CIEE Bonaire is offering a 3-week Scientific Diving program in January 2015! January 3 24, 2015
By completing two courses, Advanced SCUBA and Marine Ecology Field Research Methods; students become certified AAUS Scientific Divers (American Academy of Underwater Sciences). During this program, students gain hands-on experience with research methods in a diversity of marine environments of the Caribbean including coral reefs, mangroves, lagoons and seagrass beds while perfecting scientific diving skills and how to respond to dive emergencies. The program takes place on the southern Caribbean island of Bonaire, where the ocean is your classroom. What a great way to spend January! Recommended credit: 4 semester credit hours Students will enroll in the following co-requisites Advanced SCUBA (1 semester credit) MARI 3004 BONA Students expand their understanding of scuba diving beyond the recreational level in order to fully participate in the scientific dive program in Bonaire. CIEE is an institutional member of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) and adheres to the safety program sanctioned by AAUS. Students learn techniques that improve their diving skills and learn to respond to medical emergencies in and out of the water. By completing the course and the co-requisite course Marine Ecology Field Research Methods; students gain a certification as an AAUS Scientific Diver. Students receive training for certifications in open water diving, advanced adventure diving, rescue diving and dive emergency management provider Marine Ecology Field Research Methods (3 semester credits) MARI 3005 BONA Students apply internationally recognized field research methods in an inquiry-driven approach to understanding tropical marine ecosystems. The course focuses on training students in field observation, data collection, record keeping, and data analysis in order to study coral reef, seagrass and mangrove communities. During the course, students conduct fieldwork using SCUBA and are involved in ongoing research projects in collaboration with the Bonaire National Marine Park. Equipment commonly used includes: compasses, transect lines, quadrats, underwater videocameras, fish survey T-bars, writing slates, benthic corers, light meters and secchi disks. Students will become familiar with photographic equipment, underwater housings, and image software. In addition to this, students learn to organize, test, and evaluate data sets and present their findings. While the course introduces students to research diving knowledge and techniques with broad applications, it focuses on using scuba research techniques to better understand coral reef, seagrass and mangrove communities. To apply, go to http://www.ciee.org/study-abroad/bonaire/bonaire/winter-marine-ecology/ If you have questions, please contact [email protected]. Accommodations, diving, field trip and lab fees, and all meals are included in the program fee. Deadline: December 1, 2014
