Costa Rica: Tropical Medicine and Ethnobiology – Las Cruces, Costa Rica
Welcome Letter
Syllabus
Student and Parent Guide
Program Details
- Open to students currently enrolled in Grades 10-12
- June 19-July 3, 2008
- $3,600 (Airfare and books not included)
- Gateway Airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)
What participants are saying…
"Costa Rica was something I never expected: beautiful, a culture I had never experienced, and wonderful people.”
—2007 participant
In conjunction with the world-renowned Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), Duke University TIP is proud to offer this exciting course in Tropical Medicine and Ethnobiology. In recent years, the demand for expertise in tropical medicine and public health has increased dramatically. Students in this course will explore the interdisciplinary crossroads of biomedical sciences, alternative medical care, tropical disease, and the social sciences.
Notable Attractions and Excursions:
- Work with doctors and scientists specializing in tropical medicine
- Study medicinal plants at the Wilson Botanical Garden
- Hike through the Costa Rican rainforest
- Immerse yourself in the culture of Costa Rica
The Site
After a brief stay in Costa Rica’s capital city of San José, students will travel to Las Cruces Biological Station, located in the Pacific highlands of southern Costa Rica and encompassing the beautiful Wilson Botanical Garden. Nestled beneath the Talamanca Mountains, the luxurious 25-acre garden has thousands of plant species as well as a spectacular array of birds, butterflies, armadillos, otters, and monkeys. Owned and operated by OTS, Las Cruces Biological Station is a center for education, scientific training, and biological research.
The Course
The course begins with an introduction to the tropical environment and an acclimation to Costa Rican culture. The curriculum looks at the relationship between tropical medicine, ethnobiology, and ecology, as well as many issues related to health and social sciences. Students will study topics including socialized medicine, infectious diseases, tropical dermatology, and traditional and alternative medicine. The students will be joined by doctors and guest lecturers who will offer insight into specific fields of tropical medicine, such as the Costa Rican Public Health System, agrotoxicology in the agricultural country, and primary care in indigenous communities. This course is an outstanding opportunity for students considering careers in biology, public health, and medicine. Students should have a strong interest in biology and an avid curiosity for new cultures. Duke TIP reserves the right to alter the itinerary as necessary.
A Typical Day
Students will rise early and begin each day with a typical “tico” breakfast. Morning sessions may find students participating in a discussion of Costa Rican biology, natural history, or medicine. This may be followed by a hike in the field to learn about the uses and properties of local plant and animal groups in various cultures. After lunch, students may return to the lab or attend a presentation from a doctor in the field of tropical medicine. Students may spend evenings reading, writing, or socializing.