• Program Description:  2 weeks On line/ 2 1/2 weeks in Costa Rica with lectures and field sessions
• Hours and credits:  10 on line hours, 25 lecture hours, 30 lecture/field session hours  
  (6 credits)  

Dates:                                                     On-line Virtual course begins:         Field session in Costa Rica:
J-Term Marine Biology                       Dec 07th – Dec 18th, 2009                January 4th- January 20st, 2010
Summer Marine Biology                   July 20th – July 31st                            August 4th- August 20th

Costa Rica offers so much to learn about tropical marine biology. This program will give participants a first hand experience on coastal management resources and Costa Rica’s rich experience with sustainable projects.

Participants will learn about the different projects in sea turtle programs and the non-government organizations evolvement in coastal issues.

Through lectures and field visits, participants will gain awareness about biological and ecological issues regarding mangroves, estuaries, coral reefs and species monitoring. Participants will learn about crisis such as red tide, causes, types and toxins and the contamination menaces.

Interviews and discussions will address important topics such as the problem solving strategies Costa Rica has developed.

Program Objectives:  
The purpose of this program is to expose exchange students to:
• General comprehension of the concepts and issues addressed in marine biology.
• Costa Rican marine ecosystems, biodiversity and environmental issues through field trips and field work in coral reefs, sandy and muddy beaches, mangroves and estuaries.
• The importance of Integrated Coastal Management.

ON-LINE CONTENTS
1. The Region:  Biogeography of Central American Isthmus and Marine and coastal environments in Costa Rica
2. Introduction to Tropical Marine Biology and geology
3. Physical and Chemical Oceanography
4. Caribbean Reef Fish Count
5. Interstitial Zones
6. Global Change Impact on Marine Life

ON-SIGHT (in Costa Rica) CONTENTS & ITINERARY may be retrieved on the on-line course once enrolled.

PROGRAM COST
Following is the net prices per person:   $3.025 for a minimum of 5 students enrolled

Includes: Tuition and fees (2 weeks online 2 ½  weeks on the field in Costa Rica), materials, airport pick up and drop off, homestay lodging when in San José, Hotels during field work, ground transportation, park entrances, and three meals a day,  boat transportation, Snorkeling or full Scuba equipment for certified divers.

Does not include airfare, spending money, airport taxes, insurance (must purchase international travel insurance from your own country).