BIOL3980-ABR.Special Topics: Belize.J17.Hembre,Leif

Mandatory On-Campus Classes: January 3 - 4 & 23 - 25, 2017 In this course, students will explore the ecology of a watershed system in Belize that extends from the Pine Ridge forest in the Maya Mountains, through the Mayan foothills in the central part of the country, to the coral reef ecosystem around a small island (Tobacco Caye) in the Caribbean. The abroad portion of this class will be 16 days, with 2 days of class on campus at Hamline before departing for Belize and 3 class days after returning to Hamline. While in Belize, we will split our time among four field locations in different parts of the country: a field station in the Pine Ridge forest, a wildlife reserve (Monkey Bay Wildlife Park) near the capital city of Belmopan, a jaguar sanctuary (Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary), and a small island (Tobacco Caye) off the coast of Belize on the barrier reef. Through readings, discussions, guest lectures, and small-group research projects, students will learn about the ecology of aquatic ecosystems (streams, rivers, and coral reef) and how landscape conditions and human activities affect these aquatic environments. In addition to learning about and experiencing the natural environments of Belize, students will also learn about the country’s history, its people and culture, and its economy