This course will introduce you to the major ecological processes, the principal flora and fauna and their evolutionary adaptations, and diverse ecosystems that constitute major tropical, coastal and mountainous regions of Central and South America. Additionally, the issues surrounding the conservation of biodiversity in these areas will be examined and discussed. The course is divided into three parts. The first part (Fall) includes on-campus and on-line lectures, discussions, videos, and analysis of peer-reviewed research papers to introduce students to the major ecosystems, conservation issues, and biodiversity in tropical regions. The second part of the course involves travel to a Central/South American country (Costa Rica, Galapagos etc.) and study ecosystems through guided hikes, lectures, tours, discussions, journal writings, and research projects to understand the ecology and study the biodiversity of the region. Finally, we will wrap up the course in the spring semester with continued discussion and preparation of a data driven research project. Prerequisite: 215.