BIOL 2446 - Tropical Ecology and Conservation in Panama

Prerequisite: Instructor consent
Experiential Learning (EXP): Yes
Credits: 4

This Spring Term Abroad course is designed to give you an immersive experience in the tropical ecology of Panama. After a week of preparation on campus, we will spend 2 weeks in Panama, concluding with a final week back on campus. As part of this experiential course, you will learn about the history of Panama and the public health efforts related to the building of the Panama Canal, conduct biodiversity surveys while living and working at a field station in the rainforest on the Continental Divide, read and discuss primary scientific literature on the topics of ecology and conservation, and develop skills in communicating science to a general audience. This course will require extensive field work in the rainforest and rustic living conditions. Activities will include conducting surveys for insects, plants, aquatic invertebrates, birds, herps, and mammals, as well as snorkeling, hiking, and sightseeing.