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BIOL 304: Tropical Biology (Panama/Costa Rica) Cross-Cultural (Outgoing Program) Featured: Print 
  • Locations: Panama City, Panama; San Jose, Costa Rica
  • Program Terms: May Term
  • Restrictions: MU applicants only
  • Dates / Deadlines
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
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Program Description:

Panama/Costa Rica Cross-Cultural Course May 2026 
BIOL 304 Tropical Biology
Panama Canal

Course Description: The Tropical Biology course will survey and investigate biological processes at the levels of organism, population, community, and biosphere, emphasizing the relationship of these processes to the tropical latitudes. This course will guide students through a comparative study of major tropical plants, animals and biomes, and examine the essential principles of tropical ecology and conservation biology.  This course is for students majoring in Biology, Environmental Science, and Sustainability Studies.

Estimated course fee: $4,250

Faculty Biography:
Erik Lindquist is a Distinguished Professor of Biology and Environmental Science and Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at Messiah University. His Ph.D. research at Ohio State University explored questions of communication among "earless" harlequin frogs.  He has devoted nearly 28 years to the conservation of the Panamanian golden frog. During his travels, Lindquist has acquired a penchant for collecting peculiar cultural artifacts and for eating spicy ethnic foods. He and his wife Molly have four children and seven grandchildren and have lived and extensively traveled around the globe.
Frog
Other Course Information:
Sample syllabus: BIOL 304 - Tropical Biology 2024 - Syllabus.pdf
Know Before You Go Info:
  • Triggers – poverty, basic accommodations, unconventional restroom facilities, unfamiliar food, group food preparation may include slaughtering chickens/fish, travel in water taxis on ocean, and the potential to see snakes, tarantulas, nurse sharks and scorpions
  • Extreme physical conditions – lots of walking, uphill hiking, uneven terrain, hot and cold temperature extremes, lots of rain, carrying a backpack with all personal clothing/gear for up to 3 kilometers.
  • Student Independence – small group navigating bus and taxi transportation
  • Communication – limited cellphone and WiFi access
  • Course activities occur in all conditions, rain or shine.  Students are expected to have a good quality raincoat, hiking boots, and use of a 50-65L backpack


Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
May Term 2026 12/15/2025 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.