International Field Study (ISS*3400)

Code and section: ISS*3400*01

Term: Summer 2025

Instructor: Travis Steffens

Details

Course Outline
Calendar Description:
This course introduces students to One Health approaches to conservation through an experiential learning opportunity at the Toronto Zoo (predeparture training) and in Madagascar. Students will work using the One Health approach to address a conservation issue facing an endangered primate group (lemurs) within a forest environment shared by people and their domestic animals.
Detailed Course Description:
In this course students may be introduced to research project design, implementation, and analysis with a focus on actual and holistic field data collection using a One Health approach. Training in research methods include the fundamentals of measuring the relationship between humans, animals, and their shared environment through natural and social science methods to assess behaviour and ecology. Students MAY be introduced (methods will change yearly) to methods of collection and preparation of samples for DNA and parasite analysis, the use of GIS in conservation, and methods for assessing the success of conservation and development activities. Daily activities and experiences are designed to demonstrate the realities of data collection within a real-world conservation and development context that leverages a One Health approach; help students assess the pros and cons of various data collection, and applied conservation techniques in practice; and to think in terms of the quantitative and qualitative measurement of key research/applied conservation variables. Training will also include skills needed to be a successful researcher and/or conservationist including teamwork, problem solving, logistics preparation, and communicating and working with people from different cultural backgrounds.

Learning Outcomes:
This course is designed to enhance students’ understanding through experiential learning the
following:
• Ability to synthesize quantitative and qualitative research from the natural and social sciences to incorporate into a research project that leverages a One Health approach.
• Apply appropriate research methodologies to address a real-world conservation issue using a One Health approach.
• Living non-human primate characteristics, adaptations, and behaviour within an environment shared with humans.
• Critically evaluate conservation programs and their real-world impact on people, wildlife, and their shared environment.
• Ability to work within an intercultural context to develop skills necessary for working within an international context or team environment.

Syllabus

Attachment	Size
OH Field School Course Outline_2025 1.pdf	93.82 KB