Student Study Abroad - Plant Science Programs
New Zealand: Environmental Sustainability
December 29, 2011 - January 20, 2012
PLSC 489Z (3 credits)
This course will be the first that has ever been offered in New Zealand. It will introduce students to a country of islands with an interesting geologic history. Originally part of the southern super continent, Gondwana, which consisted of Australia, South Africa, India and Antarctica, until earth movements created today's New Zealand islands. Although it is one of the world's smallest continents,it has the distinction of being biogeographically defined as a land mass in which birds and mammals can achieve completed speciation. Its geologic past resulted in plants and animals being distributed over water and land throughout New Zealand. Today the biota of New Zealand are the closest one can come to observing the end result of continental evolution in island-like isolation.
Find detailed information through the Study Abroad Office, http://www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad/
Faculty Director:
Dr. John D. Lea-Cox, (301) 405-4323
Costa Rica: Sustainable Tropical Ecosystems
PLSC 489C / HONR 379K (3 credits)
This two week course provides you the opportunity to comprehend relationships between Costa Rica's agricultural development and sustainability of its tropical ecosystems and culture. Visits to small and large agricultural production facilities will be interspersed with visits to Costa Rica's natural ecosystems, including La Selva, Arenal volcano and rainforests surrounding Monteverde. The latter includes an option to view the cloud forest from a birdÕs eye view via a suspended zip line. Site visits will often be physically demanding including hikes in rough terrain and in rainy conditions.
Visits to small and large agricultural production facilities will be interfaced with visits to Costa Rica's natural ecosystems, including the Arenal volcano and Monteverde tropicalVisits to small and large agricultural production facilities will be interfaced with visits to Costa Rica's natural ecosystems, including the Arenal volcano and Mon rainforests. The latter includes an option to view the rainforest from literally a birds eye view via a suspended zip line. Site visits will often be physically demanding.
With one of the most enlightened and dedicated approaches to conservation in the world, the country has made an impressive effort to preserve its natural resources. Costa Rica has 1,206 protected areas, comprising ~23% of the total land area. As a result, it has become one of the prime eco-tourism destinations in the world, offering among other things, tropical rainforests, active volcanoes, and an abundance of flora and fauna. At the same time, much of the unprotected land in Costa Rica has been extensively modified for agricultural production, ranging from subsistence farming to international agribusiness operations that produce worldwide. The challenges inherent in sustaining both natural diversity and human populations in an increasingly globally connected world make Costa Rica a perfect place to study sustainability.
Students will be required to submit a detailed journal of their experiences and give a PowerPoint presentation to faculty and students from the University of Costa Rica. A bus will transport the students throughout the itinerary, picking them up in the morning and bringing them back to their evening lodging.
Find detailed information through the Study Abroad Office, http://www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad/
Faculty and Staff
Dr. Maile Neel, Associate Professor in conservation biology from University of Maryland and Dr. Amy Wang, an Associate Professor in plant pathology from the University of Costa Rica, co-direct the course.
Dr. Priscila Chaverri, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture at UM with expertise in tropical fungi will also be participating in the course.
Medicinal Plants of the Amazon
Winter 2012
PLSC 489X (3 credits)
Medicinal Plants of the Amazon and the Andes uses one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet as a classroom setting to expose students to the incredible biochemistry of the flora of primary and secondary tropical rainforest. Students will learn about local medicinal plants and local Peruvian uses of plant properties to treat a wide range of ailments. Local healers will demonstrate preparation and use of specific plants. Toxic components of tropical plants will be examined and drugs that have been derived from rainforest biochemistry will be discussed. Sustainability issues will be introduced and examined from pharmaceutical, "food pharmacy" and global health perspectives.
Find detailed information through the Study Abroad Office, http://www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad/
Faculty Directors:
Note: For questions about the application, registration and pre-departure logistics, please contact the Study Abroad Office at 301-314-7473.
Applications should be made through the Study Abroad Office, http://www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad/
