Coral Reef Ecology (BIO482)
Coral
Reef Ecology is a field-oriented marine course that allows students, through
the use of SCUBA, to explore the pristine reefs and drop offs that surround the
Bay Island of Roatan, Honduras. During
this class, Dr. Bill Davin takes students on an intensive, field-oriented
excursion to the Roatan Institute of Marine Science where they investigate
the coral reef biome, including corals, invertebrates, fishes, algae, and
rooted macrophytes.
While
in Roatan, students are introduced to a number of topics, including reef
ecology, fish behavior, dolphin biology, and reef organism identification in
classroom lectures then head out to the reef and study the subject in a natural
setting. In addition, the students
become certified level II fish observers through the Reef Environmental
Education Foundation (REEF) and conduct coral surveys for ReefAware. 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 2012 Coral Reef Ecology course, click
on calendar dates below.
Summer 2012 Course