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SFS Semester in Panama: Tropical Island Biodiversity & Conservation Studies (Outgoing Program)

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  • Locations: Bocas del Toro, Panama
  • Program Terms: Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: The School for Field Studies (SFS) 
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2025 10/06/2024 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Class Standing: 2 - Sophomore, 3 - Junior, 4 - Senior Program Type: Affiliated Program Provider
Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA: 2.5 Language of Instruction: English
Click here for a definition of this term Area(s) of Study: Biology, Economics, Foreign Language - Spanish, Geography, International Studies, Latin American Studies, Ocean and Earth Science, Oceanography, Recreation and Tourism Click here for a definition of this term Estimated Cost of Attendance: $18,001 - $20,000
Program Description:


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TROPICAL ISLAND BIODIVERSITY STUDIES,
PANAMA


PROGRAM DETAILS

  • Terms: Fall, Spring
  • Credits: 18 semester-hour credits
  • Prerequisites: One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science; 18 years of age
  • Application Deadline: Rolling admissions. Early applications encouraged
  • Financial Aid: All accepted students can apply for need-based scholarships, grants, and loans


OVERVIEW

The curriculum of the program focuses on defining key island systems, both natural and human, and how they interface. Through field observations and research, students identify and understand the pressures, both direct and indirect, on the environment and social systems.

Students gain an understanding of the interdependence of the livelihood strategies of island residents, population structure of key species, and habitat arrangements and conditions. Equipped with foundational knowledge, students then apply sustainability principles to define potential management strategies.


PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Explore lowland humid rainforests, viewing diverse insects, birds, monkeys, plants, and numerous species of poison dart frogs
  • Snorkel for field research and species identification on coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other marine habitats
  • Visit indigenous communities and learn about livelihood strategies including farming, fishing, and forest gathering
  • Interview and interact with local stakeholders including government agencies, nonprofits, and educational and business leaders to understand the complex implications of management on ecosystems
 

DIRECTED RESEARCH

Through Directed Research (DR)—as opposed to basic, applied, or independent research—students conduct research on a specific topic that is part of the SFS Center’s long-term strategic research plan, which has been developed in partnership with local community stakeholders and clients.

The course, taught by resident SFS faculty, provides students with the opportunity to apply the scientific process in a mentored field research project that addresses a local environmental issue. Through the DR project, students contribute to a growing body of scientific research that informs local conservation and resource management decisions.
 


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