Description

The course intent is to emphasize the diversity and functioning of ecological interactions in a tropical environment. We will spend 2 weeks in the field in Belize, Central America and return to Kalamazoo for 3 days of data analyses that will culminate in the presentation of your research results in a course symposium.

From the inland site, students will explore a diversity of terrestrial habitats including wet, montane, coniferous, and mangrove forests, tropical savanna, streams and rivers. Participants will investigate how ecological, geological, topographical, and human factors have contributed to the development of these diverse ecosystems as well as study some of the many biotic interactions unique to the tropics. From the marine location, students will snorkel over the finest barrier reef in the western hemisphere and learn about coastal marine ecology. Belize's barrier reef is the second largest in the world, after the one in Australia. To appreciate human interactions with surrounding ecosystems, participants will visit ruins of an earlier Mayan civilization and see how people currently use natural resources. Before leaving for Central America, participants will have several evening sessions to learn about specific groups of organisms and ecosystems that they are likely to encounter during their travels. In Belize, daily activities will vary. At each site there will be initial orientation tours to become familiar with the plants and animals immediately at hand. Participants will also take a number of day trips to visit parks and reserves to see features of particular ecological interest. Students will work in groups to design and execute scientific field projects to examine the functioning of natural interactions among diverse organisms.

Highlights

Students will snorkel over the finest barrier reef in the western hemisphere and learn about coastal marine ecology. Participants will also take a number of day trips to visit parks and reserves to see features of particular ecological interest.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education

High School

Subject Areas

• Biology (general)
• Ecology
• Geography

Cost in US$:

3,595 estimate

Program Fees Include:

Program fee, room and board. Flight extra.

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Disciplinary Clearance Form
• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript

Western Michigan University's Mission Statement

The Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education, established by the Board of Trustees in 1998, promotes and supports efforts towards globalization and internationalization of the academic environment of Western Michigan University. The Institute works closely with the International Education Council of the WMU Faculty Senate, as well as with international education committees and projects within and across colleges.

Year Founded

1903