Ornithology With over 10,000 species, birds are the most diverse class of terrestrial vertebrates, occupying a wide variety of ecological niches on every continent. Their incredible array of colors and sounds have fascinated scientists for centuries, and birds have played culturally significant roles for millennia. We will discuss the evolution, anatomy, physiology, development, behavior, ecology, and conservation of birds globally. We will learn to identify local bird species by sight and sound using a combination of museum specimens and field trips to various local ecosystems. Field experiments will involve testing bird behavior and assessing ecological relationships. Written and oral reports will be expected.

Science of Environmental Systems We will utilize a systems approach to study selected environmental topics as we learn how to integrate scientific principles of biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. We will also explore intentionally interdisciplinary approaches such as socioecological and regenerative systems frameworks. In lecture, we will take a more global approach as we examine climate change, water, energy, biodiversity, ecosystem services, pollution, and agriculture. We will discover emerging knowledge that is shaping potential solutions and learn how to evaluate such efforts through a systems science lens. In the lab units, we will investigate local manifestations of human-environment relationships through experiential, hands-on, embodied approaches.

Monica Przyperhart

Reviews and ratings for Monica Przyperhart at Middlebury College.Monica Przyperhart teaches Ornithology, Science Environmental Systems and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Monica Przyperhart good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

This was a very chill class as someone who took AP environmental science. There wasn't that much new information. Most work came from one presentation, a few homework assignments that we could use sources on, and labs. Labs were the hardest work and the most writing, but in general there was enough support to do well on them. It was an easy and chill start to my first semester. 

This class was really fun and would absolutely take it again. Monica is an extremely effective communicator of the conservation biology side of ornithology and Mark Spritzer who co-teaches the class is more involved in the neuroscience/detailed lecture side which really compliments each other. Very much recommend it

A must-take if you are at all interested in birds. Lectures vary between traditional note-taking and interactive activities. The memorization in the class is pretty heavy, but the content makes up for it. Labs are really fun if you like bird watching. 