Ecological Principles
I learned the fundamentals of ecology, including, but certainly not limited to, nitrogen and nutrient cycling, abiotic and biotic interaction, and population ecology.
In the laboratory class, we learned how to identify native vegetation (and some non native!) in the Pine Barrens as well as conduct different types of sampling methods: percent cover evaluation, line transect, and point quarter. I also closely familiarized myself with Excel.
Statistics and Computers
I learned how to perform (with calculator) 1 sample and 2 sample T-Tests, ANOVAs (Analysis of Variance), Chi Squared, and Regression methods.
Computer lab time consisted of using SAS, the Statistical Analysis System, a highly integrated piece of software which allows the user to perform, among other things, statistical analysis in the blink of an eye, using large data sets.
Wine: Geography and Sustainability
With many field trips to the wineries and vineyards themselves, I learned all about viticulture and the sustainability initiatives involved in winemaking. I gained an understanding of how wine industries operate, from the soil to the bottle. I gave a 10 minute presentation on cork.
Physical Geography
This class revolved around the 4 components of earth: atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. Global warming and climate change were two very important topics. I also learned how to scrutinize and dissect the authenticity of maps. Used components of ArcMap and ArcGIS.
Wildlife Management
Conservation biology, the implication of management decisions, maintaining ecological integrity while making those decisions, value
of biodiversity, and preservation were all stressed themes. Also, I learned how to age deer by dentition.
Invasive Species Ecology
Environmental Issues
I exercised critical analysis of natural and manmade disasters and a combination thereof. I used GIS to create maps of certain New Jersey locales and focused on many things, such as land use and water pollution. I also took part in conducting a carbon emissions audit for the city of Absecon, by developing a framework to help the municipality become more sustainable.
I learned about the impacts of invasive species within non-native habitat as well as the barriers in which exotic species must overcome in order to become invasive. I wrote a research paper and gave a presentation on Didymosphenia geminata.
Throughout many of these courses, I was involved with many group projects and presentations. With this, I learned how to collaborate with others on large assignments. By taking these classes, I have been exposed to a very specialized school of thought as well as accustomed to a whole set of terminology unlike many others.
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