Awards
Major Responsibilities/Research Interests
The University of Alberta Alumni Association awarded John Acorn the 2005 Distinguished Alumni Award. The Alumni Recognition Awards celebrate the diverse accomplishments of alumni and the recognition they bring to the University. Affectionately known around the world as the Nature Nut, John Acorn has shared his love for Alberta's entomology and natural history with the world. Acorn is an internationally known scientist, author and broadcaster whose career has been marked with creativity and a passion for science. The host and creative force behind the popular TV series Acorn, the Nature Nut, he has educated and entertained audiences worldwide. As a best-selling author, he has had a huge impact on amateur entomology, and his field guides have earned him numerous awards. As research associate at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology and the E. H. Strickland Entomology Museum, Acorn continually goes beyond his professional commitments and generously gives his time to promote the field. He served as president of the Entomological Society of Alberta, and he participates in numerous other associations. Acorn's work has been honoured in many ways, including the Alberta Science and Technology Leadership Award Foundation Prize for Excellence in Science and Technology Journalism and two "Rosies" from the Alberta Motion Picture Industry Association.
Introduction to animals in the context of conservation, interactions with people, and roles in natural ecosystems. Labs provide a survey of Western Canadian animal life, both vertebrate and invertebrate, with emphasis on recognition of higher taxa and on hierarchical classification. Field trip. Requires payment of additional student instructional support fees. Refer to the Tuition and Fees page in the University Regulations section of the Calendar.
An overview of the diversity of management practices among protected areas, including national and provincial parks, interpreted in the context of the ongoing development of ecological science and environmentalism. Prerequisite: REN R 260. REN R 364 recommended.
An overview of theories and methods of communication, as applied to environmental topics and general audiences. Includes discussion of environmental interpretation, science communication, audio-visual communication, and media skills.
An overview of the diversity of management practices among protected areas, including national and provincial parks, interpreted in the context of the ongoing development of ecological science and environmentalism. Prerequisite: REN R 260. REN R 364 recommended. Not to be taken if credit received for REN R 462 or 766.
An overview of theories and methods of communication, as applied to environmental topics and general audiences. Includes discussion of environmental interpretation, science communication, audio-visual communication, and media skills. Not to be taken if credit received for REN R 467 or 764.