Description

Conservation medicine is an emerging field that is concerned with the interface between human health, animal health (both wild and domestic) and ecosystem health. It is a synthesis of the fields of veterinary medicine, public health, ecology, forestry and natural resources and the principles of conservation biology, bio-geography, population genetics, economics, sociology, anthropology, philosophy and other disciplines to understand and maintain biological diversity throughout the world.

Professionals faced with a career in wildlife health, wildlife biology, wildlife management, human-animal or domestic animal/wildlife-interface issues and those interested in habitat/wildlife conservation will benefit from a solid foundation in both of these disciplines. An international location for this course lends itself well to covering issues facing the developing world such as emergent diseases, and animal and public health challenges. This 31 day course aims to provide students from various backgrounds with the opportunity to learn and practice the principles of conservation biology/medicine using the ecology and fauna of Costa Rica (an area of rich biodiversity with a long history of conservation research. The three instructors have considerable field experience in the Old and New World Tropics and have published extensively in the fields of conservation medicine and conservation biology.

Highlights

Specific objectives of the course are to learn and practice the basic principles and major topics of conservation medicine and conservation biology in field conditions, including Costa Rican culture, while providing service/outreach to local communities; to understand how to create and implement hypothesis-drive research projects in the field; to develop efficient and safe field work skills in a tropical environment; to understand how the interplay of humans and nature have shaped the landscape in Costa Rica; to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and integration between students in veterinary medicine, ecology, and wildlife/forestry/natural resources; to understand the cultural and socioeconomic issues that relevant to conservation biology and conservation medicine; to foster US-Costa Rican cultural integration between UGA students and faculty with the people of Costa Rica.

How are these objectives met? We will travel to 4 sites in Costa Rica where we will immerse ourselves in the natural history and prevalent conservation issues of that particular region and will conduct both observational and experimental work to answer questions embedded in the major themes of conservation medicine-conservation biology. In the process we will engage in specific outreach or service-learning activities that are meant to leave something behind while learning firsthand the needs and values of Costa Rica and its people, as well as try to understand the socioeconomic and cultural context that leads to the major conservation issues facing these regions. One major portion of this course will focus on wildlife disease investigation/surveillance in the context of endangered species, the wildlife-domestic animal interface or public health. Another large component is identifying conservation challenges and solutions. Lastly, basic natural history and ecology will be explored at each site.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• Animal Science
• Ecology
• Zoology & Wildlife Sciences

Cost in US$:

USD 3,500

Program Fees Include:

The program costs approximately USD 3500 plus in-state UGA tuition and fees.

The cost of the program covers ground transportation, lodging, meals, study abroad insurance, entry fees, and research applies. Additional costs include personal items and airfare.

***Note: Out-of-state students pay in-state tuition. The Hope scholarship applies.

Experience Required

yes

open to undergraduates and graduates studying ecology; open to veterinary students.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available

please contact UGA Costa Rica for more information on scholarships and financial aid.

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

30-60 days

University of Georgia - Costa Rica's Mission Statement

Our Mission is to provide excellence in academic programs and research opportunities while serving as the best equipped social, cultural, environmental and international facility of the University of Georgia. Our Vision is to work under the principles of environmental, cultural, social and economic stability, as well as to serve as an example of sustainability to the academic and non-academic communities of Costa Rica, Latin America and the World.

Year Founded

1785