Description

This module is fully reproducible from a github repository (see Teacher's Notes).  This allows modification of the module to fit time restrains of lecture or lab time slots, as well as adjusting content. The module (as-is) was given in a lecture time slot and students worked through the questions in small groups with one computer (Excel). If working with R, it is recommended that a lab time slot may be more appropriate.

The broad goals and learning objectives for the module are as follows:

Module Goals

1. Explore any differences between pathogen status and mosquito populations along a latitudinal gradient of NEON field sites on the east coast of the United States.
2. Gain a broad understanding the relationships between animal disease vectors and common environmental drivers.
3. Gain awareness of the potential for NEON data to investigate disease ecology.
4. Apply quantitative reasoning and critical thinking to explore future relationships between changing climates and vector ecology.
5. Understand the important history of malaria-specific vector ecology in the United States and beyond.

Learning objectives

Upon completion of the module, students will be able to:

• download and wrangle NEON data
• visualize environmental data sets
• produce reproducible results (if using R)
• critically evaluate relationships between disease vectors, climate, habitat type and global change

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