COURSE OFFERINGS

BIOL 435 - Tropical Rainforest and Reef Ecology (Undergraduate) - 4 credits
-OR-
BIOL 625 - Tropical Rainforest and Reef Ecology (Graduate) - 4 credits
*Pre-Requisites: Introductory Biology or permission of the instructor

In this course, students will learn about and experience tropical forest and coral reef ecosystems. Instruction will involve daily excursions, field mini lectures, reading assignments and group discussions.

Student Learning Outcomes:
-Students will keep a field journal, allowing them to learn the art of scientific note-taking
-Students will read and present scientific papers, teaching them how science is conducted and reported in regards to various topics.
-Students will visit particular habitats and receive lectures in the field on the ecology of such systems, allowing students to learn ecological principles

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Belize, a tropical country in Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, offers rich biological diversity. Students will spend 5 days in the forest of a jaguar preserve and 5 days on an island of the Belize barrier reef, experiencing tropical biodiversity.

-Students will have the opportunity to engage in the following activities:
*Hiking (with natural history guides)
*Snorkeling
*Boating
*Swimming
*SCUBA diving (if certified)


PROGRAM DIRECTORS

Dr. John Zardus
Department of Biology
john.zardus@citadel.edu
843-953-7511

Dr. Danny Gustafson
Department of Biology
danny.gustafson@citadel.edu
843-953-7876

John Zardus and Danny Gustafson have co-taught this course 11 times in the past traveling to 5 different locations: Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad & Tobago.