Paleontological Resource Management in Wilderness: 3 Evaluating Scientific Proposals   

Course summary: 

This course discusses the evaluation framework used by wilderness stewards to examine proposals for research activities in wilderness. This framework serves to improve communication between scientists and management, as well as to foster greater understanding of wilderness protection. 

This course uses examples and a case study to highlight the relevance and application of the evaluation framework to paleontological resources in wilderness. 

Course objectives: 

After completing this course, learners should be able to: 

• Explain how paleontological research is compatible with wilderness management. 

• Use the Evaluation Framework to evaluate a proposal for scientific activity. 

• Identify "red flags" in a proposal. 

• Evaluate the quality of a proposal. 

• Determine if proposed research is wilderness dependent. 

• Complete a Benefits Assessment. 

• Complete an Impacts Assessment. 

Recommended background: 

Without foundational knowledge of the Wilderness Act, you will not be able to get the most out of this course and could find the content confusing. All participants must successfully complete the following free e-courses before beginning this course: 

• The Wilderness Act of 1964 

• Writing a Minimum Requirements Analysis 

• Evaluating Minimum Requirements Analysis 

• Fundamentals of Managing Paleontological Resources in Wilderness 

It is strongly recommended that you also complete the Inventory and Monitoring of Paleontological Resources in Wilderness e-course. 

Course topics include: 

• Research in Wilderness 

• Compliance Requirements 

• Evaluation Framework 

• Step 1: Initial Review Filter 

• Step 2: Quality of Proposal Filter 

• Step 3: Legal and Policy Filter 

• Step 4: Benefits and Impacts Filter 

• Recommendation 

• Case Study 

Elements of the course: 

• Informational text 

• Interactive practice activities 

• Supplemental reference materials 

• Final assessment 

This course is self-paced, allowing learners the flexibility to complete the course as quickly or slowly as they need. 

After completing all course content and activities, you will complete a final quiz to demonstrate your understanding of key course concepts. Upon successful completion of the quiz, you will be awarded a certificate of completion. 

Please Note: After successfully registering for this course, login information for the online learning platform, Canvas, will be emailed to you at the address used for your account creation. This process could take up to 48 hours to complete. If you do not receive the login information in 48 hours, please email ExtendedLearningSupport@umontana.edu for assistance.