Courses
- Atmospheric and Ecosystem Measurements (ATMO 499/599 | to be listed later as ATMO HWRS 433/533) 4 units, upper division undergraduate/graduate, new course supported by NSF CAREER Award.
- Severe Weather & Climate Change Impacts (ATMO 180), 3-unit, undergraduate general education, online
Earlier:
- Atmosphere-Biosphere Interactions (RNR 555), 3 unit, graduate course, new course materials.
- Ecosystem Ecology (RNR 458/558), 3 units, upper division undergraduate/graduate.
- Ecosystem Genomics Seminar (RNR 696/496-005), 2 units, upper division undergraduate/graduate, new course.
- Ecology of Water Harvesting (RNR 696-004/496-002), 1 unit, upper and lower division collaborative course on the integration of ecological and aesthetic principles in landscape design, new course supported by Teaching Innovation Grant.
- Sustainable Earth (RNR 150), 3-unit, undergraduate general education, online
Atmospheric and Ecosystem Measurements Course
Join the class in Spring 2027! (either as ATMO/HWRS/CHEE/ENVS 433/533 or HAS independent study, TBD)
The Atmospheric and Ecosystem Measurements provides a highly practical learning experience that effectively bridges classroom theory with real-world research through hands-on instrumentation work, engaging field trips, and end-to-end data analysis. Students learn technical skills while actively testing hypotheses, analyzing data, and synthesizing their findings into scientific papers.
The class is organized into four experiential learning modules demand high engagement—whether spending 24 hours measuring personal particulate matter exposure or observing carbon fluxes in real-time at the Biosphere 2 rainforest. Guided troubleshooting and collaborative problem-solving allow students to learn from setbacks rather than just focus on correct answers. This course leads students through the complete scientific process: hypothesis generation, data collection, analysis, interpretation, reflection, and written communication.
Student comments from Spring 2026:
“I loved the follow through nature of the course. Not only did we learn about measurements, but we also learned how to work with the data and use it in a paper. These are the kind of skills that can only be learned through hands on experience in a lab setting, but it was really neat to be able to learn these skills in a classroom setting.”
“The assignments and evaluations were designed in a way that helped me understand what to expect in real-world situations. I especially liked the hands-on approach-coming up with our own hypotheses and then testing them to see what works and what doesn’t. The lab guides were also very helpful and kept me on the right track throughout the process. Overall, this class is a great example of what graduate-level courses should focus on.”
Modules:
- Carbon cycle
- Trace gases and VOCs
- Pollution chemistry
- Aerosols and personal exposure
Field trips:
- Biosphere 2
- NEON Santa Rita Ecosystem Flux Site
- TACO Rooftop Monitoring Site
- EPA Air Quality Monitoring Site
- Lab tours
- Mobile Lab Air Pollution Measurements
- Campus Ecosystem & Air Measuremen