Course Details:
The BEATCH-P program is a seven-credit course in Biology with 400-level credit. The program consists of two one-credit courses in spring and summer term and a five-credit, two weeks of on-site academic instruction and fieldwork in Panama. OIMB Faculty Richard Emlet and Jan Hodder will be the instructors for the program.
BI405 Reading (1 credit P/NP) During spring term, students will explore primary and secondary literature on the habitats and environmental issues that will be seen in Panama. Students will be required to make presentations on their readings and participate in weekly discussions. Students will be required to develop a bibliography of material useful for their subsequent experience in Panama. Residency at OIMB is not required to participate. Evaluation will be based on completion of the assignments and participation in the discussion. Class meets for one hour each week and will involve video conferencing for students on main campus.
BI408 (1 credit P/NP) During summer term, students will continue to develop bibliography material which will culminate in the development of a web page where resources pertinent to the experience in Panama can be accessed. Evaluation will be based on completion of the assignments and participation in the discussion. Class meets for one hour each week and will involve video conferencing for students on main campus.
BI457 Field Course (5 credits) The course in Panama will be a combination of lectures on habitats and organisms, field observations and data collection, and field trips. Students will be required to keep a daily journal of their observations from the point of view as a biological naturalist, as a visitor to a tropical environment, and as a personal experience. Assessment of student work will focus on completion and quality of journal entries and the expression of their experience in some communicable form (e.g. poster, paper) upon returning to the US.
   
Eligibility:
Students must be majors in Marine Biology, Biology or Environmental Science, who by the time they leave for Panama have successfully completed at least ONE term at OIMB, including the BI 451 Invertebrate Zoology course offered in both spring and summer term.
How to Apply:
Applications are available at the UO Global Studies web page: http://intlsa.uoregon.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=550
Applications are due by March 1, 2013. Students will be notified of acceptance by March 15, 2013.
   
Program Cost:
The program fee, estimated at $2800, includes all UO tuition and fees for the 1 summer credit (BI 408) and the 5 credit two-week Panama course. International airfare from the US to Panama and personal expenses are an additional cost.
The Panama course has funding from the Williams Council for a limited amount of financial aid for students who qualify. Priorities will be given to students who are Pell Grant eligible and part of the Pathway Oregon program, but any student who qualities for financial aid may also apply for funds to partially offset the cost of this study-abroad course. Contact Roger Adkins at the UO Global Studies program if you wish to apply for financial aid.
Program Logistics:
Students will stay in the dorms on the Bocas Research Station campus. Meals will be provided. The station has a 24 hour security system.
 
 
Course activites will include snorkeling but not SCUBA. All internal travel is covered by program cost.
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