Working closely with faculty, student teams investigate selected ecological, resource management or policy issues. All projects have scientific and societal relevance, and contribute to ongoing/existing projects in the region. Students use the scientific method to design and carry out their projects. Development of rigorous field investigations, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing are emphasized. Students prepare a research report and present their findings in a seminar that includes stakeholders and people from the local community. Prereq: junior/senior; permission. Coreq: NR 660, NR 661, and NR 662. Writing intensive.