ess 450v - independent study and/or senior research (1-3) f

this is a variable credit independent research or problem/solution based inquiry. this independent study course is expected to consist of a distinct question-based or problem-based, solution-oriented endeavor that engages the student in applying ecological, environmental or sustainability skills toward a real-world problem. this course is not intended to be a literature research course alone, but a problem-solving or question-answering endeavor. students (with facilitation by the instructor or mentor) identify the area of particular interest and propose an appropriate project: a question to study, hypothesis to test or problem solve. depending on the project type, the project will include an analytical element, for example, data collection and analysis, cost-benefit analysis, multi-criteria decision analysis, etc. projects may be in the form of a traditional scientific hypothesis-testing or data-collecting research project (field, lab, metadata, etc.) ending in a scientific paper, a feasibility study ending in a technical paper, or a problem identification - solution proposal study ending in a white paper or other acceptable product. independent study courses will end with the submission of an agreed upon product, most likely a formal paper and/or formal presentation. 1-3 hours.

prerequisite: ess 2123.