The Environmental Studies Program, in conjunction with the Biology Department, offers two opportunities to study tropical ecology in Costa Rica.
Biology 472 (Tropical Ecology and Conservation) is taught each spring semester by Prof. Dick Andrus and Prof. Julian Shepherd. The course focuses on the ecology of tropical environments, emphasizing ecology of rain forests, cloud forests and disturbed areas. Special attention is given to insect/plant interactions, bird ecology and the place of humans in the environment. The cornerstone of the course is a 10-day spring break field trip to Costa Rica, coupled with lectures in Binghamton.
A 6-credit summer course in Costa Rica, sponsored by the Environmental Studies Program through the Tropical Forestry Initiative, is designed to introduce students to a wide range of tropical environments in Costa Rica, coupled with conducting research activities at TFI's Los Arboles Preserve. Here students study aspects of tropical reforestation and forest management in a setting in which active reforestation is occurring. Students receive 4 credits for Tropical Ecology and Conservation (Biology 472) and 2 credits of Internship (Envi 495). The course is overseen by Prof. Richard Andrus.
