BIOL 3062 Tropical Watershed Ecology

This course will meet on the campus of Galen University in San Ignacio, Belize, and will provide an overview of the field of watershed ecology, including the complex interconnectedness of the ecosphere through hydrologic processes, as well as the role that watersheds play in the sustainable development of a third-world country. The course will examine the structure, function and dynamics of watershed ecosystems from global to local scales, including the latest theories and concepts; the interaction of humans with watersheds, coastal zones, oceans and atmospheric waters; the use of standardized ecological assessment techniques in identifying environmental problems; examination of solutions to environmental problems; and the development of management plans and long-term approaches to sustainable development.

In addition to lectures, students will visit several watersheds and the rain forest in Belize, and will witness first-hand how ecologists assess different types of development projects such as aquaculture sites, hydroelectric facilities, and housing developments.

The instructor for this course is Raymon Edward (Ed) Boles, Ph.D. Dr. Boles is a citizen of the U.S. and Belize, an environmental scientist, associate professor of ecology and marine biology at Galen University, and an expert on the assessment and monitoring of tropical watersheds.