Course ID: | POUL 4150. 3-6 hours. Repeatable for maximum 6 hours credit. |
Course Title: | Field Studies in Avian Biology |
Course Description: | The natural habitats and evolutionary adaptations of avian species in coastal, forest (rain, cloud and tropical dry), and lowland regions of Costa Rica will be examined and analyzed by field studies. The impact of Costa Rica's climate, natural resources, and society on commercial poultry production development will also be examined. |
Oasis Title: | AV BIO FIELD STUDY |
Nontraditional Format: | This course will be taught in Costa Rica and will include
extensive field experience and a series of lectures combined
with seminars, presentations and student projects. |
Prerequisite: | POUL 1010 or permission of department |
Semester Course Offered: | Offered summer semester every year. |
Grading System: | A-F (Traditional) |
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Course Objectives: | Students will develop a working knowledge of avian physiology and anatomy as well as
learn how birds have evolved through physiological and anatomical adaptations to
occupy and succeed in very different ecological niches. Students completing this
course will also learn the basics of conducting avian field studies and will analyze
and present their research findings. Students will gain an appreciation of the value
of natural resources preservation and conservation and examine and discuss the merits
of different approaches to preserving endangered avian species. Finally, students
will gain an understanding and analyze the reasons for differences in commercial
poultry production in Costa Rica versus the United States. |
Topical Outline: | Avian anatomy
Avian nutrition
Avian reproduction
Bird conservation in Costa Rica
Birds of the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica
Birds of the Tropical Dry Forest of Costa Rica
Birds of the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica
Birds of the Central Pacific Lowlands of Costa Rica
Birds of the Cloud Forrest of Costa Rica
Birds of the Rainforest of Costa Rica
Commercial poultry farming in Costa Rica
Student conducted field research studies
Student presentations of field research |