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Field Programs

Biology Field Programs

ecology-of-the-tropics-2024

BIOL 372-SAF

Ecology of the Tropics - Field Course in Peru

Biology/EnvS 372 is taught every spring semester, where a small group of twelve select students get the opportunity to travel south of the equator to Peru to the very heart of biodiversity on the planet!  Students are required to take the lecture class (Tropical Ecology 371) to help prepare them for an immersion into the rainforest.

The rainforest is the greatest expression of life on earth. Students view and experience amazing flora and fauna, meet with local peoples, and meet with two indigenous tribes: the Yagua and Maijuna.  Their seasoned, indigenous guide (Roldan) provides insights in life in the rainforest as someone who has spent his entire life within it.

 The cost for the trip is approximately $3000 (depending on airfare prices). Prerequisites: Biology 142 and Biology 142L; pre- or corequisite: Biology 371 orENVS 371. Permission of instructor is also required. This course is taught by Dr. Larry Wilson (adjunct faculty), is SHARED by the Biology and Environmental Science Departments, and may be taken as elective and upper-level laboratory credit for the biology major. See the Biology Department Spring Course Atlas for additional information.  (2 credit hours)

BIOL 329

Coastal Biology

This is a lecture course emphasizing the basic principles of coastal ecology, the human impact on coastal ecosystems, and the diversity of invertebrates living in these ecosystems. Students will also attend a mandatory laboratory/field trip to St. Simon’s Island during Spring Break. A laboratory fee will be required for the laboratory/field portion of this course. See the Course Atlas for additional information. Prerequisites: Biology 142 and Biology 142L and permission of instructor. This course will fulfill the Column C (or elective) and upper-level laboratory requirements for the biology major.  (4 credit hours)

BIOL 375

Tropical Marine Ecosystems
This course will explore coastal and near-shore tropical marine ecosystems including mangroves and coral reefs. Readings will review key concepts of marine ecology with a focus on local ecosystems. Field excursions to local sites will provide opportunities to learn from researchers and managers. Prerequisites: Biology 142 and Biology 142L or ENVS 131. This course ORIGINATES in the ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT and may be taken as elective credit for the biology major.  (4 credit hours)
Program Video

BIOL 380

Herpetology, with Lab
This lecture/field course is designed to give the student a broad view of these two classes of vertebrates (Amphibia and Reptilia). Class topics will include taxonomy, conservation, life histories, special senses and pheromones, biogeography, reproductive strategies, physiology, and behavior. Prerequisite: Biology 142. This course is taught by Dr. Larry Wilson (adjunct faculty), is SHARED by the Biology and Environmental Science Departments, and may be taken as elective and upper-level laboratory credit for the biology major. (4 credit hours)

Field Program Scholarships

Each year, the Department of Biology offers need-based scholarships for undergraduate biology majors. Scholarships are need-based; students must be currently receiving financial aid.  The Department of Biology does not provide full course funding; we will provide approved students with matching funds to cover the full course registration costs.  Scholarship requests must be approved prior to course registration.  The Biology Department will provide each awardee with a maximum of $2,500 for Biology Field coursework over the student’s undergraduate academic career.

  1. Declare Biology as your major

    • Students must declare Biology as their major
    • The student must currently be receiving financial aid.

  2. Submit Scholarship Request Form

  3. Approval/Registration

    • Students may register for the course after receiving scholarship approval notification.

Program Forms

Field Course Scholarship Request Form
“I would like to say thank you to the generous donors for making my coastal biology research trip with Dr. Civitello possible! Dr. Civitello's course was one of the most engaging, intellectually stimulating, and collaborative classes that I have experienced in my four years at Emory.  I'll cherish these memories and hope that this experience continues to be offered to biology students!”
--Eric Zeng (2020 Coastal Biology participant)
 
price_lucy-peru-monkey

"Even though we spent weeks learning about tropical rainforests and flipping through photos, I could not fully comprehend what it is like to be in a rainforest until I was surrounded by massive trees and lianas and frogs. It was a gift to go with peers who were just as eager as I was to try everything we could, and to have a professor, a guide, and an alumna who knew so much about the forest and could share their knowledge".

Lucy received funds for this trip.
--Lucy Price (2024 Ecology of the Tropics participant)