Tropical Marine Ecology

2010

 

GLG/LAS/IES 413/513: Tropical Marine Ecology of the Florida Keys, Everglades and Bahamas, Summer 2010 Instructors: Dr. Hays Cummins, Dr. Mark Boardman & Dr. Donna McCollum

 

Days are spent in the field making observations and responding to questions and what I call "ecosystem challenges." We examine coral reef and grass bed ecology, taxonomy of vertebrates, invertebrates and flora (of coral reefs, lagoons and tidal flats), climate, and many other aspects of marine ecology.  Group and individual projects of select marine environments are performed. We'll spend lots of time in the water, swimming and snorkeling. SCUBA opportunities are available throughout the trip.

Nights are spent in laboratory work, discussion groups, lectures and astronomic observations using a telescope.

Class Mix: Our goal is to have a mix of students who are eager to contribute and learn about these ecosystems. Maximum enrollment: 25


Where: San Salvador, Bahamas, Everglades and Florida Keys

Prerequisites: Strong desire to learn. Limited scholarships are available. Maximum enrollment: 25.

WHEN: June 10-June 23, 2010

CREDIT: 5 semester hours

COST:Tuition (Five hours credit) Plus $895 (includes room, board, and airfare to-and-from the Bahamas)

COURSE LINKS:

--MARINE ECOLOGY COURSE SYLLABUS

--MARINE ECOLOGY IMAGES & MOVIES

--MARINE ECOLOGY COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT

--View a VIDEO of a CORAL REEF at NIGHT!

Focus: Tropical Marine Ecology is offered to introduce both undergraduate and graduate students to the present and past ecologic environments of the Bahamas, Everglades and Florida Keys. Topics are covered from an interdisciplinary perspective and students should have a keen interest in natural science. Quite simply, we will learn by doing. We will look, discuss, ask questions, reflect, and look again! It is possible you will learn more in this field course than you will in a semester back at Miami!

We will explore:

•Land Use & the Florida Everglades

•Mangroves, Seagrass beds & Tropical lagoons

•Coral Reefs and Associated Marine Communities

•Fossil Reefs

•Intertidal Zones


REQUIRED: An Attitude of Discovery!


SNORKELING Mandatory!


SCUBA Optional

For Further Info Contact:


Dr. Hays Cummins, Western Program & Geography, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056

Office: 222 Boyd Hall, ph#513-529-1338/e-mail:haysc@muohio.edu

Dr. Donna McCollum, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Office: 102 Boyd Hall, ph# 529-9386/ e-mail: mccollds@muohio.edu

Dr. Mark Boardman, Geology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 529-3230/e-mail: boardman@muohio.edu