Kentucky Institute for International Studies
Costa Rica Program 2007
Course number: BIO 112
Credit hours: 3
Instructor:
Sean Clark
Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Berea College
Berea, KY 40404
Phone: 859-985-3402
E-mail: sean_clark@berea.edu
Title: Field Biology
Catalog Description: Course consists of the study and identification of plants and animals with
emphasis on those common to Costa Rica. Students will visit and study different ecological areas
of this biologically diverse country including tropical rainforests, coastal zones, and farms. The
course will include readings, discussions, field observation and collecting trips, and basic field
experiments involving data collection and analysis.
Purpose: To introduce students to concepts, terms, and methods important to the field study of
biological systems
Course Objectives: Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
1.
Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of biological concepts and terms from the
individual organism to the ecosystem level
2. Describe the factors that influence the flora and fauna in a given geographical location
3. Conduct basic field measurements to gain information about biological populations and
communities
4. Identify common plant and animal species of Costa Rica region and describe their ecological
functions and taxonomic relationships
Content Outline:
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Week 1 – Overview of field biology; basic concepts and terminology; classification of life;
identification of descriptive research, experimentation, and hypothesis testing; comparing
tropical and temperate ecosystems
Week 2 – Planning and setting up field studies; making basic ecological measurements; data
collection, organization, and analysis
Week 3 – Presenting and interpreting results; writing a scientific report; peer review and
publication
Instructional Activities:
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Visiting ecosystems including forests, farms, streams, and coastal areas
Participation in discussions of readings and leading a discussion of reading
Keeping a list of flora and fauna observed and identified during course
Planning and conducting a basic field-biology research project
Writing a brief scientific report
Keeping a journal describing experiences, notes on readings, and field project data
Field Experiences:
Students will work in a small group to plan and carry out a field study in forest and agricultural
habitats that will include collecting and analyzing field data, identifying organisms using
taxonomic keys and field guides, and presenting the findings the standard format of a scientific
paper. In addition, students will visit a variety of ecosystems throughout Costa Rica, describing
the flora and fauna they encounter and reflecting on apparent similarities and differences to
eastern, temperate North America.
Resources:
The required text, Costa Rican Natural History, will be a valuable resource for identifying flora
and fauna and accessing basic biological information on a wide variety of organisms. Field guides,
taxonomic keys, and field equipment and supplies will be provided by the instructor for use in the
group field projects. Expert naturalists at Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica may also assist in
identifying organisms and providing information on their biology, ecological function, and
potential uses.
Texts:
The two required texts are:
Kritcher, J. 1997. A Neotropical Companion: An Introduction to the Animals, Plants, &
Ecosystems of the New World Tropics. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. 451pp.
Janzen, D.H. (ed.). 1983. Costa Rican Natural History. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, IL.
823pp.
Additional readings, field guides, and taxonomic keys will be provided by the instructor as
needed
Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to be present and actively participate in all discussions and field
activities. Only absences due to illness or a time conflict with another course will be excused.
All unexcused absences will result in a loss of points corresponding to the magnitude of the
activity missed.
Grading Procedures:
Student grades will be determined based on the following components:
Grade component
Individual journal – containing observations and reflections on field experiences,
research notes, and summaries of readings.
Points
100
Bird List – list of 20 bird species observed at Instituto Tecnológico with
information on specific location, date, and time as well as common name and
scientific name.
50
Plant List – list of 20 plants, at least to genus level, occurring on the campus,
forest, or farm of Instituto Tecnológico, including specific location information.
50
Insect collection – collection of insects from the campus, forest, or farm of
Instituto Tecnológico consisting of 20 species from at least 10 different orders.
All specimens must be labeled with collection information, order, and family.
100
Stream quality assessment – use aquatic macroinvertebrates to assess stream
quality on the campus of Instituto Tecnológico.
50
Quizzes – questions based on required readings, field trips, guest lectures, and
field research.
50
General participation – in all group activities, including field research. Showing
up on time, asking good questions, providing insightful comments, carrying a fair
share of the group activities, etc.
100
TOTAL
500
Prerequisites:
There are no course prerequisites but interest and experience in biology and natural history is
desired