An International Study Program, Dr. Bill Davin’s course in Coral Reef Ecology (BIO 482) takes students on an intensive field-oriented excursion to the Roatan Institute of Marine Science in order to provide students with a first-hand investigation of the coral reef biome, including corals, invertebrates, fishes, algae, and rooted macrophytes. Through these first-hand experiences, students develop an understanding and appreciation for the ecology of the coral reef and for the biology of the common coral reef organisms found in the Caribbean Sea.
To view some of the daily activities of students who engaged in the 2010 Coral Reef Ecology course, click on calendar dates below.
Coral Reef Ecology is a field-oriented marine course designed to familiarize students with the various organisms that inhabit that biome. The field component is conducted on the barrier reef off Roatan Island in Honduras and involves an extensive amount of time visiting various reef sites.
Summer 2010 Course
| Day |
Activities/Snorkeling Sites |
| 6/19 |
Day 1: Travel Day |
| 6/20 |
Day 2: Check out Dive and Orientation to Coral Reefs |
| 6/21 |
Day 3: Coral Identification dive and visit to Maya Key |
| 6/22 |
Day 4: Reef invertebrate identification & a snorkel at Bailey's Key |
| 6/23 |
Day 5: Soccer, diving, and beach BBQ |
| 6/24 |
Day 6: Coral assessment & project dives, beach lunch, & night dive |
| 6/25 |
Day 7: Projects, goodbyes, and native dance |
| 6/26 |
Day 8: Tropical Storm Alex |
| 6/27 |
Day 9: Alex is gone, diving, and a night snorkel |
| 6/28 |
Day 10: Large fish, staghorn jungle, and shopping in town |
| 6/29 |
Day 11: Wreck of the “El Aquila”, project dive, and night dive |
| 6/30 |
Day 12: Mangrove snorkel, final project dive, and beach BBQ II |
| 7/1 |
Day 13: Exams and Dolphin Swim |
| 7/2 |
Day 14: Final Exam, Last Dive and a Happy Birthday |
| 7/3 |
Day 15: Return to Atlanta |