WHERE WILL WE GO?

Three of the main Hawaiian islands will be visited during this course - Oahu, Kauai, and the "Big Island" of Hawaii. Early on our trip, right in the city of Honolulu (Oahu), we will be introduced to tropical plants such as the Royal Poinciana, the Kapok, Hibiscus, and other non-native plants. A number of exotic non-native birds can be seen here as well. However, we will not have to venture very far from Honolulu to find native Hawaiian plants on trails in the surrounding mountains. On the island of Kauai, geologically the oldest of the main islands, we will be introduced to native Ohia and Koa forests at higher elevations, Hawaiian honeycreepers, native dragonflies, damselflies, beetles, and butterflies. At lower elevations we will be able to see plants of agricultural significance such as sugar cane, coffee, banana trees, coconut palms, mango trees, and papaya trees. Finally, on the island of Hawaii, geologically the youngest of the main islands, we will be introduced to recent and ancient lava flows, their characteristic vegetation, insects, and birds. Plants of agricultural interest on this island will be the Macadamia nut, and pineapple. We will complete the trip by visiting the summit of Mauna Kea.

WHY THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS?

The Hawaiian islands are characterized by subtropical to tropical climate and thus offer an opportunity for students to visit a unique environment with a climate vastly different from that of Texas. The island chain originated as volcanoes rising from the ocean floor and surfacing in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The islands' beginnings were characterized by a barren landscape. Establishment of plant and animal species had to occur by immigration over great expanses of ocean since the closest continental land mass is about 2500 miles away. The natural arrival of any species to the islands over such great distance is a remarkable occurrence. It is evident from the appearance of the islands today, that over time, plant and animal species have become successfully established. The geographic isolation of the Hawaiian islands introduces the student to the study of endemism and island biology and poses questions such as: How did each species arrive? What changes have occurred since their arrival? How long has each been present? How do modern introductions of plant and animal species affect the native Hawaiian flora and fauna? In addition to the study of terrestrial biology, the islands offer excellent snorkeling and diving for the exploration of marine environments.

WHO MAY PARTICIPATE?

Students wishing to take BIOL 470 - "Field Natural History" for credit must have completed one full year of study, including two semesters of General Biology. This course satisfies the four hour field course requirement for biology majors and may be repeated once for credit upon approval of the department. Students may also register for BIOL 491 - "Selected Topics" for up to two additional credits upon approval of the department prior to registration.

WHEN AND HOW IS THIS COURSE TAUGHT?

The course starts on Monday, May 5, 2003 and ends on Friday, May 30, 2003. The first three days will be spent in the classroom. Instruction will include an introduction to the natural history of the Hawaiian islands, island biology, systematic botany, ornithology, entomology, and marine fishes. Departure for Hawaii will be on Thursday, May 8. The following three weeks will be spent in the field identifying plants, birds, insects, and marine fish as well as observing their biology. Return to campus will be on Tuesday, May 27.

SPECIFIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS
 

1.	Examinations. There will be a total of three exams given during this course. Test #1 will be a written test that will cover the material presented during the first few days of instruction in the classroom. Time spent on the airplane may be used for study. The test will be administered in Hawaii once we get settled in. Test #2 will be a written test that will cover all material presented during the field trip. This test will be administered  after our arrival on campus. It will cover identification of organisms from specimens or pictures. This test will include classification.
2.	Field Notebook. Each student is required to keep a field notebook as a record of all the species and habitats encountered and of observations made in the field. Notes should include the date, time of day, specific locality, habitat type, weather information, lists of organisms seen at that particular locality, and any observations of behavioral or biological interest. Notes must be taken while in the field on a daily basis. It will be difficult to remember specific observations if catching up on your notes later and valuable information may be lost if not recorded directly in the field. Notes of a personal nature, such as some diary-like entries, should be placed in a different location of the notebook to keep the biological notes uncluttered.
3.	Participation. Active participation in daily activities is expected and will be noted and evaluated. (ie. punctuality, participation in field activities, help with cooking and clean-up)

 

WHAT TO BRING ALONG?