Costa Rica (2022 canceled due to COVID-19)

The planned 2022 Global Field Course to Costa Rica had to be canceled due to COVID-19. We look forward to returning to Costa Rica in 2024.

BIO 320: Tropical Biology in Costa Rica 
4 Pre-requisite courses (BIO 120, 130, 220, 230) make this course appropriate for Biology Majors, Minors, and Biochemistry Majors 
BIO 360: M 5:30- 6:20 pm Science Building 432; BIO 320: May 19-30, 2022 in Costa Rica  

Located between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica offers unparalleled opportunities to study the ecology of tropical terrestrial environments, and to experience one of the most culturally diverse countries in Central America.  Costa Rica's exceptional diversity of habitats range from dry tropical forests to lowland rainforests to cloud forests.   Although only comprising 0.03% of the world’s surface, Costa Rica is considered one of the top 20 countries in the world in terms of biodiversity, containing roughly 4% of the world’s species.  Costa Rica's dedication to conserving its natural resources is exceptional among Central American countries and contributes to the large number of American tourists visiting each year.  

Prior to the field study in Costa Rica, a one-credit, seminar [BIO 360] will be offered during the Spring 2022 semester. This seminar is required for those planning to go to Costa Rica, and will introduce students to the basic principles and patterns of tropical biology. A significant focus of this course is the development, execution, and presentation of a field research project in the tropical rainforest. Written assignments, which require students to report the results of their project, and to integrate observations made during their field experience, will be due shortly after returning from Costa Rica. This course can count as a requirement for graduation, even for seniors finishing in May 2022.