The class will meet 9:30 AM-11:40 AM, TWRF for the first week, MTWR for the second week and the fourth week, Jan. 12-19 we will be in Belize. There will be assignments/lectures during several afternoons. Students should expect to spend considerable time studying/reading while not in class.

       The course will provide students with a basic understanding of tropical ecosystems with emphasis on the barrier coral reef ecosystem. The culture of modern Belize as well as that of the Mayan civilization will also be studied.  Students will also learn some basic guidelines for improving their photographic skills as well as the basics of web page design and construction.

       The first two weeks will be devoted to the study of tropical ecosystems, Mayan history, Belize and its people, photography, and web page design. The week in Belize will involve intense on-site study of tropical ecosystems and Mayan sites, as well as interaction with the people of Belize. The fourth week will involve editing photographs and writing about the trip, for use in the production of a web page or similar activity.

Course requirements

       Week 1 & 2 - Through lecture and out of class assignments, students will learn about the tropical ecosystems they will encounter and will be required to learn a number of organisms they are likely to encounter during the field portion of trip. They will also learn about the Mayan civilization  and the country of Belize. Some time will be spent discussing travel photography and web page design and construction.

       Week 3 - Belize, C.A. - During our stay, students are expected to act responsibly and obey instructions given by the course instructors as well as our hosts in Belize. During our stay, students will be expected to keep a field journal of their experiences and a list of the dominant species of organisms observed.

        Week 4 - Students are expected to be active participants in the design and production of a
web page, power point presentation, or other activity arranged in advance with the professor.

Course Evaluation

       This is a graded course and the course grade will be based on performance on quizzes and the journal as well as participation in class activities and field activities. While in Belize irresponsible behavior or failure to follow instructions will negatively impact the grade.  
 

                                                       BELIZE: RAINFORESTS, RUINS, AND REEFS
                                                                Tentative Class Schedule - 2001

Tuesday, Jan. 2
Introductory comments, web page examples. Distribution of reading and study materials.  
Notes on travel safety and packing.

Wednesday, Jan. 3 
Overview of Tropical Ecosystems, Introduction to Coral Reefs and Reef Fishes

Thursday, Jan. 4
Continue Reef ecology
Travel photography - Tips and Techniques

Friday, Jan. 5 
Reef creatures, coral organisms and other invertebrates

Monday, Jan. 8
Tropical terrestrial ecology

Tuesday, Jan. 9
Mayan history and culture

Wednesday, Jan. 10
Review of basic concepts, fish and invertebrate identification

Thursday, Jan. 11
Evaluation of students' knowledge of tropical ecosystems and Mayan civilization

Friday, Jan. 12 -
   Friday, Jan. 19                   Travel to Belize (see itinerary on separate page)

Monday, Jan. 22 -
    Thursday, Jan. 25              Recap of course, projects.