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OUPFB Field Courses : General Information

The Ontario Universities' Program in Field Biology (OUPFB) is an inter-university organization that offers a wide variety of field courses each year. All trips are open to students from participating universities who have completed (or anticipate completing) at least second year. One half-course credit requires one TWO WEEK or two ONE WEEK course(s). See below for further information on registration with U.W.O. The most up-to-date information on the entire slate of OUPFB course offerings may be found at this site.

Grades are assigned on the basis of a student's participation in the course, a final exam and (usually) a written assignment.

About Field Courses......

OUPFB courses require "total immersion" in a specific topic. Be prepared to work.

Courses are always designed to handle students with varied backgrounds. As long as you have some basic courses in biology you should be able to handle most courses.
When you have received acceptance for two weeks of field trips (which equals a 0.5 lab credit), register in Biology 320y, Biology 457y or Biology 458y during registration. You will receive course grades on your April transcript of the following year.
It is possible to take a one week course this year and another one week course next year. Your evaluation in one course is held until the second is completed. An average mark is then put on your transcript.
Initial registration does not commit you to a specific field trip. You can withdraw from a field trip without penalty as long as you do so before the registration deadline. DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AFTER THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE.
Field trips require a lot of planning and are geared to handle a specific number of students. Students that register for field trips and then simply do not show up are exceedingly unpopular. Their "costs" must be picked up by the remaining participants (hence no deposit refund). IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND THE COURSE, NOTIFY THE INSTRUCTOR IMMEDIATELY.
Don't worry if you don't hear from the instructor soon after your application is accepted. Most instructors contact students after they have a complete list of students. The usual course procedures involve:

B.Sc. students may accumulated 0.5 course credit in field trips (Biology 320y). Fourth Year Honors students may accumulate 1.5 full course credits in field trips (Biology 320y, Biology 457y or Biology 458y).

All trips are operated on a "break-even" basis. Students are required to pay their own transportation and accommodation costs. These costs vary considerably, depending on the location of the course. Funds are available to assist students who, for financial reasons, cannot take a field trip. Apply in writing to: Dr. J.S. Millar, Department of Biology, U.W.O.

ALL TRIPS HAVE LIMITED ENROLLMENT
AND ARE FILLED ON A "FIRST-COME" BASIS

To Register for a Field Course, Follow These Procedures:

Complete the OUPFB application form. Write addresses, e.mail addresses and phone numbers clearly -- they are our only contact with you.
Deliver the application form to Brenda Beretta, Biology Department (B&G Room 348). Have her check your position on the waiting list for the field trip(s) you wish to take.
Attach a cheque (appropriate deposit amount, made out to U.W.O., or the appropriate university where required) to your application. This deposit, upon acceptance, will be applied to the costs of your field trip. Deposits for guaranteed positions will be deposited immediately. Deposits for waiting list positions will be held until a guaranteed position becomes available. Once we contact you for confirmation of placement, and upon acceptance, we will then deposit your cheque.
Register in Biology 320y, Biology 457y or Biology 458y during registration. (Your grade will appear on your Spring transcript of the following year). See further information below regarding registration.

You should receive formal notification of your acceptance in early March. You will then be contacted by the course instructor prior to the trip.

Questions about OUPFB should be directed to:

Dr. jack Millar
Collip Building Room 111
Phone: 519-661-2111 x81322
jsmillar@uwo.ca

Brenda Beretta
North Campus Building Room 301
Phone: 519-661-2111 x82555
bberetta@uwo.ca

U.W.O. Course Registration

If you are finishing Year II or III and taking a field course as a credit toward Year III or IV (0.5 of five credits allowed in one year), then you will have NO summer day course charge from U.W.O. You will see a counsellor in September of the following year and ADD the course during the Add/Drop period and count it as either "A" or "B" credit for Year III or IV.

If, however, you are down 0.5 credits at the end of Year II or III and wish to take this course as a "catch-up", then you will have to register as a "Summer Day Student" and pay the additional course registration fee to U.W.O. It is YOUR responsibility to go to the Registrar's Office and pay this fee. They will not give you your final mark until you may your Summer Day fee. Questions???? Get clarification now -- see a counsellor or Brenda Beretta.