This is a short course combining pre-trip classroom instruction with field study in the U.S. Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. It is offered to introduce both undergraduate and graduate students to the range of horticultural crops and ecosystems common in Puerto Rico and elsewhere in the Caribbean.
This study course is expected to broaden student knowledge and understanding of (1) crop utilization and production, pest management, marketing, and economic development and (2) island ecology, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, and sustainable development. Students will participate in lecture and discussion sessions on the ecology, geography, horticulture, natural resource, and economic systems in the semi-tropics and experience the people and culture of Puerto Rico. Topics will be covered from an interdisciplinary perspective and students should have a keen interest in a natural science. Quite simply, we will learn by doing. We will look, discuss, ask questions, reflect, and look again!
Lecture and discussion sessions will take place at UIUC, on the campus of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, and at various field sites (farms, plantations, agri-businesses, research stations, and parks) throughout Puerto Rico. Cultural and tourist sites will also be visited.
The Puerto Rico segment will take place in May 2008. However prior to the visit, enrolled students are expected to conduct research, give an oral presentation, post the presentation on this site, write a paper, maintain a journal, and interact with students enrolled in Horticulture or Biology at the Mayagüez campus.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)