Field Courses
The Department of Biology offers field courses in Maine, Bermuda, and Brazil. Students travel with faculty and complete coursework while immersed in the environment they're studying.
The Bermuda Environment (ENV/BIO 221)
Based at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) you’ll examine the complex ecology of the Bermuda Islands and coral reef ecosystems, the impact that humans have had on their natural history, and current environmental concerns and proposed solutions. You’ll participate in snorkeling trips to coral reef formations, visit cave ecosystems, and immerse yourself in Bermuda’s history. The Bermuda Environment (ENV/BIO 221) summer course is four credits and cross listed in both the Environmental Science and Studies and Biology Departments.
Tropical Ecology
Features two weeks of travel to the tropics during winter break. Students have the opportunity to learn about the organisms and environments that make tropical rainforests such a unique and diverse ecosystem. Students are immersed in the jungle ecosystem where they conduct their own research projects on an organism of their choice (with some guidance by course instructors); past students have conducted projects on bats, caiman, birds, fungi, spiders, and plants, just to name a few! Students present the results of their project while abroad and again to the Washington College community upon their return to campus for the spring semester. The course is currently traveling to Costa Rica. Living conditions are rustic but comfortable. Although the General Biology sequence (BIO-111 and BIO-112) is a pre-requisite for the course, you do not need to be a biology major to join in on the adventure! Students across disciplines are encouraged to apply!