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Courses

Syllabi are for course approval and reference only. Students will receive up-to-date syllabi when their courses begin.

All science courses are taught in English. Graduate credit may be awarded to full-time graduate students for the ecology courses by conducting additional independent research.

CAS BI/GE 438/638 Tropical Montane Ecology
Ecology of the montane zone of the neotropics, including grasslands, sub-alpine, and alpine shrub ecosystems. This course examines the interrelationships among the flora and fauna of montane ecosystems, including how these environments are being exploited for natural resources and agriculture. The course includes lectures presented during a two-week period, interspersed with several one-to-two-day field trips to surrounding mountains. Individual and group projects are conducted on field trips. Staff. 4 cr.

CAS BI/GE 439/639 Tropical Rainforest Ecology
Ecology of the rainforest, including principles applied to the function of the tropical rainforest, using the Amazon Ecuadorian basin as an example. This course examines rainforest habitats, biodiversity, conservation, specialization, and co-evolution of rainforest species. The course includes lectures presented in Quito, followed by four weeks of intensive study in the world’s most diverse rainforest. Time in the field is dedicated primarily to individual and group research projects. Staff. 4 cr.

CAS BI/GE 440/640 Tropical Coastal Ecology
Ecology of the coastal zone of Ecuador, including a survey of terrestrial and shallow marine ecosystems. This course examines the ecology of tropical dry forests, mangrove swamps, reefs, rocky and sandy shorelines, and agroecosystems. The course includes lectures presented during a two-week period in Quito, followed by about two weeks of intensive field studies along the coast of Ecuador and a one-week field trip to the Galápagos Islands. Field study includes sampling and observations, and individual and group projects. Staff. 4 cr.

CAS BI/GE 441/641 Studies in Tropical Ecology
Capstone course in Tropical Ecology immediately following the series of three field-based courses. This course focuses on evaluation and statistical analysis of data previously collected in the field, library research, and preparation of written and oral reports. Staff. 4 cr.

CAS QU 300 Intensive Spanish
The main goal of this course is for students to improve their ability to express themselves in spoken and written Spanish through the development of vocabulary, and the mastery of the grammar and idioms of the Spanish language. Students also improve their listening comprehension and reading ability while learning about Ecuadorian culture. Staff. 2 cr.

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Faculty

Kelly Swing: PhD, Louisiana State University, is a professor of environmental science at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito and director of the Tiputini Biodiversity Station. He also serves as program director for Boston University’s Ecuador Tropical Ecology Program and is an adjunct professor in the Boston University Department of Biology.

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