Citizen Science on Biodiversity and Climate Change

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Biodiversity and Climate Change research are two scientific disciplines where environmental changes are occurring on unprecedented speed. Engaging the public and co-creating Citizen and Community Science (CS) research projects with the aim of monitoring large scale changes are happening on a global level. CS research projects creates not only community engagement but also provides the engaged public with scientific tools for change. Students will explore and design CS projects on biodiversity, climate change and the SDGs. Citizen science is rapidly increasing in popularity and providing traditional science projects with public participation to obtain more data and increase awareness on the research topic. The accessibility of social networks, geo tagging apps, AI and crowdsourcing technologies is fueling a new crop of scientists receptive to grassroot methods and we are seeing this field grow rapidly. During this course you will start by gaining an understanding of the historical development of citizen science and how it can be implemented in both research and public engagement. We will look into different aspects of Citizen Science including community (place based) science and ecological traditional knowledge. All through the course we will focus on how citizen science can be relevant for research monitoring the current status of biodiversity loss and climate changes occurring on both a global and local scale. Students will actively participate in a range of local and global citizen science projects that contribute to research aimed at protecting biodiversity, monitoring climate change or supporting sustainable development within one or more of the SDGs. A number of prominent researchers will also be joining us throughout the course to provide insight into their experience of bridging citizen science with traditional science.