Field Course in Tropical Ecology

Undergraduate

This two-week field course is a hands-on exploration of the flora and fauna of the tropics with an emphasis on ecology, behaviour, evolutionary adaptations, and community relationships. The course is normally held in Costa Rica but may occasionally be offered at other sites in the Neotropics. Field research will include identifying birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and plants; studying the ecology of neotropical animals in multiple ecosystems; capturing and banding birds; monitoring the social behaviour of monkeys; observing army ants, leaf-cutter ants, termites, ant/acacia mutualisms; and assessing different conservation practices. The course consists of field excursions, lectures, and data collection for independent projects. Project reports are submitted within one month of the 533 Winter 2027 Undergraduate Calendar completion of the course field component. The course will usually take place during the Winter Study Week and one week before or after. (Pre-requisite: BIOL-2101 and permission of instructor)