If you are not currently enrolled at ASU, you must apply for admission at ASU before completing the Study Abroad online application.
July 15 to August 06, 2008
The upper Amazon rainforest of eastern Ecuador constitutes a mega-diversity "hot spot" within the most biodiverse of all terrestrial ecosystems--the vast Amazon lowlands--and is thus the best place on earth to study and experience tropical biology. Our program focuses on (1) a broad introduction to the biology, ecology, and conservation of tropical rainforests, and (2) the opportunity for students to learn a range of approaches and techniques for studying field biology in a tropical setting. The program is especially beneficial for students considering more advanced studies in tropical biology or graduate school in organismic biology. It is an outstanding educational adventure for non-biology students interested in human aspects of tropical conservation. It offers learning and research opportunities at multiple levels from beginner to advanced.
Enrollment period has expired.
Program Cost: $1,553
$275.00 deposit fee required for enrollment.
Tuition and fees are not included with the program cost.
Acceptable payment types include Visa and Mastercard.
Program Name: Ecuador Tropical Field Biology
Credit Requirement: 7
More Information
Locations
QUITO JULY 15 - 17
During the first few days at the Ecuadorian capital city, we will explore the city and culture, and visit the equatorial monument.
YANAYACU BIOLOGICAL RESERVE JULY 17 - 19
This station is on the eastern slope of the Andes. We will spend a short time there exploring the cloud forest to provide comparison with the rain forest where we will spend most of our time.
JATUN SACHA BIOLOGICAL RESERVE JULY 19 - AUGUST 5
Our home for 3 weeks in the Amazonian rainforest is the Librarius Study Center (LSC), a relatively new field-course facility at the world-renowned Jatun Sacha Biological Reserve. The LSC features a classroom, laboratory, and an extensive library. Jatun Sacha is the largest private field station in the upper Amazon Basin, with more than 5000 acres of primary rainforest located between 2 major rivers, accessible via over 15 miles of marked trails. Facilities include treehouses, canopy tower and walkway, dining hall, botanical gardens, and even a nearby thatched-roof nightclub serving music and cold drinks.
Eligibility
This program is open to all college-level students from any institution. Primarily intended for life science majors, but non-majors are welcome and often make significant contributions to the overall learning experience.
Applications with a $275 non-refundable deposit are due on or before February 4, 2008, but applications will be accepted after that date on a space-available basis.
Academic Program
All students must register for 7 credit hours in the courses listed below. Grades in the 3-hour course are based on a daily journal (of activities, readings and lectures) and overall participation. Grades in the 4-hour course are based on conduct of a project while at Jatun Sacha, and a final research report. Research papers are due shortly after our return. Note that the 4-hour course satisfies a laboratory or field course requirement.
- BIO 494 | ST: Biology in the Tropics (3)
- BIO 494 | ST: Tropical Research (4)
Living Accommodations
For 3 nights in Quito, students share rooms in a comfortable hotel. At Jatun Sacha, at the LSC, students reside in screened cabins in the forest. Three meals a day are provided.
Cost Information
The cost of $1,553 (subject to change) includes program fees, lodging, meals, equipment, and transportation within Ecuador. Not included: ASU tuition and fees, roundtrip airfare to Quito, airport departure tax, optional raft trip, passport, additional food/beverages, field gear, and personal items and supplies.
The Program may allow for time which can be spent in non-Program activities. Participants may wish to travel, sightsee or participate in activities or events in which they have a personal interest. Please note that the participant is fully responsible for making arrangements and for all costs of transportation, lodging, food and additional expenses that may be associated with any non-Program activities.
Director(s)
M. J. Fouquette
School of Life Sciences
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ 85287-4501
Phone: (480) 965-5070
Email: jack.fouquette@asu.edu
For more information, please go to: http://tropicalbiology.asu.edu.
Teaching Assistant(s)
Frank Farruggia
School of Life Sciences
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ 85287-4601
Phone: (480) 332-2549
Email: frank.farruggia@asu.edu