Courses

· Costa Rica Geology & Tectonics Field Module (GSC 491L/499)

· Costa Rica Field Biology Independent Studies (BIO 691/692)

Photos from 2008 Costa Rica Field Studies Program – by Dr. Jeff Marshall

Program Overview

Faculty:	Department:	Email:
Dr. Jeff Marshall	Geological Sciences	marshall@csupomona.edu
Dr. Jon Nourse	Geological Sciences	janourse@csupomona.edu

Students:

2008 Program Participants

Program Description:

Dr. Marshall’s Costa Rica Geology Field Studies – Article from Global Cal Poly - [PDF file: 7.2 Mb]

International Field Studies Program Overview – From original College of Science QLF Program proposal

College of Science Quality Learning Fund Program – Overview of QLF Projects

Course Descriptions

GSC 491L / 499 – Costa Rica Geology & Tectonics Field Module

This project-based Geological Sciences field studies course explores the active tectonics of Costa Rica, Central America. During a seven-day trip, students will examine the geology and geomorphology of Costa Rica’s Cordillera Central volcanic range, as well as the Nicoya Peninsula within the Pacific fore arc region. We will visit two active volcanoes, Volcán Poás and Volcán Irazú, and will conduct a set of field-mapping projects near Cabo Blanco on the Nicoya Peninsula. Students will submit field notebooks, project maps, cross sections, and final reports for grading. During the trip, students will also give oral presentations on assigned research articles. All participants are required to attend a series of planning meetings before the trip. This course will be run concurrently with a Field Biology Independent Studies course (BIO 691/ 692).

BIO 691 / 692 – Costa Rica Field Biology Independent Studies

This graduate level Biological Sciences Independent Studies course will be run concurrently with the Geology & Tectonics Field Module (described above). Through directed field projects, students will examine the ecosystems of Costa Rica’s central volcanic cordillera (Tropical Cloud Forest) and northwest Pacific coast (Tropical Dry Forest). Projects will include studies of: 1) bird populations (avian guilds), 2) ant foraging behavior, and 3) nocturnal frog calling. Project results will be compiled in final written reports and summarized in oral presentations. All participants are required to attend a series of planning meetings before the trip.