Biology: Soundscapes and Behavior Rsch

Students will participate in all aspects of a research project while learning to navigate the messiness of real-world data. Students will develop research questions on topics related to marine soundscape ecology, marine animal bioacoustics, and cetacean ecology, behavior, and conservation. Prerequisites: BIOL 1450, BCOR 1450, or BCOR 1425; or BIOL 1000, BIOL 1005.

Prereqs enforced: BIOL 1450, BCOR 1450, or BCOR 1425. Catamount Core: N1 ML SCI 217 PACE students with permission and override Students interested in marine biology research are encouraged to enroll

http://www.uvm.edu/cas/biology/courses

This 4-credit course is designed as a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) focused on Soundscapes and Behavior. Drawing on a database of over 7 million minutes of underwater acoustic recordings, the course offers students the opportunity to design and conduct original, independent research projects that use sound as a tool to study marine organisms and their habitats. The course includes 4 hours of structured instruction each week dedicated to developing bioacoustic research skills—such as data processing, use of acoustic software, and applications of machine learning—and 8–12 hours outside of class for data analysis and project development. The overarching goal is to equip students with transferable analytical and technical skills applicable to a wide range of careers within and beyond academia. Because space is limited, this course is strongly recommended for students interested in marine biology careers, particularly those pursuing the Individually Designed Minor in Marine Biology or those who have not yet had the opportunity to participate in research.

The course also involves learning, time management, scientific ethics, responsibility, and collaboration. At the end of the semester, students deliver a(1) written manuscript; (2) an education activity for UVM 4H, (3) an oral presentation at the course Symposium, and (4) a poster at the UVM Student Research Conference in April.

Research and broader impact activities are evaluated weekly using various evaluation tools.