Tropical Ecology

This class explores Costa Rican tropical ecology, research, and culture through preparatory classes, readings, and a two-week trip to southern Costa Rica. Students will be introduced to organisms and ecological processes of lowland, pre-montane and cloud forest tropical forests through a series of forest walks, lectures, and independent field studies. Each student will develop, implement, and report on an independent field study exploring concepts from class, lectures, and reading. The class will travel by private transport and stay at three research stations. Resources and staff at each station will help students maximize their time in country.

Class topics will include (1) biogeographical and ecological explanations for species diversity and distribution, (2) alternate hypotheses and explanations for high diversity tropical forests, (3) ecological interactions and coevolution, (4) pollination and fruit dispersal mechanisms, (5) land use change, forest fragmentation and sustainable development models, (6) Costa Rica’s forward-thinking ecosystem services programs, and (7) forest restoration.

In-person Class Format: The class meetings before the field trip (5 meetings, every other week during Winter quarter) will be offered in hi-flex format, with faculty on campus for in-person instruction, and remote attendance on Zoom an option. You may only register for the program if you can participate on the field trip fully in-person.   

Class Schedule: Wednesday nights, 6pm-10pm (every other week during Winter quarter).

International Field Trip: March 13-26, 2026