CA 300 - Tropical Ecology & Conservation

The lowland tropical rainforests of Veracruz, Mexico are critical biodiversity hotspots for tropical conservation. The northern most extent of these forests can be found in the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve. It is critical for tropical conservationists to understand the ecological dynamics at the northern periphery of this ecosystem. This course will be an opportunity for students to get a first-hand experience in this biodiverse region of Mexico. This course will involve collaboration with students and faculty of the National Unversity of Mexico (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; hereafter UNAM). We will spend 2 weeks at UNAM’s Los Tuxtlas Tropical Biology Station in Veracruz, Mexico. Truman students will collaborate with UNAM students on designing and implementing a short-term ecology study. Study design will occur during the spring 2015 semester. Students will communicate via e-mail, Skype, and social media (e.g., Facebook, twitter, etc.) to collaborate efforts. Then, students will implement these research projects together during the May 2015 term.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructors
Credits: 2
Note:
* This course fulfills the Intercultural Interconnecting Perspective of the Liberal Studies Program.
** The Special Course Fee applies to this course.