Easter Break

Course Information

Course Title: BIO 220 Tropical Biology (TBD credits)

Course Description:

Through intensive, first-hand experience in the classroom and overseas in tropical rainforest and marine ecosystems in Belize, we pose three challenges for you to meet. Primary is that you learn what it is to be a field biologist: how to design, justify, carry out, analyze, interpret and present ecological research by doing independent research projects, in this case in a coral reef environment. Second and equally important, is to become conversant in the basics of tropical biodiversity, in particular the ecology, behavior, taxonomy, physiology and conservation of tropical organisms, combining your classroom experience with close observation of living organisms in nature. And third, we challenge you to synthesize the diverse facets of your Providence College educational experience by integrating the scientific aspects of the course, the cultural diversity of your overseas experience and your own future goals, and by taking advantage of the numerous opportunities to discuss these ‘big questions’ among yourselves and with your instructors.

The course has three main components: 1) Pre-trip lectures, 2) ten days of field study in Belize and a few on-site lectures, and 3) Post-trip meetings, which will be used mainly for presentations of student research projects.

Faculty Leader(s): Dr. Patrick Ewanchuk (ewanchuk@providence.edu) and Dr. Joseph DeGiorgis (jdegiorg@providence.edu)

Travel Dates: April 11th, 2025 through April 21st, 2025

Application and Deadlines

Application Deadline: TBD

Deposit Amount and Deadline: TBD

Total Program Fee: $2,838.50 (excluding tuition)

Link to application