Costa Rica (McClelland)
BIOL 197/BIOL/ENVR297
Biological Studies of Costa Rica
February 22 to March 5, 2023
This is a lab course that will give students a chance to learn about life on Earth with the unique opportunity to study in Costa Rica. Costa Rica accounts for only 0.03 percent of the earth's surface yet contains nearly 6 percent of the world's biodiversity. Travel to Costa Rica is a required component of this course and will allow us to witness living animals in their natural habitats first-hand. We will discuss the basics of the scientific process, the importance of science in modern society, and other contemporary issues in biology. Labs will provide students hands-on learning about designing experiments, using lab and field techniques to learn about animal biology, and provide a chance for students to engage in the scientific process. All students in the course will be expected to come to class prepared to actively and respectfully engage in the class discussions, and to fully immerse themselves in the exploration of the natural areas we visit.
Faculty Facilitator
Dr. Sara McClelland
Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
Cost
- Program Fee: $1,700 (Meals included)
- Airfare & Transportation: $724 (Estimated)
- Insurance Fee: $75
- Total Cost: $2,499
- Elevate: Fully funded for current sophomores
- Recommended for Meals & Personal Funds: $100
Quick Facts
- Application Deadline: 9/26/22 (Late applications may be accepted)
- Program Length: 12 Days
- Credits: 1 Unit
- Eligibility: Moravian student, 2.0+ GPA, Sophomore standing or higher
- Language: English
- LinC: Fulfills F4 Requirement
- *This is a 16-Week Spring Semester Course
TENTATIVE Itinerary
All the landmarks mentioned in this itinerary will be visited. Some changes may be made in the order they will be visited depending upon the weather.
Day 1: Fly to San José, Costa Rica, then travel two hours to the lodge
Day 2: Bird watching with a local guide and visit the Paramo Forest
Day 3: Bird watching tour, coffee tour, travel to Camaquiri Conservation Initiative
Day 4 to 7: Explore Camaquiri Conservation Initiative
Day 8: Travel to Arenal Observatory Lodge, banana plantation tour
Day 9: Explore Arenal Observatory Lodge trail system, observation tower, visit the Danta waterfall, hanging bridges and Observatory Lodge Museum. End the day with a night hike to the frog pound.
Day 10: Day trip to Maleku indigenous community
Day 11: Cote Hydroelectric Plant and Parque Eollico Tilaran
Day 12: Fly back to the US
COVID-19 Disclaimer
Due to the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 Pandemic we cannot guarantee travel or entrance into a destination as a result of COVID-19 related delays and /or closures. Moravian University requires that all students who plan to participate in a Moravian travel course provide evidence of COVID vaccination.