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The course will follow the model pioneered by the Organization for Tropical Studies for teaching courses in tropical biology. This model emphasizes the use of field work to address specific issues in tropical ecology. We will visit different field sites. The first day in each site, we will have natural history orientation hikes.  The rest of the time, we will be working on field projects. Faculty will lead natural history orientation hikes and field projects. Field projects will be designed by faculty together with students and will be conducted in small groups. At some sites, students will design and conduct their own independent research projects, with the support and guidance of faculty. Students are responsible for the collection and analysis of data. Students are also expected to present their results and conclusions to the rest of the group, both orally and written. This is an intense course and you will engage in intellectual and physical activities. Our days will begin at 6:00 am and we expect you to be ready to work by 7:30 am. A normal day will include a short break at lunch time and another break before dinner. Dinner will usually be at 6:00 pm. We will resume work after dinner with an evening lecture or class discussion followed by planning sessions or data analysis. We will continue working until about 9:00 or 10:00 pm. During orientation hikes, we will walk for about 3-4 hours on rustic and muddy trails. You will be expected to hike at a moderate pace and you will be required to go downhill and uphill. Also, field projects will require hiking to your field site. We will also kayak in a mangrove swamp and snorkel in a coral reef. We will require that you to know how to swim and use life vests while snorkeling or traveling by boat. Attendance to all activities is mandatory. VIDEO DESCRIPTION OF CLASS