University of Ghana, Legon

This is a special studies course involving an internship with a corporate, public, governmental, or private organization, arranged with the Study Center Director of Liaison Officer. Specific internships vary each term and are described on a special study project form for each student. A substantial paper or series of reports is required. Units vary depending on the contact hours and method of assessment. Graded P/NP only.

This course provides an understanding of the probable origins and evolution of vertebrates belonging to the phylum Chordata, as well as their taxonomy and systematics, anatomical, and ecological characteristics. Using a comparative approach, the course covers the phylogenetic relationships among the three subphyla of chordates and the seven vertebrate classes, notably jawless fishes, cartilaginous fishes, bony fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The course expands from the evolution of marine Protochordates through to the terrestrial vertebrates with mammals as the pinnacle.

The course is an introduction to soil degradation. It covers historical developments in soil degradation, causes and forms of soil degradation (biological, chemical, physical), the extent of soil degradation in Ghana, the GLASOD project, use of GIS to assess soil degradation, and principles and methods of rehabilitation and reclamation of degraded soils – regulations, policies, and community involvement.