Course name: Tropical Diversity
The origin, maintenance, and loss of tropical diversity are the focus of this course. Field trips throughout Gandoca – Manzanillo Wildflife Reserve will closely examine the biodiversity of each community type. In addition, marine diversity will be explored along Costa Rica’s coasts and coral reefs.
Course name: Tropical Community Ecology
This course explores the variety of tropical communities, how they are organized, how they function and how they are compromised by human activity. They will learn to define the Tropics based upon global climate patterns, to know why tropical forests are productive despite poor soils, how plants adapt to live according to their growth form and how to lessen human impact on tropical communities.
Course name: Independent Study in Biology/Ecology
Students develop a research proposal and carry out an investigation in tropical ecology, agriculture, sustainable development, or environmental education. The project will reflect the student’s interest and will be agreed upon by the student and an advisor.