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Autumn 2001: INDIA!

Study Tropical Ecology in South India
with Au Sable Institute and its partner Bishop Heber College
December 29, 2001 - January 19, 2002.

South India is a remarkably varied and beautiful landscape. Biologically it is one of the most diverse regions of the world. The area includes mangrove forests, plains, thorn scrub, dry and moist deciduous forests, evergreen Shola forest, grassland and montane ecosystems. Here one can find both vistas of breathtaking beauty as well as landscapes of ecological fragmentation and degradation. Black buck, Nilgiri tahr (goat antelope), Nilgiri langur (monkey), lion-tailed macaque, giant flying squirrels, monitor lizards and a rich diversity of birds are among the native wildlife.

Biol 427 Ecology of the Indian Tropics (4 cr; 120 Contact hrs.) is an introduction to coastal ecosystems, the plains, and montane tropical ecosystems. The course will visit a variety of ecosystem preserves and national parks. Some sites in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands may also be included. Topics include tropical ecosystems, adaptations of flora and fauna, biodiversity surveys, and past and present human interaction with the landscape.

This program is designed for upper level undergraduates or recent college graduates. Students should have taken at least one ecology course. Prior experience in field natural history, with at least one session at Au Sable Institute or equivalent, is recommended. The program is designed to meet the cross-cultural requirement of most colleges. All courses involve both Indian and North American students and faculty.

The cost of the program includes lodging, food, ground transportation in India, notebooks, and fees for guest lecturers. The cost for students from participating colleges, excluding travel to and from India, is the tuition rate at their home institution. The cost for this January course is the tuition rate for one 4 credit course, but no less than US$1300. Students from non-participating institutions should contact the Institute for tuition rates. Airfare is about US$1400-1800. Generally Au Sable Grants-In-Aid are not available during January Session.

Applications are available from Au Sable Institute or the Au Sable representative at your home college and online at www.ausable.org. Applications are due September 30, 2001.

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