Tropical Biology and Conservation examines the ecology of tropical terrestrial and marine ecosystems and the history and impact of human use of these environments. The course includes field trips to nature centers, national parks and a wide variety of aquatic habits. Students observe the environment and conduct their own empirical investigations of the ecology of the region. The History of the Bahamas 1492 to 1839 examines the history of the Bahamas from Columbus' landing at San Salvador to the end of slavery in 1839. Visits are made to colonial era forts in Nassau, archaeological sites of the native Lucayans and abandoned slave plantations on San Salvador, along with other historic sites on th islands.
Students have the opportunity to decide for themselves the location of Columbus' first landing.
The environmental science portion of the course can be taken for laboratory or quantitative credit. The course can also satisfy the junior-year experiential requirement. There is no language requirement. In addition to the meetings that take place in the Bahamas, students must attend additional lectures prior to the departure of the group. The itinerary is two weeks.