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.
Athena Title
AV BIO FIELD STUDY
Non-Traditional 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)
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