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Yucatan Peninsula – Spring Break 2016

Part 1:  Biology (BY 340)

Scroll down for Part 2: Music

You DO NOT have to be a biology major or even science major to take BY340!  The course and accompanying lab can count towards your Liberal Education Science requirement or as a general elective.  If you are a biology, health science, or other science major, then the course generally counts as a major elective.  Professor Shrout and your adviser can help you determine where the course can best fit into your program plan.

Travel abroad to the warm,  sunny Yucatan Peninsula for Spring Break 2016!
The trip will serve as the lab to accompany BY340 – Island Microcosms – offered online in the Spring 2016 Semester.

BY340 – Island Microcosms (3.0)
DSCN2247This interdisciplinary course will focus on both biological and anthropological issues that affect island ecosystems and communities. Local and international sites will be featured. Environmental issues such as the impact of climate change, introduced species, increasing popuDSCN2521lations, and ecotourism on small island ecosystems will be examined. Science reasoning will be tested with a critical evaluation of evolutionary concepts in island communities. The effect of isolation on art, music, history, and economy and will be discussed. A variety of guest instructors will assist in the presentation of the material; problem-based learning will be built into the curriculum. A term project consisting of a written or visual composition addressing one of our focus topics will be required and wiJackson's chameleonll relate to the student’s major. Corequisite: BY 340L.

BY340L – Island Microcosms Lab (1.0)
This laboratory experience will give students practical experience in field observation and investigation techniques in an island ecosystem. BY 340L accompanies an interdisciplinary course that focuses on both biological and anthropological issues that affect island communities. The impact of climate change, introduced species, increasing populations, and ecotourism on small island ecosystems will be investigated and discussed daily. For a portion of the field experience, students will participate in a service-learning project. Island art, music, and the history will also be seen through local Tulumcollections and exhibitions. Students will be evaluated on proficiency in field identifications, participation, communication, and portfolio. Corequisite: BY 340.

Travel Dates:  February 27 – March 5, 2016
Cost: $1,500 – $250, travel abroad tuition waiver provided by Brenau = $1,250
Cost includes full-time guide, ground transportation while abroad, hotel accommodations, at least 2 meals per day, various activities and admissions, as well as health and travel insurance.  Airfare, 3rd meal of each day, and other optional activities are not included.  Airfare is currently running around $400, round trip.  Deposit of $300 is due to the International Student Office on December 1st; payment of $500 is due on Jan. 5th; final balance is due on Feb. 2nd.
Contact:  Professor Jessi Shrout at jshrout@brenau.edu or 770-335-0536

Detailed Travel Schedule

February 27th
CelestunArrive in Cancun and board vans for colonial city of Valladolid.  Check into hotel.  Late lunch.  Welcome to the Mundo Maya!  Guided walk around the city visiting the most important buildings, Cathedral and the Convent of San Bernadino.  Bird walk.  Instructor led lecture and presentation.  Free evening for exploration.  Hotel:  Meson del Marques.

February 28
After breakfast, drive to Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve on the Gulf of Mexico.  Board flat-bottom boats to visit the mangrove and understand the importance of this unique ecosystem.  Fresh seafood lunch.  Drive back to Valladolid. Free time to work on wildlife photography and field journals.  Dinner.  Student led lecture and presentation.  Hotel:  Meson del Marques.
February 29
After breakfast, drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Chichen Itza.  Guided visit.  Buffet lunch and swimming at Ikil Cenote. DSCN2367 Drive back to Valladolid.  Instructor led lecture and presentation on freshwater cenotes and the geology of the region.  Dinner on your own.  Hotel:  Meson del Marques.
March 1
ChichenAfter breakfast, drive towards the Caribbean Coast.  On the way stop at the Mayan ruins of Coba.  Guided bicycle tour with bird watching and discussions on ecology.  Climb the temple if your stomach can handle it!  Lunch.  Continue to Puerto Morelos.  Student led lecture and presentation.  Dinner on your own.  Hotel:  Hacienda Morelos.DSCN2247
March 2
After breakfast, drive to Playa del Carmen to take a ferry towards the Island of Cozumel.  Upon arrival take a smaller boat to snorkeling along the coral reef.  Lunch.  Lunch discussion about the health of the coral reef.  Visit Cozumel´s Museum.  Perhaps time for a bit of shopping/souvenir hunting.  Take Ferry back to Playa del Camren; drive to Puerto Morelos.  Student led lecture and presentation.  Hotel:  Hacienda Morelos.
March 3
CancunAfter breakfast, Drive around Cancun area to see the impact of tourism on the region.  Discussion on the effect of tourism on the biology and ecology of the region.  Dolphinaris at Cancun (swim with dolphins).  Learn about marine mammal conservation.  Take ferry to Turtle Farm rescue center at Isla Mujeres.  Learn about reptile conservation.  Arrive back in Puerto Morelos late.  Dinner on your own.  Hotel:  Hacienda Morelos.
March 4
Early breakfast, time to digest before snorkeling on the 2nd longest coral reef on the planet.  Discuss the differences in this protected habitat vs. snorkeling at Cozumel.  Board boats with snorkeling gear provided.  Talk about the importance and impact of coral reef formations.  Farewell lunch.  Visit Puerto Morelos Botanical Garden.  Discuss botany of the region and local horticulturalDSCN2253 techniques.  Student led lecture and presentation.  Dinner as a group on our last night.  Hotel:  Hacienda Morelos.
March 5
Early breakfast.  Drive to Cancun airport.  ADIOS!  COME BACK SOON!

Part 2: Music

What does it look like in Yucatan ?  Quick examples…

NOT_Yucatan

This is NOT Yucatan.

Yucatan

This IS Yucatan ! (From Google Streetview)

Details of the Music study-abroad trip are appearing here soon.  Please visit again !