BI217 Tropical Ecology

This course introduces the fundamental characteristics of the rainforest and adjacent ecosystems. Students will learn, through direct observation, lectures, seminars, field exercises and interpretation, about the physical and biological forces that shape the tropical forest and its plant and animal inhabitants. The course begins with a series of seminars in the fall semester on campus, followed by an extended field trip to Costa Rica during the winter break. Prerequisites: BI102 or ES102 or ES104. Preference will be given to juniors and seniors majoring in Biology or Environmental Science. In addition, attendance at an information session prior to course registration is required for enrollment. Fall-January, alternate years