences, and is a fun, fascinating way to add to your professional development portfolio!

If you are looking to deepen your knowledge of ecology, explore ways to incorporate rainforests and coral reefs into your science curriculum, or just want to learn something new on your own time, then this course is an excellent choice for you! The class runs from Sep 29- Dec 12, 2008.

The offering of this course is contingent upon the enrollment of non-traditional students such as continuing adults, and teachers or others seeking professional development in science/environmental studies. Such students may apply online to enroll as a UW Special Student (for credit) or Guest-Auditor (non-credit). See Credits and Fees for more information.

For more detailed information on the course, please follow the links to the left. Otherwise, feel free to contact the course instructor, Dr. Catherine Woodward.

Help us advertise the course in your school or community!  Download a flier here!

 

Credits & Fees

If you are a regular degree-seeking UW undergraduate student, you must take this course for 2 credits and will be required to do assignments and take the final exam. If you are a teacher, continuing adult, or other professional, you may either take the course for 1-2 credits as a UW Special Student, OR take the course for no credit as a Guest-Auditor. Click on the links above for online application information. The fees for these two options are as outlined below:

  • Special student: $301.35/credit (WI resident)
  • Guest-auditor (appears as Audit on UW transcript, but no credits): $79
 

Enrollment Information for Teachers

To enroll in UW and register for this class, simply follow these 4 steps:

  • Apply online as a Special or Guest student, or download the application form.
  • Once you are enrolled, send your student ID number to the instructor for registration authorization in Biology 375.
  • Register for Biology 375 online at http://my.wisc.edu.
  • Pay fees at the Registrar's office or online at http://my.wisc.edu
  •  

    Enrollment Information for Regular Students

  • Contact the instructor for permission to register, giving your name, student ID number, major and reason for wanting to take the class.
  • Once you have obtained permission, register online for 2 credits as you would for your other classes.
  • Instructor

    Catherine Woodward is a tropical ecologist and educator who obtained her Ph.D. in 2005 from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. She has taught many courses at UW both as a T.A. and lecturer, including online courses in ecology and conservation. She is commited to teacher education, and besides this course also offers summer short courses in Wisconsin Tree Identification and Ecological Field Methods. She also has led ecology study abroad programs in Ecuador since 1999. Her research focuses on the effects of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity and ecological and evolutionary processes. Visit her website for more information or send an email to: