Itinerary/Syllabus

2009 Itinerary

Week 1: Tropical Education Center, Belize Zoo, South Water Caye

Week 2: South Water Caye, Blue Hole National Park area, Mayan ruins at Xunantunich

2007 Syllabus

(2009 syllabus will be posted at a later date)

*Note: All written assignments can be completed in a single field notebook.

Reading assignments

Students are to read the Snyderman and Wiseman text entirely (get a good start on the trip to Belize if not before), and refer to it regularly throughout the course. They should also read and be ready to discuss the assigned articles and regularly refer to the recommended texts to identify species observed in the field. [III.A-D] *4950 students will need to prepare discussion questions from one of the assigned articles. 

Lectures & field trips

Students are to participate fully in all excursions and field observations to the extent that they are able to do so. However, participation should be refused if the student perceives an unacceptable risk to be required. On December 9 and 10, students should observe, record, and learn as much as possible from excursions to the Belize Zoo and Xunantunich as well as during travel over the Belizean countryside and waters. On December 11-20, there will typically be daily (often nightly) lectures, but our emphasis will be on observations in and around the water. This will include morning and afternoon activities and at least three boat excursions and walks on the shore and wading in shallow water. All students are encouraged to snorkel, and instruction will be provided.

Field Notebook

Students will keep a daily journal that includes careful notes of field observations including:

Species log: containing approximate numbers present at a single viewing (few = 2-10, many = 11-100, abundant = >100), locations where observed, and behaviors observed. Special note should be made of relevant behaviors and how those behaviors relate to the environment and to other species sharing the environment.

Drawings: include eight scientific drawings of organisms that are of interest to you. Label what parts you can identify and include the phylum, and genus of the organism. You will be graded on level of detail, accurateness, and completeness of your drawings.

Field and lecture notes: include all lecture notes, lab notes, and field observations from December 9-20 including our excursions to the Belize Zoo and Xunantunich. You will be graded on the organization, detail, accurateness, and completeness of your notes.

Lab Summaries: write-ups should include a paragraph describing the methods you used as well as a paragraph/drawing/figure describing your results.  

Research Report

Research groups will be formed based upon interests and research experience. Each group will pose a hypothesis to be tested by field observations. Data will be gathered from field notebooks, results will be analyzed, conclusions will be drawn, and reports will be written at the end of the students’ field notes. Reports will follow the detailed instructions that are provided on Blackboard. The notebook, including the research report will be due upon landing in Dallas-Fort Worth on December 22.  

Exams

A field exam on December 20 will evaluate each student’s ability to identify common species. [III.C] A written final will be given on December 21.

Participation

BIO 1100 students: seven percent of your grade will be based upon your involvement in discussions, lecture, and field activities. BIO 4950 students: seven percent of your grade will be based upon your involvement in teaching basic biological concepts (Mendelian genetics, taxonomy, the scientific method, and assisting 1100 students with their research projects) to 1100 students and preparing for class discussions. Preparation for discussions will involve coming up with ideas, questions and interesting points assigned articles.