Course Information
Foundations of Inquiry
Online Dates: May 16 - August 4, 2023
In-Person Dates: June 12-16, 2023
Discover the world around you by making observations, asking questions and putting your predictions to the test. This class explores the use of inquiry and inquiry-based learning. Participants will not only learn the art of creating comparative questions and designing simple tests to find answers, but will also learn how to apply these skills for use in their classrooms or communities to create change and become local leaders.
AIP Year 1 Required Course
3 credit hours
Summer: Online Miami course with five days of experiential learning at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cost: $1,560 total (Includes all tuition and fees for both the University and the Zoo)
Course Themes:
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Conduct a simple inquiry in small groups to review the importance of observation
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Assess audiences before beginning an inquiry as step one in the inquiry cycle
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Conduct an inquiry that focuses on critical thinking skills and how an instructor's language promotes critical thinking
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Understand the importance of interdisciplinary teaching and learning in science, math, literacy, and the arts
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Facilitate the steps of the inquiry process in their classroom or community, leading to the final step: forming new questions for investigation
Primate Behavior and Conservation
Online Dates: May 16 - August 4, 2023
In-Person Dates: June 21-23 & July 13-14, 2023
Participants investigate conservation and behavior through direct observation of primates at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Opportunities for comparative study range from exploring social structure to communication or exhibit design. This course will provide a foundation for understanding research methods and conservation issues. We will also examine how course topics can be applied and adapted to teaching in local educational settings.
3 credit hours
Fall: Online Miami course with five days of experiential learning on-site at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cost: $1,560 total (Includes all tuition and fees for both the University and the Zoo)
Course Themes:
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Classification of natural history of primates
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Primate conservation
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Design and methods of behavioral studies
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Curricular development and educational leadership
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Inquiry-based learning
Ecophysiology: Biomimicry
Online Dates: May 16 - August 4, 2023
In-Person Dates: June 19-20 & July 10-12, 2023
How could a butterfly inspire your next design? Humans and wildlife both face the same environmental challenges, but nature adapts to its situations in sustainable ways. Participants in this course will explore the ways in which humans can (and do) emulate systems and designs found in nature. Students will fine tune their observation skills and complete a design challenge using nature as their guide.
3 credit hours
Summer: Online Miami course with five days of experiential learning on-site at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cost: $1,560 total (Includes all tuition and fees for both the University and the Zoo)
Course Themes:
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Inquiry-based learning
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Conduct an inquiry-driven design challenge based on the use of biomimetics
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Further develop observation skills
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Think critically and scientifically about the ways in which nature can offer sustainable solutions to environmental problems
Master Plan in Action
Online Dates: January 23 - May 5, 2023
In-Person Dates: February 12, March 12 & April 23, 2023
*This course is available only to full AIP Master's students.
In this course, participants will perform a large body of work towards their Master Plan. Although the course is self-directed, students will meet four times for morning peer review sessions to discuss their progress and offer advice and assistance with each other’s design and data analysis.
AIP Year 1 Required Course
3 credit hours
Spring: Online Miami course with three Saturdays of experiential learning on-site at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cost: $1,560 total (Includes all tuition and fees for both the University and the Zoo)
Course Themes:
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Develop a timeline for completion of the Master Plan, including inquiry projects, Leadership Challenges and e-Portfolio.
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Begin developing a cohesive body of work for inclusion in e-Portfolio, potentially design and implement side projects to enhance the overall quality of their Master Plan project(s).
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Apply an understanding of experimental design and data analysis
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Critical peer review
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Critical examination of research methodologies from published studies
Human Dimensions of Conservation
Online Dates: August 21 - December 1, 2023
In-Person Dates: September 9-10 & October 7-8, 2023
Conserving wildlife is a complex endeavor that requires the integration of sound science from both the social and natural sciences. This course will explore how the social sciences can inform conservation. A growing field of study that draws from several of the social sciences is human dimensions of wildlife. This course will examine how human dimensions emerged as a field of scientific inquiry and why it is important. It will provide an overview of the social science concepts and methods that are the foundation of human dimensions. Students will consider how current conservation issues can be addressed through an understanding of human thought and action. Students will use the human dimensions approach to address a current conservation issue and by the conclusion of the course, they will be able to identify tools, frameworks, and concepts that can be used to influence human behavior to effectively conserve wildlife.
