WINTER 2013 FIELD COURSE IN CORAL REEF ECOLOGY TROPICAL CONSERVATION CONSORTIUM (TCC) BOCAS DEL TORO, PANAMA ( December 17th - January 4th )
http://tropicalcc.org/fieldcourses/cre INSTRUCTORS: Carlos Ormond, Ph.D. - Simon Fraser University, email: [email protected] ; Laís Chaves, Ph.D. - Federal University of Fluminense, email: [email protected] ; and Micah J. Marty, MS(c) - University of North Carolina at Wilmington, email: [email protected] OFF-SITE FACILITATORS: Elizabeth McGinty, Ph.D. – Tropical Conservation Consortium, [email protected] ; Joao Feitosa, Ph.D(c.) – Federal University of Pernambuco, email: [email protected] ; and Stephanie Green, Ph.D. – Oregon State University, email: [email protected] REGISTRATION DEADLINE: November 15 th , 2013. Registration is limited; it is recommended that prospective students express their interest to Dr. Carlos Ormond ( [email protected] ). NOTE: Dive certification is not necessary to enroll in this course, but what is required is an attraction to the ocean and a comfort in being in it. All students will require snorkel equipment (mask/fins/snorkel) and those with SCUBA certification are expected to bring their own BCD, regulator, and proof of certification. There is the possibility of receiving dive certification from the local dive shops. If gaining certification in Bocas interests you, please contact one of the instructors. LOCATION: The field course will take place in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago of Panama, and based in Boca del Drago beach on the NW coast of Isla Colón. The Bocas del Toro Archipelago is found in the western Caribbean region of Panama, and is made up of six large forested islands with hundreds of small mangrove cays. Interspersed by grass beds, coral reefs with some of the highest stony coral cover in the Caribbean fringe these islands and the mainland coast of the Bocas del Toro province. Reef sponge diversity is very high and the suites of motile invertebrates and reef fishes provide a diversity of marine life to explore. The region is also culturally diverse: a mix of indigenous Ngöbe , Latin American, Afro-Caribbean, and foreign expats populate Isla Colón. Spanish is the official language but English is widespread. Conversely, many Ngöbe speak only their native dialect. COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to build advanced understanding of coral reef ecosystems and offer practical experience in ecological science. Learning outcomes include comprehension of marine ecology; knowledge of Caribbean taxa and their ecology; scientific criticism; development, implementation, analysis, and presentation of an independent research project; beginning scientific diving; and practical field skills. The course follows an experiential learning model whereby content presented through lecture is paired with field activities to reinforce concepts and ideas. There are opportunities to study the social sciences that relate to coral reefs, so students in disciplines outside of marine ecology are invited to apply as well. The flexibility of the course design and the high instructor:student ratio provides an exceptional opportunity to the motivated student. Course Topics - Cultural anthropology and political history of Panama - Geology of coral reefs - Oceanographic principles - Ecological theory - Biogeochemistry and trophic dynamics on reef systems - Benthic invertebrates - Fish ecology and behavior - Human impacts on coral reefs - Coral reef conservation - Exotic species and invasion ecology (Lionfish) - Experimental design and analytical techniques - Research grant proposal writing - Scientific criticism Prerequisites: This course is open to students from all post-secondary levels, from undergraduate to graduate students. The course is also open to adults who are not currently enrolled in an academic program, but have a strong interest in coral reef ecology research. PREVIOUS STUDENT REFERENCES: Please contact [email protected] if you seek previous student references for this course. COURSE DATES: December 17 th to January 4 th . TUITION: $2500 USD. Tuition fee for the CRE course also includes all room and board while at the field station during the three weeks of the course, plus boat use and field expenses (e.g. dive cylinders). COURSE CREDIT: Up to four units of credit will be granted for this course. Contact Dr. Carlos Ormond ( [email protected] ) for specific instructions of how to obtain credit at your institution. CONTACT: [email protected] and visit us on the web at tropicalcc.org * Aunque esta clase está presentada en inglés, si sos hispanoparlante y estás interesado/a en tomar esta clase sobre los arrecifes de coral por favor comunícate con Dr. Carlos Ormond ( [email protected] ). ** Este curso será ministrado em Inglês. Se estiver interessado em participar mas preferir se comunicar em português para obter mais informações sobre o curso, escreva para Dra. Laís Chaves ( [email protected] ). -- Carlos G. A. Ormond, Ph.D. Instructor & Research Coordinator | Institute for Environmental Learning | Simon Fraser University ( eco-learning.org ) Executive Director | Tropical Conservation Consortium (tropicalcc.org ) Ph: 604-512-8254 | Skype: carlos.ormond
