For interested Penn State undergraduate and graduate students:

Biology 297 (E)- "Global Climate Change:  Sustainability of Select Tropical and Aquatic  Ecosystems”
(3 credits; March – May, 2012; Online)

Students must complete:  innovative online pre-trip assignments that provide essential background knowledge on topics and areas to be explored.

* Penn State undergraduate prerequisite: sophomores only

- WITH -

Biology 297 (A)- "Global Climate Change:  A Field Course in Panama"
(1 credit; Summer; July 6-22, 2012)

Students must complete: 1) a field-based trip experience  (approximately two and one-half weeks in duration with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute ( STRI ) in selected biological field stations throughout Panama) that includes hands-on conservation experience, journal keeping, inquiry-based research on real-world environmental issues, participation in group discussion forums and panel discussions, one species assignment, a formal group research presentation, and independent field exploration; and, 2) post-trip online assignments that encourage the integration and applicationof key concepts learned.

* Penn State undergraduate prerequisite: sophomores only

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Biology 498 (B) - "Global Climate Change: Sustainability of Select Tropical and Aquatic Ecosystems"
(3 credits; March – May, 2012; Online)

Students must complete:  1) innovative online pre-trip assignments that provide essential background knowledge on topics and areas to be explored. These students must also research a course related topic (approved by instructor), and prepare and deliver 30 minute presentation which leads into a group discussion forum to be delivered during the field practicum course component of this program.

* Penn State undergraduate prerequisite: entrance to major and 5th semester standing.

- WITH -

Biology 497 (A) - "Global Climate Change: Sustainability of Select Tropical and Aquatic Ecosystems"
(1 credit; Summer; July 6-22, 2012)

Students must complete: 1) a field-based trip experience (approximately two and one-half weeks in duration with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in selected biological field stations throughout Panama) that includes hands-on conservation experiences, journal keeping, inquiry-based research on real-world environmental issues, participation in group discussion forums and panel discussions, two species assignments, a formal group research presentation, independent field exploration. Importantly, these students must also deliver a 30 minute presentation on an approved course-related topic which leads into a group discussion forum, and complete post-trip online assignments that encourage the integration and application of key concepts learned. 

* Penn State undergraduate prerequisite: entrance to major and 5th semester standing.