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Department of Biology College of Arts and Sciences

Study Abroad

Why study abroad? Taking advantage of these unique opportunities will give you more benefits than we can list here, but they include:

  • broadening your real-life experience
  • giving you hands-on classes in some of the world’s most interesting and important ecosystems
  • teaching you about other countries through shared experiences

Research shows employers and graduate schools highly value these experiences and skills — put simply, study-away can improve your future professional and financial potential.

Departmental Opportunities

student posing with bird.Tropical Ecology

Every other year, the department offers Tropical Ecology (BY 267/567) on San Salvador Island in the Bahamas. This course focuses on the coral reef ecosystem and the ecology of tropical islands. By snorkeling shallow coral reefs, we observe the myriad of brightly-colored reef fish, spectacular marine invertebrates, and sea turtles as they glide by us.

Rainforest Ecology

Rainforest Ecology (BY 269/569) has been offered several times in Costa Rica. By traveling through the country, we study and observe the fauna and flora of the lowland rainforest and the cloud forest, which is one of the world’s most bio-diverse ecosystems. You'll see beautiful birds, tropical frogs, spectacular lizards, and playful monkeys in the lush green forests.

The Ecology of the Galapagos Islands

The Ecology of the Galapagos Islands (BY 268/568) has been offered on two occasions. These islands are where Charles Darwin made observations crucial to the development of the concept of natural selection. The animals on these islands show no fear of humans. We see the Galapagos tortoise, iguanas, blue-footed boobies, sea turtles, and more, up close and personal.

Other Opportunities

There are many other organizations that offer valuable study-abroad experiences. Some of these include:

Questions?

For more information on study abroad opportunities, visit the UAB Education Abroad website or contact Dr. James McClintock at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..