PCP PIRESummer 2011 Classes
Paleontology of the Panama Canal
Postponed until summer 2012
UF Students and Non-UF Students
Apply online at: www.abroad.ufic.ufl.edu
Introduction
The Florida Museum of Natural History offers students an opportunity to earn 6 credits in Panama. This course will capitalize on the current excavations to enlarge the Panama Canal that are uncovering fossiliferous Miocene (15 to 20 million-year-old) and related Neogene deposits. Students will learn about paleontology, geology, and biology as these pertain to an understanding of terrestrial and marine Neotropical biodiversity, past and present.
Highlights
- Have direct experience in the field along the Panama Canal collecting fossils while learning the geological context of these discoveries. Related experience to understand Neotropical biodiversity.
- Develop an individual research or outreach project.
- Learn about the natural history, culture, and geography of Panama.
- Develop and/or enhance in-country Spanish-speaking skills.
- Meet, work along-side, and learn with university students from Panama.
- There is no text; reading assignments will be taking from primary literature and web-based references.
Course Offerings
Choose One:
GLY 4930: Paleontology of the Panama Canal | 6 credits
ZOO 4932: Paleontology of the Panama Canal | 6 credits
Taught by:
Dr. Bruce MacFadden - Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology
Dr. Douglas Jones - Museum Director and Curator of Invertebrate Paleontology
Eligibility
This program is open to all undergraduates with a 3.0 or higher GPA and who are majoring in Geology, Biology, Anthropology, Zoology, or Wildlife Ecology. Other majors may be considered upon review of submitted statement of purpose essay.
Prerequisites
- At least 1 semester of Spanish (2 is best) or demonstration of Spanish competency.
- Geology students will need to have taken historical geology or similar course.
- Biology students will need to have taken organismal biology and/or course with taxonomic content.