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Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Home Course (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter madmantra
- Start date
Steve Gross
Well-known member
I completed the course earlier this year and enjoyed it very much. The tests are not easy, but the material is well presented graphically and textually.
I found that I went through periods of intensive work on the ten chapters, doing a few at a time then taking some time away. There is a communication system set up whereby you can ask the Lab of O questions, but I never took advantage of it.
All in all, I felt that it was worth the time and effort. I probably don't even notice how often I share a bit of information from the course with another birder. It certainly enhanced the depth of my wonder at the richness and variability found in birds and their behavior. I'm sure that I use information from the course every time I read about birds or go into the field.
If anyone has more specific questions about the course, feel free to contact me at [email protected] or through Personal Messaging.
Steve in Houston
I found that I went through periods of intensive work on the ten chapters, doing a few at a time then taking some time away. There is a communication system set up whereby you can ask the Lab of O questions, but I never took advantage of it.
All in all, I felt that it was worth the time and effort. I probably don't even notice how often I share a bit of information from the course with another birder. It certainly enhanced the depth of my wonder at the richness and variability found in birds and their behavior. I'm sure that I use information from the course every time I read about birds or go into the field.
If anyone has more specific questions about the course, feel free to contact me at [email protected] or through Personal Messaging.
Steve in Houston
sungrebe
Well-known member
I took the course
I did take the dreaded Cornell ornithology course :eek!: . I decided to give myself time and try to LEARN as opposed to spitting back info by rote. The course is involved; I say it's on a par with a college course, and it requires focus to stay with all the anatomical and ecological concepts.
It certainly increased my sense of wonder about the intricate interplay of systems that go into making a bird the successful organism that it is. SUch a marvel !!
I took the exams basically as open-book tests, as I wanted to learn rather than memorize, and to that end, I got a lot out of the course. I've even begun re-reading the chapters, and still finding them fascinating.
I was proud that I finished it and I'm glad I took the plunge. :
I did take the dreaded Cornell ornithology course :eek!: . I decided to give myself time and try to LEARN as opposed to spitting back info by rote. The course is involved; I say it's on a par with a college course, and it requires focus to stay with all the anatomical and ecological concepts.
It certainly increased my sense of wonder about the intricate interplay of systems that go into making a bird the successful organism that it is. SUch a marvel !!
I took the exams basically as open-book tests, as I wanted to learn rather than memorize, and to that end, I got a lot out of the course. I've even begun re-reading the chapters, and still finding them fascinating.
I was proud that I finished it and I'm glad I took the plunge. :
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Steve Gross
Well-known member
I agree with Sungrebe. In reference to Tammie's question, the chapters on anatomy and physiology are pretty dense, so if you're a beginning birder but a person with some background in biology, you'll do fine.
Anyone with an ability to read with a discriminating eye can do fine on the tests, but the subject matter takes a certain dedication.
The two semesters of pre-med biology that we psych majors had to take at Baylor (in addition to later stat and physiological psych courses I took there and in graduate school) paid dividends while taking the Lab of O course.
Steve in Houston
Anyone with an ability to read with a discriminating eye can do fine on the tests, but the subject matter takes a certain dedication.
The two semesters of pre-med biology that we psych majors had to take at Baylor (in addition to later stat and physiological psych courses I took there and in graduate school) paid dividends while taking the Lab of O course.
Steve in Houston
John Carroll
New member
Is anyone aware of a British or European course (distance learning) on Ornithology similar to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Home Course?
Details would be appreciated>
Details would be appreciated>
John Carroll
New member
BrianB said:
Very many thanks Brian; I have had a look at these sites and they are quite interesting, particularly the Birmingham University ones.
BrianB said:
Brian
I am half-way through the Ornithology course at Birmingham University which, apart from a full-time course, is IMO about the best you can get.
You end up with a recognised qualification and the teaching, both at Birmingham and the residential schools (held at BTO headquarters), is excellent.
There are 2 courses: Certificate of Higher Education and Diploma of Higher Education.....also an MSc is in the planning stage, although nothing definate yet.
By the way, don't worry about the distance, there are a number of students who regularly travel for 2 to 2 1/2 hours just to get there.
The course has just started for this year so if your'e interested you'll have to be quick!
paj
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jeffc
Insert Witty Title Here
Echoing the comments of previous posts, I feel that the course is worth the money. However, I as of yet have not finished it! Who knew having a kid was so time consuming! 
The version I have and probably as well with the previous posters, was the version that is based around about 1000 pages presented in 2 three-ring binders. I have heard that they have revised the material and it is now presented as a hard-bound book of about 1000 pages. I am not sure if it was a complete overhaul, or if the just sent the pages to the printer with minor updates.
The version I have and probably as well with the previous posters, was the version that is based around about 1000 pages presented in 2 three-ring binders. I have heard that they have revised the material and it is now presented as a hard-bound book of about 1000 pages. I am not sure if it was a complete overhaul, or if the just sent the pages to the printer with minor updates.
I've just noticed an add for what claims to be the book of the course - see http://www.pupress.princeton.edu/titles/7826.html. Do I take it that you all would recommend this as a stand-alone book?
jeffc
Insert Witty Title Here
mcdowella said:
I definitely recommend it stand-alone, assuming that it is the same or better than the old 3-ring binder version. The bound format will certainly be smaller and easier to work with the old 3-ring binder version. It is basically a college-level ornithology textbook with some leanings towards the practicing birder.
