Course Information
AIP WEB+ COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Foundations of Inquiry
Online Dates: May 18 - August 7, 2021
In-Person Dates: June 14-18, 2021
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 learn how to apply these skills for use in their classrooms or communities to create change and become local leaders.
AIP: Year 1
Required as first course in AIP
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:
- Conduct a simple inquiry in small groups to review the importance of observation
- Assess audiences before beginning an inquiry as step one in the inquiry cycle
- Conduct an inquiry that focuses on critical thinking skills and how an instructor's language promotes critical thinking
- Understand the importance of interdisciplinary teaching and learning in science, math, literacy, and the arts
- Facilitate the steps of the inquiry process in their classroom or community, leading to the final step: forming new questions for investigation
Zoo Expeditions: Primate Behavior and Conservation
Online Dates: May 19- August 7, 2021
In-Person Dates: June 7-9 and July 12-13, 2021
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.
AIP: Year 2
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:
- Classification of natural history of primates
- Primate conservation
- Design and methods of behavioral studies
- Curricular development and educational leadership
- Inquiry-based learning
Ecophysiology: Biomimicry
Online Dates: May 18 - August 7, 2020
In-Person Dates: June 24-25 and July 19-21, 2021
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.
AIP Year 3
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:
- Inquiry-based learning
- Conduct an inquiry-driven design challenge based on the use of biomimetics
- Further develop observation skills
- Think critically and scientifically about the ways in which nature can offer sustainable solutions to environmental problems
Master Plan in Action (Fall Semester)
Online Dates: August 24 - December 5, 2020
In-Person Dates: September 12, October 17, and November 14, 2020
*Due to COVID-19 all in-person meetings for 2020 fall courses will be held virtually.
*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 2
2 credit hours
Fall: Online Miami course with three Saturdays of experiential learning on-site at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cost: $950 total (Includes all tuition and fees for both the University and the Zoo)
Master Plan in Action (Spring Semester)
Online Dates: January 25 - May 8, 2021
In-Person Dates: February 20, March 13, and April 10, 2021
*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 2
2 credit hours
Fall: 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:
- Develop a timeline for completion of the Master Plan, including inquiry projects, Leadership Challenges and e-Portfolio.
- 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).
- Apply an understanding of experimental design and data analysis
- Critical peer review
- Critical examination of research methodologies from published studies
Human Dimensions of Conservation
Online Dates: August 23 - December 4, 2021
In-Person Dates: September 11-12 and October 16-17, 2021
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
3 credit hours
Summer: Online Miami course with four days of experiential learning on-site at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cost: $1,425 total (Includes all tuition and fees for both the University and the Zoo)
Course Themes:
- Support the role and importance of human dimensions research and application in wildlife conservation.
- Interpret the foundational social science concepts and theories of human dimensions of wildlife conservation.
- Assess natural resource issues from varying stakeholder perspectives.
- Develop a framework for stakeholder engagement process to help drive conservation planning
- Interpret diverse conservation issues and justify human dimensions science applications.
- 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.