Syllabus


Course Requirements


Credits & Fees


Instructor

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 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 via the Pyle center (non-credit). See Credits and Fees for more information.  Qualified degree-seeking students may enroll with the consent of the instructor.

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.

Course requirements

This 12-week course involves 2 lectures per week that you may access at any time during the week. There are also three online discussions, a few assignments, and two quizzes distributed through the semester. Students taking the course for 2 credits are also required to complete an independent project that may take the form of a short documentary, a website, a lesson plan, or other format if approved by the instructor.  Download the syllabus for complete course information.

Credits & Fees

This course is open to in-service teachers for credit or non-credit, members of the general public (non-credit only), and regular degree-seeking students already enrolled at UW-Madison. Follow the UW-Madison registration procedure specific to the category of student you are in.  Formal UW-Madison enrollment procedures take some time; if you would like to hold a space in the course while you proceed with formal enrollment, please contact the instructor. Note that holding a space for you does not constitute official enrollment in the course. You will not be able to access course materials until you are officially enrolled by one of the methods below:

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. For more information send an email to:

File last updated: 11 August, 2011
Feedback, questions or accessibility issues: contact the instructor