Ecology and Biodiversity of Brazil

(4 semester credits)

This course focuses on the value of biodiversity, the causes and patterns of biodiversity loss, the ecological significance of anthropogenic disturbances, and methods of hypothesis testing in the field of conservation biology. Students review the theoretical principles involving these topics during the pre-program orientation lectures and through assigned readings.

Throughout the program the class examines species and habitat diversity characteristic of several Brazilian biomes. In addition to lecturing on ecology and serving as natural history guides, Brazilian botanists, zoologists, and ecologists work with students on field problems designed to illustrate the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem function. These field problems are exercises that follow the scientific method from hypothesis formulation through statistical analysis and interpretation of data collected. The impact of human activities on biodiversity and ecosystem function are also directly observed and discussed throughout the course.

The Program Director prepares the class for each site visit with a lecture outlining the basic concepts under study. She revisits these concepts during the summary and class discussion at the close of the site visit.

Course Objectives

To explore the nature of biodiversity and its role in ecosystem function
To examine causes of biodiversity loss and the scientific methodology applied to conservation problem-solving

Having explored these topics in theory, observation and research, students should be able to:

Understand in detail the concept of biodiversity and its relationship to whole ecosystems
Recognize threats to biodiversity
Understand the scientific approach to advancing our knowledge of unique biological communities that are imperiled by human activity

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Brazilian Natural Resource Management

(4 semester credits)

This course introduces the need for sustainable management of resources in terms of the value of ecosystem goods and services. Students will examine the application of sustainable management practices in agriculture, forestry, and park management. The role of environmental policy and the influence of non-governmental organizations in affecting environmental stewardship are also examined. This topic further includes consideration of local cultural attitudes in policy development and implementation.

Meetings with land managers and environmental groups are followed with structured group discussions that focus on evaluating (a) the sustainability of observed land use practices, (b) resource use policies in terms of scientific rigor and accuracy, and (c) the agencies seeking to modify existing policy or establish new policies.

Course Objectives

To explore the link between sustainable resource use and the benefits derived from natural ecosystems
To examine the methods involved in sustainable resource management.
To analyze the scientific integrity of current environmental policies employed in Brazil.

Having explored these topics through lectures, case study site visits, meetings, and discussions, students should be able to:

Understand in depth the utility of sustainable resource use
Identify which components of a resource management program represent sustainable use and which do not
Discern policy quality in the context of the ecological principles of conservation

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Portuguese Language

(4 semester credits)

This intensive Portuguese language course will use instructional methodologies including conversation, tutorial instruction, and reading of both scientific and popular literature. Additional exposure to the language will be achieved through listening, conversation, and interaction with homestay families.

Course Objectives

Development of social and professional skills in Portuguese to an intermediate/low-intermediate/medium level of proficiency
Acquisition of adequate vocabulary of ecology, environmental science and natural resource management
Active involvement in communication with field consultants and local citizens
Maintenance of a vocabulary notebook, particularly for scientific words

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Field Internship

(4 semester credits)

The final four weeks of the program are devoted to a science internship, working with a faculty supervisor on-site. Internships involve participating in a research team project, assisting in an educational program, or volunteering with an environmental agency project.

Click here to read about internships held by past participants!

Course Objectives

To understand the perspectives of Brazilian scientists, conservationists and government officials through direct involvement and interaction
To gain knowledge and understanding of one focused area of scientific research and/or environmental concern
To develop a comprehensive understanding of a particular environmental issue from social and biological science perspectives.
To work independently with Brazilian scientists and/or community members in a constructive research or field project

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Sample of Readings

Borgerhoff Mulder, M. and P. Coppolillo. Conservation: Linking Ecology, Economics, and Culture. Princeton University Press, 2005.
Fimbel R.A., Grajal, A. and J.G. Robinson. The Cutting Edge: Conserving Wildlife in Logged Tropical Forests. Columbia University Press, 2001.
Kricher, J. A. 1997. Neotropical Companion: An Introduction to the Animals, Plants, and Ecosystems of the New World Tropics. Second ed. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1997.
Meffee, G.K., editor. Special Section: Brazilian Conservation: Challenges and Opportunities. Vol. 19:587-761 in The Journal of the Society for Conservation Biology. Blackwell Publishing, Inc., 2005.
Meffe, G. and C.R. Carroll. Principles of Conservation Biology. Third ed. Sunderland: Sinauer Associates, 2006.
Mills, L. S. Conservation of Wildlife Populations: Demography, Genetics, and Management. Blackwell Publishing, 2007.
Oliviera, P.S. and R.J. Marquis, eds. The Cerrados of Brazil: Ecology and Natural History of a Neotropical Savanna . New York: Columbia University Press, 2002.
Pickett, S., R. et al. eds. The Ecological Basis of Conservation: Heterogeneity, Ecosystems and Biodiversity. Chapman and Hall, 1997.

A traveling library, composed of over one hundred articles, books, and journals provides further information on the subjects studied, and support the individual research needs of the students.

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