In the course of two weeks we will intensively study the ecology, physiology and behavior of desert dwelling bats through lectures, student designed projects, and hands-on field work with live bats. Special attention will be paid to species identification

Location:

Beersheba, Israel

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

大多数课程生态、生理和行为are broad survey courses. As such these courses do not adequately teach students how intimately ecology, physiology and behavior are intertwined. This course is designed go give students an in depth understanding of the interplay between ecology, physiology and behavior by focusing on the biology of a few members of the order Chiroptera: desert dwelling bats. The course is open to both undergraduates and graduate students. A background in physiology and/or ecology is highly encouraged. The course runs July 15 - August 2, 2016. The deadline for financially committing is April 15, 2016.

In the course of two weeks we will intensively study the ecology, physiology and behavior of desert dwelling bats through lectures, student designed projects, and hands-on field work with live bats. Special attention will be paid to species identification, echolocation behavior, species richness and diversity and thermal physiology. Students will spend the mornings and early afternoons in lecture, lab, and discussion groups. Up to six hours each evening will be spent in the field observing, listening to, and capturing bats. Each student will be asked to present a research paper that will be given one month before the course. Students will be required to design and conduct a study, collect and analyze the data, and present the results before the class. The students will submit a report in the form of scientific paper one month after the course. In addition, students will take an excursion to the Dead Sea area, the mountains of Eilat, and the coral reefs of the Red Sea to experience the some of the ecological and biodiversity of Israel. The class will contain students from the USA, Israel, and possibly other countries. They will live and work together for two weeks, giving ample opportunity to learn about each other and their cultures.

The class is worth three credits through Long Island University. It can fulfill elective requirements at most universities and possibly physiology or ecology requirements at some universities. It will be an intense and exciting academic and cultural experience.

Setting Description:

The course takes place at the Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and is team taught with instructors from BGU. The Institute is located at Sede Boqer, the gate-way to the Negev Desert, about 45 minutes south of Beer Sheva. Sede Boqer is located on the edge of a large and beautiful canyon. It is one of the most beautiful locations in Israel and was chosen by David Ben-Gurion, the first Prime Minister of Israel, to be his and his wife's final resting place. The Blaustein Institute and Sede Boqer attract researchers from all over the world. As a result, English is more commonly spoken there than Hebrew. In fact, Israel is commonly spoken throughout Israel and one can get by fine with English alone.

Cost:

The table below lists the costs. Flight costs are estimated, but may change. Costs for one-stop and direct flights are given. Budget: Itemized cost of the course Item Cost ($) Cost ($) LIU Tuition 3153 Course cost* 1340 Flight (estimated 1-stop) 1,100 Flight (estimated nonstop) $1,400 Total $5,593 $5,893 *The course takes place at Sede Boqer, Israel, about 45 minutes south of Beer Sheva. Course costs incl