During the first week of the course, students will learn about tropical forest ecology and management.  Learning experiences include (but are not limited to) classroom lectures, guided and unguided nature hikes, "hands-on" activities such as bat and bird trapping, data collection, and independent research projects.  One of the main objectives of this part of the course is to gain an understanding of regional and global biodiversity and the processes that produce and maintain biodiversity.  Students will be exposed to a tremendous diversity of plant and animal species.  We will observe (in the field) and learn (in the classroom and field) about plant and animal adaptations in the rain forest.  Also, we will explore many different tropical forest types, and learn about the conservation and management strategies used to protect these important natural resources.  Furthermore, students will learn to do what ecologists and wildlife biologists do in the field to study and survey both plant and animal species.  Specifically, students will learn techniques in capturing and handling small mammals, bats and birds, as well as participate in surveys for monitoring plants and animals.

While in the jungle, students will conduct a scientific study on one of the systems or organisms they observed in the forest ecosystem.  Under the guidance of the instructors, students will develop a hypothesis and study design, collect data, and present to the class the findings of his/her experiment.  We will provide students with all materials to conduct and report on the study.  

Finally, students are expected to develop an appreciation of the cultures and history of Belize.  Students will learn about the many cultures in Belize, visit Mayan ruins, will learn about Belize and Mayan history, and interact with Belizeans of many ethnic backgrounds throughout the course.

During the second week of the course, we will travel from the Rio Bravo Conservation Area to Belize City.  From Belize City, we will take a two hour boat ride to South Water Caye (caye = island).  This island is one of many barrier islands along the barrier reef that lines the coast of Belize.  This location provides us with a unique opportunity to explore tropical island flora and fauna, many different reef types, and mangrove forests.  As on the mainland during the first week of the course, a major theme of the second week is to understand biodiversity and processes that produce and maintain biodiversity.  With the help of your instructors and diving guides, we will learn to identify coral, aquatic plants, reef fishes and other organisms; understand the ecological and commercial importance of coral reefs and coastal mangrove forests; and learn about coral reef and mangrove forest management.  To do this, students will participate in numerous snorkeling excursions in different coral reef and off-shore habitats.   Students also will conduct a scientific study in an island or coral reef ecosystem.   Students also will continue to develop an appreciation of the cultures and history of Belize.  Students will be exposed to many cultures, peoples, and islanders while on South Water Caye. Students are given ample time to explore the island and surrounding aquatic habitats on their own time (as well as time to relax!).