THE AER LAB AT QUEEN'S
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WILD 475 Desert Ecology

*This course was offered at McGill*

A two week team-taught field course exploring relationships between climate, geology, landforms, biodiversity, biotic adaptations and ecosystem conditions in the arid regions of Arizona and southern California. Focus is on the Sonoran and Mojave deserts but includes the transitions to adjacent grassland and forest biomes of the Sky Islands and Colorado Plateau. Exploration of issues arising from human use of land and water, and conservation in arid environments. Experiential learning involving team and individual projects and assignments before and during the field trip.

Enrollment is limited to ~20. The course begins and ends in Phoenix AZ. Students are responsible for their transportation to/from Phoenix. Other course costs (transport, camping, admissions and most meals) will be discussed at the information session held in the Fall term of the academic year that the field trip is given. The course requires camping and living under desert conditions.

Restriction(s): Restricted to U2 and U3 students.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructors is required to register. To be eligible students are required to have at least one systems-focused course, one ecology course and two organismal courses. Students should consult the instructors for list of appropriate courses.

Header photo credit: G. McCourt

What Strachan has to say:

“This was my first time involved in the Desert Ecology teaching team; what a fantastic experience! It was great to be able to bring elements of climate and weather to a course filled with bright, enthusiastic and dedicated students. Several atmospheric experiments added to the fun”

When and where:

Offered every other year in the Winter term with field work for two weeks in April/May. Next offered: Winter 2022

Information session: Fall 2021 - date TBA





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Contact : Prof. Ian B. Strachan
Department of Geography and Planning
Mackintosh-Corry Hall, Room E208
Kingston, ON K7L 3N6
Canada

 © 2015-25 Dr. Ian Strachan; created Nov 15, 2015
Last updated April, 2025
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  • Home
  • Meet the AER-Heads
    • AER Lab Alums
  • Opportunities
  • Our Research
    • Drained Peatlands
    • Restored peatlands
    • Marsh wetlands
    • Reservoir GHG
    • Agricultural systems
  • Teaching
  • Contact Us