AIP Year 1 Required Course
3 credit hours
Summer: Online Miami course with four days of experiential learning on-site at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cost: $1,560 total (Includes all tuition and fees for both the University and the Zoo)
Course Themes:
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Support the role and importance of human dimensions research and application in wildlife conservation.
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Interpret the foundational social science concepts and theories of human dimensions of wildlife conservation.
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Assess natural resource issues from varying stakeholder perspectives.
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Develop a framework for stakeholder engagement process to help drive conservation planning
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Interpret diverse conservation issues and justify human dimensions science applications.
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Engage in reflective and evaluative peer review in face-to-face environments and on the web to provide colleagues with personal insight, new perspectives or analyses, ideas for useful applications, and connections to other research and projects.
Project Design and Assessment
Online Dates: August 21 - December 1, 2023
In-Person Dates: September 17, October 15, and November 12, 2023
Participants in this course work to take their scientific study design skills to the next level. Explore statistical thinking and how to construct successful studies in natural and social science. Participants will conduct studies of their own design and, in doing so, engage in different ways researchers and others collect and analyze data.
3 credit hours
Fall: Online Miami course with three days of experiential learning on-site at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cost: $1,560 total (Includes all tuition and fees for both the University and the Zoo)
Course Themes:
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Engage with each other to interpret introductory statistical theory and assess statistical tests for their usefulness given different experimental models in a hypothesis testing format.
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Design, conduct, and analyze a research project using appropriate experimental design and statistical analysis.
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Evaluate, choose, and justify statistical tests based on sound experimental design.
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Propose appropriate assessment techniques for a diversity of natural science and social science projects.
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Engage the differences between qualitative and quantitative data collection efforts, and reflect on the appropriate analyses for a study question.
Environmental Stewardship in My Community
Online Dates: January 23 - May 5, 2023
In-Person Dates: March 4-5 & April 1-2, 2023
Participants investigate environmental stewardship, research science and conservation opportunities and solutions in their local communities, practice inquiry-based learning, develop a conservation project with their community or classroom, and reflect on ecological footprints. At the end of this course, participants will have a solid understanding of community-based conservation, with a particular emphasis on current issues facing local habitats in the communities where they live. Students will also explore and begin to design stewardship strategies for empowering their own community members to generate solutions and take action.
3 credit hours
Spring: Online Miami course with four days of experiential learning on-site at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cost: $1,560 total (Includes all tuition and fees for both the University and the Zoo)
Course Themes:
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Interpret the life sciences through conservation issues and current research being conducted in local communities to understand the causes and impacts; critically analyze solutions to these issues.
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Explore and apply the principles of sustainability and community-based conservation.
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Design strategies for engaging community members or students in local conservation action.
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Assess human demand on the planet’s ecosystems by exploring ecological impacts and formulate ideas for increasing and supporting sustainability within communities.
Regional Ecology
Online Dates: August 21 - December 1, 2023
In-Person Dates: September 23-24 & October 21-22, 2023
Through online course readings and in-person experiences throughout Northeast Ohio, this course explores regional wildlife conservation issues, as well as field investigation techniques that scientists and the public can use to study and conserve local ecoregions and wildlife. Student-conducted investigations will be used to contribute to local ecological knowledge by describing natural systems, noting differences in habitats, and identifying environmental trends and issues. This course focuses on a variety of local ecoregions and the conservation issues impacting them.
3 credit hours
Fall: Online Miami course with four days of experiential learning on-site at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo or other designated location.
Cost: $1,560 total (Includes all tuition and fees for both the University and the Zoo)
Course Themes:
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Understand the relationship between species and their habitats and the importance of biological diversity.
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Investigate climate patterns and plant/animal adaptations characteristic of different regions and ecosystems.
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Explore current research and conservation issues relevant to different landscapes.
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Develop an action plan designed to engage your audience in taking conservation action that will minimize negative human impacts on a select ecological region.