Monteverde Institute

This agroecology course examines food production in the tropics and the integration of tropical agroforestry and conservation biology. The class explores a variety of topics through a combination of lectures and site visits: agroecology as a landscape mosaic, sustainable shade-grown coffee, organic agriculture, landscape of tropical dairy farms and beef cattle ranches, and agritourism and sustainable development. Evaluation is based on participation, written assignments, short videos and a final exam.

This Spanish course includes interviewing local residents, including coffee farmers, dairy farmers, naturalist guides, fishermen, and others with a specific theme. A detailed report and transcript that is both technical and useful to residents and visitors is then written by the students. The goals are to increase skills in communicating with persons of a wide range of backgrounds, to learn more about local land use and management practices, to enhance command of technical terms and to immerse into the culture.

This course addresses the causes of biodiversity in the Tropics and the effects of high species richness on the biology of tropical organisms. It examines climatic influences, geology, and biotic interactions leading to increased species numbers in the Tropics. Students learn about species concepts, learn to calculate species diversity and explore the causes and consequences of extinctions. Topics include: basic taxonomy and natural history of major groups including plants, insects, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals. Students also have the option of studying a taxon of their choice. Theories and practices of conservation of species, habitats and ecosystems are presented and discussed throughout the course.