BIO 105 Application Tips
BIO / EARTHSYS 105 A/B: Ecology and Natural History of Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve
Winter and Spring Quarters 2026
Thursdays 1-5:30 pm
Instructors: Professor Rodolfo Dirzo and Katie Glover, PhD
BIO/EARTHSYS 105A/B is a two-course sequence that has evolved over 50 years from a field education and docent training program on the preserve’s ecology and natural history. We foster a community of learning for the scientific basis of ecology, archaeology, soil science, geology, land management, and environmental education. Course sessions include lectures from Stanford experts, discussion, and hands-on field experience.
Students are expected to identify, as early as possible, a topic of their interest based on which they will develop a place-based independent research project that contributes to the preserve’s wealth of knowledge with data-driven scientific research and/or education. The project is conceptually developed late winter and mostly executed during the spring quarter, and then presented as a formal talk at the end of the spring quarter.
Graduates of the class also become certified as docents to lead educational tours as docents, assist with research at the preserve, and attend lectures and continuing education activities as part of the JRBP ('O'O) community.
Accepted students must commit to enrolling in the 4-credit course both quarters in the same academic year. Participants are expected to commit to being present every week, as these experiential sessions cannot be replaced with make-up activities if they are missed. Please note also that BIO/EARTHSYS 105 A/B has many more qualified applications than we can accept each year. For accepted community members, a class fee of $100 will be collected.
As you work on your application, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the information posted about the course. This page includes an overview of course history, course content and expectations, how the course positions you to be a Jasper Ridge docent and affiliate, and the role of docents at JRBP ('O'O). Please be thoughtful about the time commitment, and how the course content may fit with your goals. We also recommend familiarizing yourself with Jasper Ridge’s Mission Statement.
Strong Applications
Strong applicants will demonstrate the following:
Clear motivation for participation and vision for how the course fits with their personal goals.
An interest in nature and learning disciplines related to ecology and natural history
What they can contribute, or aspire to contribute, to the course and our learning community
Clear interest in being a part of a community of learning
Motivation and curiosity for conducting an original project that contributes to the preserve’s research or education pillars
No prior research experience is necessary. Projects can be conducted in teams of two or a maximum of three students.
Willingness to contribute to the preserve’s mission as docents after the course
Apply Now!
Stanford Student Application
Community Application
Questions?
Please reach out to the instructors with any questions you might have about the application process and course:
- Rodolfo Dirzo: Work cell: 650-319-5941; email: dirzo [at] stanford.edu (rdirzo[at]stanford[dot]edu)
- Katie Glover: Work cell: 650-374-6472; email: kcglover [at] stanford.edu (kcglover[at]stanford[dot]edu)