Biology 2602: Biodiversity in the Tropics
Course Information for Winter 2007
Trip to Costa Rica: Winter Break at the end of February
Biodiversity in the Tropics: BIO 2602 (2 credits) This is a general introduction to the ecology, biodiversity, and natural history of the neotropics (tropics of the New World). The course schedule will include 7 class meetings prior to the trip to Costa Rica, the day day trip to Costa Rica over Winter Break, and several classes after the trip to share photos, present student projects and take the final exam. Everyone planning on going on the trip must enroll in BIO 2602 for credit or audit.
Proposed Trip for 2007: This will be an incredible opportunity to see several ecosystems in Costa Rica. The first stop will be near the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve where we will stay at the Ecolodge San Luis and Research Station run by the University of Georgia. Our exploration of this forest ecosystem will include guided day and night hikes, a mile hike through the rain forest canopy via 8 suspended bridges, horseback riding, and a visit to a coffee farm. We'll have the opportunity to see an array of plants and animals such as orchids, bird of paradise, monkeys, lizards, kinkajous and amazing birds as motmots, quetzals, hummingbirds and bellbirds. Next we'll travel to the Arenal Volcano which has been very active since 1968 and stay in a local hotel (with swimming pool) for 2 nights. From here we'll take a day trip to the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge, a low elevation wetlands area known for its variety of birds (storks, roseate spoonbills, herons, and ibis), caiman and crocodiles. The world-famous La Selva Biological Station run by a consortium of U.S. and Cost Rican universities will be our last stop on the trip. This research station where we will have guided day and night hikes, provides us with access to primary rain forest in the Caribbean lowlands. Species´ diversity is spectacular, including more than 1,900 species of plants, 330 species of trees, 436 species of birds, and 450 species of ants. Showy birds, such as toucans, parrots, trogons, and hummingbirds, and mammals, including monkeys, peccaries, agoutis, and coatis, are frequently seen.
Focus: The focus of this trip is on the biodiversity of nature in one of the most biologically diverse regions of the world. The trip is for biology students, birders, botanists, photographers and anyone with a strong interest in the ecology and culture of Costa Rica. There will not be opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving or extreme sports.
Trip Price: The trip price be $2080 for triple or quad occupancy. Double accommodations will be slightly higher. This price includes airfare, all accommodations, all meals except one evening meal, park entry fees, land transportation in an air-conditioned coach, and the continuous services of a professional Costa Rican naturalist who travels with us. The hotels and ecolodges are comfortable and serve excellent Costa Rican food. This price is for the trip only and does not include the course tuition, textbooks or the cost of a passport if you do not have one. Price is based on a minimum of 14 participants and will differ if fewer people enroll.
Course Costs: The total costs for the course will include the following: tuition, textbooks (2-3 paperback texts), cost of trip package, and additional spending money for the trip. You will need the spending money to cover personal shopping, the cost of two evening meals that aren't included in the package, the cost of extra snacks and drinks, and a gratuity for our guide and bus driver. As per custom, we'll give our Costa Rican naturalist-guide and driver a generous gratuity as a way of thanking them for making our trip pleasant and informative.
Planning Ahead: There are several items to keep in mind if you plan on taking this course and traveling to Costa Rica.
- A BIO 2602 trip application form must be submitted to the Life Sciences department at Orchard Ridge Campus. This application will be reviewed by the department.
- A $200 deposit for the trip will be due November 10. This deposit will be paid to the travel company that is handling our tour. Details will be found on the application. The final trip payment will be due by December 20, 2006.
- You must have a current passport that does not expire before September 6, 2007 (6 months after our return date). If you need to get a passport, please start the process early. It can take up to 6 weeks to receive a passport after you submit the paperwork.
