BIO 030 – Tropical Ecology (3.0 Lecture Units) Offered Online, Spring 2026
Discover the amazing diversity of life in tropical environments. Explore rainforest
species and ecosystems, their ecological roles, and conservation importance. This
course may be taken with or without BIO 030L.
BIO 030L – Tropical Ecology Lab (1.0 Lab Unit) Offered in Costa Rica during Spring Break 2026
In this introductory level laboratory class, students travel to Costa Rica over Spring
break to carry out research methods that ecologists use to observe and investigate
tropical ecosystems. As accommodations are in rustic bunkhouses, previous camping
experience is recommended. This lab course must be taken with, or after BIO 030, Tropical
Ecology.
BIO 031L – Tropical Ecology Field Lab (1.0 Lab Unit) Offered in Costa Rica during Spring Break 2026 Students who are not enrolled in BIO 030 may take this lab. It includes the same
content as BIO 030L and provides a stand-alone field experience.
Take one or both of the following combinations:
- BIO 030 (online lecture) + BIO 030L (field lab)
- BIO 031L (field lab only)