Individual and group projects are conducted on field trips. This course examines rainforest habitats, biodiversity, conservation, specialization, and coevolution of rainforest species. The course includes lectures presented during a two-week period in Quito, followed by four weeks of intensive study in the world's most diverse rainforest. Time in the field is dedicated primarily to individual and group research projects. This course examines the ecology of tropical dry forests, mangrove swamps, reefs, rocky and sandy shorelines, and agroecosystems.
Field study includes sampling and observations, and individual and group projects.
This course focuses on evaluation and statistical analysis of data previously collected in the field, library research, and preparation of written and oral reports. The main goal of this course is for students to improve their ability to express themselves in spoken and written Spanish through the development of vocabulary, and the mastery of the grammar and idioms of the Spanish language. Students also improve their listening comprehension and reading ability.