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AFBSST Course to Maderas Biological Field Station, Nicaragua to study tropical ethnobotany EARTHQUEST (Canada) now has an opportunity to journey to Nicaragua, primarily on the island of Ometepe in the great lake of Nicaragua from 22 July to 16 August, 2011. It will be an interdisciplinary course as all ethnobotany courses have to be. However, this one will present historical perspectives and provide background in a number of disciplines of the natural and social sciences including Geography, Geology, Biology, Ecology, Botany, Anthropology and Ethnobotany. Students will be offered a holistic overview of the physical, biological and cultural context of our field station on Ometepe, the volcanic island on which it is located, and the traditional and modern use of plants in the Neotropics. The ethnobotany of the Neotropics will be compared with that of the tropical islands of the Indo-Pacific Region to give students a broad understanding of the science of ethnobotany in relationship to tropical ecosystems on continents as opposed to remote islands. A special study of contemporary use of plants on Ometepe is planned as a group exercise in ethnobotany in a Neotropical setting. Overall, this course can be seen as an introduction to Natural History in the tropics with a special emphasis on human relationships with plants -- past, present and future. Description: This course will focus on ethnoecology -- how people interact with ecosystems, and medical ethnobotany -- how people interact with medicinal plants. Students will learn from a combination of classroom-style lectures and hands-on activities. Students may also have the opportunity to conduct original ethnobotanical research. Major topics include the following: •Overview of the science of ethnobotany •Natural history, volcanism, botany, and ecology of Ometepe, a world heritage site •Comparison of natural history and ecology of the “old” and “new” world tropics •Land management, the environment, and health •Ethnobotanical research ethics, methods/techniques, and project design •Different perspectives from which to explore the relationship between people and plants •Botanical history of medicine •How plant medicines work in the body •Herbal medicine making and medicinal specimen collecting workshops •The food-medicine-poison continuum and food/herb-drug interactions •Conduct original ethnobotanical research in a unique cultural and ecological environment Pre-requisites/Preparation: This course requires motivation, a positive attitude, and an inquisitive, open mind. There are no pre-requisites for this course and it is suitable for students of any educational background and level. Hands-on activities and research opportunities will be tailored to the preparation and goals of individual students. We will engage in several outdoor excursions and hikes in the attractive and diverse environments of Ometepe as part of the class. Course Objectives: Gain a deeper knowledge and appreciation for the relationship between people and plants, and diverse cultures and ecosystems. Learn how plants have contributed to society as we know it and how our relationship with plants shapes the future to come. Learn how and why people have utilized plants as medicine, for material culture, for spiritual enlightenment. Learn how people shape environments and the associated consequences for health and the environment. Learn to conduct ethnobotanical research/improve research skills. Contribute beneficially to the community and environment of Ometepe. Develop meaningful friendships with people with similar interests. Optional: Publish original research results. You can live the life of a Tropical Field Etnhobotanist and study medicinal plants ..........Learn about local medicinal plants & their uses ..........Record significant or rare medicinal plant species ..........Live & travel like pioneer Ethnobotanist ..........Perform manual field work ..........Some of the research topics you will learn include; i. Tropical field botany ii. Local indigenous culture (Photos by D. Jolly & La Suerte/Ometepe) Isleta de Granada, Ometepe Island Study and learn about tropical plants and ethnobotany Learn how plants may be used as medicines Black mantled Howler monkey Dates: Summer session #3: July 22 - August 16, 2011 Cost: $2874.00 USD (Please note: Due to the nature of the program, all prices and program contents are subject to change without prior notice or approval). Included in 26 day Course Costs: ..........Services of project staff ..........Certificate of completion ..........room and board (3 meals per day) at Maderas biological field station ..........instruction ..........SCHEDULED transportation from near the airport in Nicaragua to La Suerte round trip ..........Course tuition ..........FBSST Course tuition Not Included in 26 day Course Costs: ..........Airport taxes and government departure taxes ..........Health or cancellation insurance ..........Beverages/liquor ..........Additional funds for souvenirs, extra food, etc. ..........Valid passport ..........Immunizations/vaccinations ..........Personal supplies (e.g. hiking boots, tents, clothing, etc.) ..........Round trip airfare to Nicaragua ..........Academic credit To Register for the Course: For 26 day course a non-refundable deposit of $699.00 US/person + $80.00 USD registration fee is required to secure space. Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure (postmarked by mail does not count). We recommend that you book early as spaces on teams fill quickly and are limited to 22 participants. Spaces are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis and fill quickly so we recommend that you apply ASAP. All tuition costs are NON-REFUNDABLE, but may be transferred to another year. Academic credit is available - please inquire for details. For information on terms and conditions please click here. For applications please click here.  E-mail: earthquestcanada@yahoo.com Senior Biologist & Instructor D. Jolly, B.Sc. EARTHQUEST (Canada) for the Environment ©copyright EARTHQUEST (Canada) for the Environment Website designed and maintained by D. Jolly Last Updated 01/01/2011