2014 SUMMER COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT (June 15-July 10) FIELD COURSE IN TROPICAL CONSERVATION ECOLOGY (TCE B-14) COURSE LOCATION: Bocas del Toro Biological Station, Boca del Drago, Isla Colon, Republic of Panama. The biological station is located on a hill facing the Caribbean Sea and surrounded by lowland tropical wet forests. Coral reef, sea grass and mangrove ecosystems lie adjacent to the station and limestone caves, rocky intertidal shores and beaches are accessible from the station. The juxtaposition of the two most biologically diverse ecosystems provides tremendous opportunities for education and research in animal behavior. See: itec-edu.org/tropical-animal-behavior/, for details. INSTRUCTOR: Julie E. Helson, Ph.D., Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation., email: juliehelson@gmail, Specialty: conservation ecology, ecological theory applied to current environmental problems, community ecology, plant-insect interactions. COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to provide the student with a sound foundation in ecological concepts and field techniques as applied to conservation ecology in a tropical setting. The material covered is equivalent to a university upper level course in conservation ecology. The course will include a discussion of general conservation biology topics and principals, as well as taking a more focused look at conservation issues affecting developing countries in the tropics and especially the Neotropics (e.g., uncontrolled development, burgeoning tourism, population growth, deforestation, pollution, and the over-utilization of marine resources). Students in this course will also work closely with the local communities (e.g., local schools to develop conservation education programs; and the local indigenous Ngöbe community to analyze the effects of tourism) . The course is divided into five distinct categories: formal classroom lectures (written exam); informal field lectures; readings, discussions and critiques presented by students; group field projects; and individual research projects. Formal lectures. Formal lectures will take place in the classroom and will include the use of PowerPoint presentations and chalkboard. Lectures will also provide information to orientate students for both group and individual projects. Informal lectures will be provided periodically during orientation walks (when you first arrive), during group field projects and in discussion groups. Lecture topics will include: · What is Conservation Biology? · Defining Biodiversity · The Conservation Biologists Toolbox · Valuing Biodiversity · Threats to Biodiversity (Habitat destruction, Habitat fragmentation, Overexploitation, Invasive species, Climate change, Fire) · Documenting and Predicting Extinctions · Conserving Species and Populations / Consequences of Small Populations · Conservation Planning, Priorities, and Management (Protected Areas) · Conservation Outside Protected Areas · Sustainable Development · From Conservation Theory to Practice Readings. Readings corresponding to lecture subjects will be assigned from the text and from relevant articles in the primary literature. In addition, each student will read, critique, and provide oral reports on published papers brought to Bocas. Required Text Sodhi N.S., and Ehrlich P.R. (eds.) (2010). Conservation Biology for All. Oxford University Press Inc., New York, U.S.A. (Available online) Required journal articles will be provided to students before the field semester. Other Important Books on Conservation Biology Primack R.B. (2012). A Primer of Conservation Biology (5th ed.). Sinauer Associates Inc., Sunderland, MA, U.S.A. Primack R.B. (2010). Essentials of Conservation Biology (5th ed.). Sinauer Associates Inc., Sunderland, MA, U.S.A. Van Dyke F. (2008). Conservation Biology - Foundations, Concepts, Applications (2nd ed.). Springer, Dordrecht, Netherlands. Group Field Projects and Exercises. These are research or instructional projects designed by the faculty and will be worked on by students in small groups (3-4 individuals). When appropriate, all data will be pooled at the end of an assignment creating a class dataset. The purpose of these projects is for students to gain experience with sampling techniques and equipment commonly used in conservation ecology fieldwork. For each project, students will be expected to collect data, analyze data (when appropriate), and write a report. Each small group of students will be expected to present the results of one project orally to the class. There will be 3-6 group projects. Individual Research Projects. Each student will be responsible for designing and completing an original research project, which may deal with any topic in conservation. In consultation with the instructor, students will chose their research topic, drawing from experiences during groups projects, lectures, and readings. By the beginning of the second week, students will be expected to submit a written proposal to the instructor for evaluation in terms of conceptual validity, experimental design, and feasibility (available time). Students will analyze their data and write up their findings in scientific journal format (using the journal Conservation Biology as a template), as well as orally present their findings to the class. All reports must be completed before leaving Bocas del Toro. BOQUETE CLOUD FOREST FIELD TRIP: This three-day field trip takes place midway through the course and will allow students the opportunity to experience tropical cloud and seasonal forests. We travel in ITEC boats to the mainland and then by private bus to the town of Boquete which lies at the base of 11,000 ft Volcan Baru. The bus trip will take us up and over the central mountain range and through remote Palo Seco National Park. Several stops will be made in route. COURSE LENGTH: ITEC Summer field courses are about four weeks in length. The TCE B-14 will run from June 15 through July 10, 2014. TUITION: $2150 USD. Tuition fee includes all instruction, lodging, meals and airport transfers in Bocas del Toro. The tuition also covers transportation and lodging during the 3-day cloud forest field trip on the mainland. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 10, 2014. The course is limited to 10 students and applications will be evaluated as they arrive. If you believe that your application may arrive late, notify ITEC. GRADING and COURSE CREDIT: Up to 6 units of credit will be given, 3 for the lecture portion and 3 for the field portion. A letter grade will be assigned based on exams, reports, proposals, attendance at lectures, as well as by less tangibles such as personal attitude, motivation, and contribution to the course. Course credit must be arranged at the students institution. Contact ITEC for details. APPLICATIONS can be found at: itec-edu.org/education-programs/application/. CONTACT: Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation, 2911 NW 40th PL, Gainesville, FL 32605, phone: 352-367-9128, email: [email protected], web: itec-edu.org ITEC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1996.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 09:38:28 +0000
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