| Academics |
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. |
Course Objectives/Outcomes
By completion of the course, each student will be able to:
- Understand the process of communication in order to effectively communicate marine conservation theories
- Describe the biochemical nature of the marine environment, and explain the inter-linkages between coastal and marine ecosystems
- Understand how the Caribbean Sea functions as a single ecosystem
- Understand the potential benefits provided by the coastal and marine environment, as well as the threats to those environments
- Understand some of the reasons why the threats to the coastal and marine resources are difficult to control
- Explain a historical perspective of marine protected area programs in the Caribbean, and to identify existing issues
- Understand the rationale for and benefits of stakeholder involvement in marine protected area planning and management, as well as the requirements for implementing and facilitating effective participatory processes.
- Convey the message that research and monitoring is essential for good management and stewardship
- Perform and understand standard monitoring methods through diving under marine park supervision
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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
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Field Studies and exercises
- PADI Scuba certifications
- Underwater Navigation and Buoyancy control
- Fish Identification
- Fish Dissection
- Coral Identification
- Invertebrate Identification
- REEF survey methods
- Sea turtle Monitoring / beach patrols
- Marine Park visits and exploratio
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