Tropical Marine Biology in Costa Rica is a truly unique course taken both online and in person at Universidad Veritas, an academically robust private university in San Jose. Your classroom will be the country itself, in all its natural beauty! Much of your class time will be spent exploring the marine biology unique to Costa Rica, so get excited about studying marine life, conservation practices, and Costa Rican attitudes toward the environment. This course is available in both winter (December/January) and summer (June/July).
Bimodal classes at Universidad Veritas are taught in a unique way. You will take the first 2 weeks of class online, covering introductory material and other information that will be helpful for the onsite portion of the class. Then you will travel to Costa Rica for 2 weeks of field study specific to the course.
Tropical Marine Biology*
Gain hands-on experience with Costa Rican marine ecosystems and environmental issues through field trips and fieldwork in coral reefs, sandy and muddy beaches, mangroves, and estuaries. You’ll earn 3 US credits in 4 weeks (2 weeks online in the US, 2 weeks in the field in Costa Rica). The course is taught in English.
*Note: In the summer, you can combine this course with the July Spanish-Language Intensive. All your online coursework is completed in Costa Rica. You’ll earn 7–8 US credits in 6 weeks (4 weeks of Spanish, during which online coursework is completed, followed by 2 weeks of field experience).
Course load: 1 course, 2 weeks online and 2 weeks in Costa Rica (3 US credits)
Program objectives
The purpose of this program is to expose you to:
• The concepts and issues addressed in marine biology
• Costa Rican marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and environmental issues through field trips and fieldwork in coral reefs, sandy and muddy beaches, mangroves, and estuaries
• Integrated Coastal Management and its importance
On Tropical Marine Biology in Costa Rica, you‘ll get firsthand experience with coastal management resources and sustainable projects. You will learn about sea turtle programs and the involvement of non-government organizations in coastal issues. About crises such as red tide (causes, types, and toxins) and the contamination menaces. Through lectures and field visits, you will become aware of biological and ecological issues concerning mangroves, estuaries, coral reefs, and species monitoring. Interviews and discussions address such topics as the problem-solving strategies Costa Rica has developed.
Online content
1. The Region: Biogeography of Central American Isthmus and Marine and Coastal Environments in Costa Rica
2. Introduction to Tropical Marine Biology and Geology
3. Physical and Chemical Oceanography
4. Caribbean Reef Fish Count
5. Interstitial Zones
6. Global Change Impact on Marine Life
Tropical Marine Biology in Costa Rica
