Ecologically, California is a "state of extremes" where varied topography, temperatures, and weather patterns produce a range of ecosystems that support an incredible variety of plants and animals. Designed primarily for upper division students, this course provides firsthand experiences with a diversity of California ecosystems, from salt marshes and coastal redwoods, through vernal pools and oak woodlands, to the High Sierra.

The course consists of one evening lecture each week, followed by a half-day field trip each Friday to nearby reserves. It also features three extended weekend trips to more distant reserves. Most recently, these field trips have brought students to the McLaughlin Natural Reserve, where they focused on serpentine ecosystems; to Hastings Natural History Reservation, where they studied oak woodlands and native grasses; and to the Sagehen Creek Field Station, where they learned about the animals and plants of the High Sierra.

Postdoctoral researcher Rebecca Cheeks taught the course in 2006. "I'm new to California," she explains, "and to teach a course about the state's diverse ecosystems required that I take a crash course myself. Fortunately, the NRS reserve managers were more than willing to share their knowledge and experience - talking to the students, arranging lecturers, suggesting hikes and activities that allowed us to explore a large number of ecosystems. They were really key to the success of our trips and the course."

Most of the students are juniors and seniors interested in learning about fieldwork and how ecologists collect their data. Because many are considering academic careers, Cheeks asks them to maintain field journals, review and analyze journal articles, attend seminars on campus, and present a lecture to the class. Rather than giving a final exam, she has them write a proposal related to their career goals. The results have ranged from funding proposals to the National Science Foundation, to educational grant applications, to a business plan for an organic farm.

The class is a real eye-opener for most students. Cheeks mentions their visit to Sagehen Creek Field Station as a good example: "We had an opportunity to look at mammals in their environment. Most people think these animals are gone, but we saw their tracks in the snow. And we could ask what animals are living here, how they're living, what they're subsisting on, and how their loss would affect the entire ecosystem."

Cheeks is very pleased with the student response: "Three students, all graduating seniors, told me this is the best class they've taken at Berkeley. And even if their careers are more lab-focused, they'll always have an understanding of the importance of fieldwork."