OTS - Costa Rica Tropical Biology (summer)
The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) and the Global Education Office for Undergraduates (GEO) at Duke University proudly present an exciting opportunity to study tropical biology in Costa Rica. Based at OTS Field Stations, this undergraduate course provides access to a broad array of tropical ecosystems, including lowland wet forest at La Selva, dry forest, and wetlands at Palo Verde, and premontane moist forest at Las Cruces.
Duke/OTS Costa Rica Tropical Biology Summer Program
Course Description
BIOLOGY 134L Field Tropical Biology offers students the exciting opportunity to study first-hand the evolutionary ecology of important plant and animal taxa in tropical ecosystems. Course design emphasizes intensive field work and visits all three OTS field stations as well as other sites. Students are thus introduced to a great diversity of tropical habitats, each possessing distinctive biotas that in turn demonstrate unique evolutionary histories and ecological dynamics. As part of the course, students work closely with resident professors in the design, implementation, and interpretation of their own independent research project in field ecology. Independent projects allow students to learn science by doing science in a beautiful and challenging tropical setting. Results are presented orally following the protocol of a scientific meeting. Students also submit a formal research report which becomes part of the permanent records of OTS field stations.
The course concludes with a short unit on conservation biology, including the application of island biogeography to reserve design and management, as well as the impact of deforestation and fragmentation.
ORGANIZATION FOR TROPICAL STUDIES
Box 90633 Durham, NC 27708-0633
Phone: (919) 684-5774
Fax: (919) 684-5661
Email: otsadmissions@duke.edu
