LAMS325 Desert Science Travel Course 3cr

This domestic travel course will provide an introduction to the biodiversity of flora and
fauna of the deserts of the Southwest U.S. through on-site immersion, camping and field
explorations. This course is a hands-on, novel exploration of the integration of science,
nature, and art. Through scientific methodology, close observation, and art-making in the field,
we will conduct research on ecological, behavioral, and morphological aspects of desert
flora and fauna in their natural habitats. The unique wildlife and distinct habitats of the
Southwest deserts have long been a source of wonder and inspiration for naturalists,
biologists and artists. The starkly varied environments of the Chihuahuan and Sonoran
Deserts (in NM and AZ) offer a unique opportunity for artists to get hands-on biological research
experience in some of the world’s most unique ecosystems. The Chihuahuan and Sonoran Desert
regions have the highest levels of species endemism in North America (over 2000 species of
plants and animals found only in these eco regions). This course takes an interdisciplinary
approach by creatively combining various methods of field biology data collection and art-making
to conduct novel, collaborative Field BioArt research. The Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts’
pristine, unique, and abundant wildlife is made accessible by the well managed and protected
National and State Parks in New Mexico and Arizona. The natural habitat will be our
studio+lab to develop and explore innovative, creative methods of biological inquiry and
hybrid, experimental art.

Prerequisites: LALW-100 & FRSM-100

TRAVEL COURSE

Fall Only