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ERS 283Ontario Natural History: Species and Patterns

Units
1.00
Faculty
Environment
Subject
Environment, Resources and Sustainability

When it runs

  1. F24
  2. W25
  3. S25
  4. F25
  5. W26
  6. S26
  7. F26
  8. W27
  9. S27

Ran in 2 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: not on the schedule. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

An introduction to natural history, the art and science of identifying organisms, and observing their behaviour and ecological interactions. The students will reside for approximately nine days in a location in Ontario that has exceptional biodiversity. They will learn about local species (with an emphasis on insects, plants, and terrestrial vertebrates), human history and conservation initiatives. Each student must complete a project on an ecological "pattern" in consultation with the professor.

Prerequisites

  • Complete all of the following
    • Must have completed the following:
    • Students must be in level 2A or higher
    • Obtained all of the following milestones: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Milestone

Antirequisites

None listed.

Leads to

No course lists it as a requisite.

Reviewed on UW Flow

85% liked it72% easy94% useful

From 13 ratings and 2 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.

  • Excellent course material and textbook.
    Be ready for heavy prep before the trip: you’ll need basic ID skills (plants, insects, trees, songbirds) before the field component, and you must complete readings, quizzes, and citizen science observations each week.
    Be aware that in the Blue Water Education Centre, only the big dorm room has a small A/C—none in the lounge or smaller rooms. Bring your own cooling solutions for heat waves.
    The professor was knowledgeable, but the schedule was unclear, and updates came last-minute. If you prefer structure, this could be frustrating. The TA was helpful but often lacked information.
    Better course management and organization could make this a…

    Jul 2026 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this

  • Equitable accommodations were not provided for gender non-conforming students within this course. Students should be aware that the Bluewater Education Center is set up into "girls" and "boys" wings. Two single rooms are available to students, although they are located within each of the gendered halls. Any concerns regarding equity issues should be reported to the Faculty and instructor as soon as possible to ensure that students do not face discrimination.

    Aug 2024 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this

Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Calendar versions

Undergraduate Calendar