Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

ESS 450V - Independent Study and/or Senior Research (1-3) F


This is a variable credit independent research or problem/solution based inquiry. This independent study course is expected to consist of a distinct question-based or problem-based, solution-oriented endeavor that engages the student in applying ecological, environmental or sustainability skills toward a real-world problem. This course is not intended to be a literature research course alone, but a problem-solving or question-answering endeavor. Students (with facilitation by the instructor or mentor) identify the area of particular interest and propose an appropriate project: a question to study, hypothesis to test or problem solve. Depending on the project type, the project will include an analytical element, for example, data collection and analysis, cost-benefit analysis, multi-criteria decision analysis, etc. Projects may be in the form of a traditional scientific hypothesis-testing or data-collecting research project (field, lab, metadata, etc.) ending in a scientific paper, a feasibility study ending in a technical paper, or a problem identification - solution proposal study ending in a white paper or other acceptable product. Independent study courses will end with the submission of an agreed upon product, most likely a formal paper and/or formal presentation. 1-3 hours.

Prerequisite: ESS 2123 .