University of Montana

UM’S Pre-College Summer Program Summer Exploration

Admitted students will be enrolled in one of the four courses listed below and earn two college credits upon successful completion.

Biking the Bitterroot: Sustainability Studies in Western Montana (ENST 191)

Ride 100+ miles through Western Montana's stunning Bitterroot valley, sleeping under the stars and visiting with incredible guest speakers while learning about sustainability, environmental science, and climate issues in Western Montana. Summer Exploration's newest course is perfect for adventurous students who want to learn more about the science of sustainability and how communities in Western Montana are adapting to a changing world. Students will spend seven days off campus while on a bike tour of the Bitterroot valley, away from technology and cell phones, and the remainder of their time living in a dorm at the University of Montana. No prior bike touring experience is required, but students must be able to competently ride a bike at the start of a course.

CSI Missoula (CJUS 191)

Students in this course will examine all the components of the U.S. criminal justice system by working on a simulated murder investigation from crime scene investigation, to profiling, to mock trial and conviction. Students will understand proper crime scene investigative techniques and how to examine genetic forensic evidence, as well as learn the basics of profiling and interviewing suspects and witnesses. This course will conclude with students conducting a mock trial to try to convict the suspect in the simulated murder case. No real human remains, or photographs will be utilized in this course, although students will be exposed to potentially emotionally distressing themes and concepts.

Environmental Ethics: Climate Change and Sense of Place (ENST 191)

While sleeping under the stars, hiking alpine ridges, and engaging in daily class discussions, students will study the regional effects of climate change and meet people working to address climate and environmental justice. This course is perfect for adventurous students who are eager to learn outside, and who are committed to building a world where human and ecological communities can thrive together. Students in the course will be away from campus for seven days and six nights, camping with a small group of instructors and other students, and backpacking for four days in one of Montana's iconic wilderness areas. During this expedition, students will be away from technology and cell phones. While no prior backpacking or camping experience is required, students must be able to hike 10 miles with a heavy backpack (50 pounds).

Montana Habitats (BIOB 191)

This course explores the living systems of Montana with a focus on understanding common habitats. We highlight geologic and climatological influences on Montana’s remarkable diversity of ecosystems and species. We examine vegetation patterns across Montana and how these patterns influence the distribution of common species of animals. We connect discussions of Montana's habitats with energy dynamics in living systems. The course concludes by examining the human influence on natural systems. Learning in this class includes several field investigations, but does not involve extensive travel or hiking.