(4 credits awarded by the University of Costa Rica)
An Introduction to Tropical Ecology is an intensive, four week course in field research and tropical ecology for 22 graduate students. This course uses the highly regarded OTS “field  problems” approach, which focuses on the formulation of research questions,  experimental design, data collection, analysis, and oral and written presentations, all significantly important for a successful research. This course also uses the opportunity to analyze biodiversity conservation issues in the tropics. All the skills will be strengthening through repetitive practice in tropical lowland forest, tropical dry forest, montane forest and the Costarrican páramo.

Students should expect to:

1. Do fieldwork using a vast array of tools (GIS, IPM, DNA barcoding, etc.), design and implement statistical analysis (R software)
2. Analyze information and develop sustainable resource use and biodiversity conservation strategies.
   

2014 Course Flyer (  1.39 mb )

• Learn the theory—use the techniques.  Hands-on research experience in plant ecophysiology, microbial ecology, molecular ecology, remote sensing, rapid biodiversity inventories, and other hot topics.
• Remedial and advanced statistics, workshops in R, group and individual sessions on experimental design.
• Networking opportunities with experts in biological coridors, payment for environmental services, national parks, carbon neutrality, organic farms, and reforestation.

Application form
2013 Course Flyer (  549 kb ) 
 Summer Session; 7,5 weeks,
June 07-July 29, 2013.
Arrive June 06th, depart July 30th, 2013.
Early application deadline: November 01, 2012.
Final application deadline: February 01, 2013 followed by Open Enrollment/rolling admission until course is full.

6 credits awarded by the University of Costa Rica
Offered in even–numbered years, this course emphasizes a strong conceptual foundation in phylogenetic systematics in an intensive field setting. The course travels to diverse habitats around Costa Rica, from cloud forest and paramo to tropical dry forest and Atlantic lowland rain forest. This course is next offered in 2012 (application deadline in March 1, 2012) as it alternates with OTS–18, the Spanish language version of the course which is offered in odd years.

Early application deadline: November 10, 2013. 
Final application deadline: February 10, 2014 followed by Open Enrollment/rolling admission until course is full.
Duration: 5 weeks, June 11 - July 13, 2014. 
Arrive June 10, depart July 14, 2014.
Application form
Details 2012OPEN ENROLLMENT / MATRICULA ABIERTA

The Tropical Biology Association (TBA) is a consortium of European and African universities. OTS and TBA offer a limited exchange of participants. For 2009, places will be available for up to two OTS students in each TBA course offered in East Africa or Madagascar. Applicants must have completed at least three years of their first degree in a biological science by June 2007. Tuition for selected participants is the same as for TBA member institutions. Contact OTS and the TBA website for information.

Details