Tropical Marine Biology

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The ocean covers more than 70% of Earth’s surface and contains nearly 99% of the planet’s available living space. Within this realm, many unique and diverse species collectively help to create a complex world of interacting communities. Perhaps the most diverse and beautiful of these marine communities are found in tropical environments. This course will examine the biology and ecology of tropical marine communities and illustrate research techniques and equipment that marine biologists commonly use.

“This was a great trip and a tremendous learning environment for not only marine biology and diving, but other cultures. ” — Susan Freeman, Saratoga, CA

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• A greater understanding of the oceans and marine life.
• An appreciation for the importance of life in the oceans to the history of life on the planet.
• The ability to identify and describe the diversity of life found in the oceans
• An understanding of how individuals, populations and communities interact with each other and their physical environment
• An appreciation of the fragility of marine communities and an understanding of the major
• Threats to the health of these communities
• An understanding of how marine biologists conduct research in the field and in labs in order to
• Better understand ecological and evolutionary relationships
• Experience conducting group research in marine ecology
• Experience collecting, analyzing and interpreting data so that it may be presented in a scientifically acceptable format.

LECTURE TOPICS

• Introduction to the Leeward Islands.
• Ocean Properties I.
• Ocean Properties II.
• Marine Life Origins.
• Primary Production.
• Coral Biology.
• Coral Reefs.
• Invertebrate Biology.
• Artificial Reefs.
• Fish Biology.
• Fish diversity.
• Reptiles and Birds.
• Marine Mammals.
• Threats & Conservation.
• Marine Reserves.

FIELD STUDIES & EXERCISES

• 25 day live aboard Sailing voyage.
• Take daily water testing samples.
• Fish dissections.
• Learn REEF survey techniques.
• Survey coral cover on surrounding reefs.
• Fish Identification techniques.
• Study reef fish behavior.
• Island and Rainforest exploration.
• Community service.
• 25+ Scuba dives. PADI Certifications: Open Water, Advanced Open Water, U/W Naturalist, Fish ID

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At a Glance

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