Ornithology With over 10,000 species, birds are the most diverse class of 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.

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. 

Monica was an extremely fun professor. She was passionate about the material and made sure to provide foundational instruction on concepts that underclassmen were not yet familiar with. We also had interesting and useful field projects. 

Monica is a great lab professor and I learned so much from her. Her office hours were helpful but labs were pretty straightforward and interesting. I learned way more from the labs than I did from the lectures with Prof. Ryan. I wish Monica taught more classes here!