Tropical Ecosystems Field Course

6 EC

Semester 1, period 3

5224TEFC6Y

Owner Master Biological Sciences
Coordinator dr. C.N.H. McMichael
Part of Master Biological Sciences, Master Earth Sciences,
Links Visible Learning Trajectories

Course manual 2025/2026

Objectives

  • Observe tropical forests and land use practices that occur within them
  • Understand and discuss the i) biodiversity patterns, ii) ecosystem dynamics, and iii) the role of humans in shaping tropical forests
  • Develop research questions and hypotheses that is based on recent literature that can be addressed at our tropical field sites
  • Design and execute a research project to test your hypotheses
  • Apply data analysis skills to test your hypotheses
  • Develop skills in writing reports and presenting scientific findings
  • Quantify the abundances of hummingbirds along an elevation gradient
  • Explore possibilities for a MSc research topic in tropical ecosystems

Learning activities

Activity

Hours

Hoorcollege

8

Veldwerk

112

Self study

48

Total

168

(6 EC x 28 uur)

Attendance

  • Some course components require compulsory attendance. If compulsory attendance applies, this will be indicated in the Course Catalogue which can be consulted via the UvA-website. The rationale for and implementation of this compulsory attendance may vary per course and, if applicable, is included in the Course Manual.
  • Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    Fraud and plagiarism

    The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

    Course structure

    WeeknummerOnderwerpenStudiestof
    1
    2
    3
    4

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • dr. C.N.H. McMichael