BIOL – 106 Neotropical Biology (NS - L)
An introduction to the diversity, structure, function, and history of tropical ecosystems. Course is taught during the summer semester in Costa Rica.
Students who take this course cannot also receive credit for BIOL-102 Natural History
Description and Rationale
This course is designed to introduce students to tropical ecosystems during the Summer Semester in Costa Rica. The course will focus on natural history, taxonomy, ecological interactions, and evolutionary principles, using tropical examples. Laboratory activities will entail field studies of the tropical forests in northwestern Costa Rica near the San Luis Field Station which are composed of pre-montane and cloud forests. Field trips may include excursions to lowland rainforest, tropical dry forests, and marine habitats. The course will be taught over 8 weeks with five hours of lecture and six hours of laboratory per week.