Monkeys close enough to touch, bamboo forests, Mayan Ruins, snorkeling off the coast of Belize.
Although this may sound like an exotic summer vacation, it's just the beginning for Biology 461 students at UNM.
The three-credit tropical biology course has no prerequisites and is open to both biology and non-biology majors.
"It is a terrific experience for students at this institution, and I am just amazed that more of them don't try and take advantage of it," instructor Don Duszynski said.
The course costs about $1,800 and the trip lasts about 10 days. It will be offered this spring, complete with the Belize experience.
Duszynski said tropical biology is taught at most colleges through lectures, guest speakers, videos, slides and library research.
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"That's not the way we teach tropical biology," Duszynski said. "I don't think you can really understand what the tropics are about, I don't think you can truly have a feeling for the life that surrounds the tropics without having been there. So, the way we teach tropical biology is by taking students to the tropics."
The class meets three days a week and, prior to going to Belize, consists mainly of lectures.
Lecture topics include climate and circulation patterns of water and air, as well as tropical forests, birds, fish and mammals.
"This course is unlike most biology courses in that we incorporate geography, geology, history, religion, politics and economy," Duszynski said.
Lecture topics also include information on the people and culture of Belize.
"I want our students to not be ethnocentric," he said. "I want our students to have a sensitivity to the Belize people, their culture and their history."
After an overview of Belize, it's time for the hands on experience. The class will travel to Belize in March, during Spring Break.
"Tropical biology enables students to learn about biodiversity in an environment that is unforgettable," said UNM student Amber Arave, who took the class last year.
The trip features tropical forests, historical sites, a baboon sanctuary and a possible scuba dive for those students who have proper certification.
"Learning in a conventional laboratory will never substitute for the tropical forests, coral reefs, turtle grass beds and mangroves of Belize," Arave said.
Duszynski said that during the past six years, students have been building the library at the grade school in one of the locations they visit.
"We are wealthy by every comparison to these people," Duszynski said. "Our students get an idea of how other children grow up. I mean these kids get up in the morning, help with the family chores and get in a boat, paddle across a river and walk a half a mile to school. They don't have walkmans. They don't have motorbikes. They don't have fancy cars. That's how they get to school."
He said students have the opportunity to visit with teachers and play with children.
"I think it gives our students a real insight into another part of the world," Duszynski said.
For more information, visit biology.unm.edu/biology/461L/home2.htm
