- City: Cockburn Harbour
- Term: Fall, Winter, Summer
- Instruction in: English
- Requirements: Semester: One college-level Ecology, Biology, or Environmental Studies/Science course; Summer: No academic prerequisites
- Students interested in: Biology, Earth and Environmental Sciences; EEB, Environment, Oceanography, Sustainability
Semester: Students will conduct field-based research on marine ecosystems on this 15 week program. Evaluate marine resources and policies while collecting data that helps community members balance their rights and needs with conservation goals. Earn up to 16 credits by taking courses such as Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values; Tropical Marine Ecology, Principles of Resource Management, and Directed Research.
Summer: Choose between 2 sessions on this 4-week, 4-credit program where they can either select Tropical Marine Ecosystems: Monitoring and Management (Session 1) or Marine Megafauna Ecology and Conservation (Session 2). In session 1, coral reefs will serve as labs for field lectures and underwater expeditions and students will have an opportunity to snorkel and/or dive to explore marine ecosystems and learn about environmental issues and policies affecting them. Students will gain skills to conduct research in collaboration with community members. In session 2, students will study marine megafauna in waters surrounding South Caicos. Students will learn about the ecology and conservation of these animals through field lectures, snorkel and/or dive sessions, and capture-tag-track exercises.
Students can also choose both options and turn their summer experience into an 8-week, 8-credit program. A very substantial amount of time is spent in the water swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. PADI SCUBA certifications are available on this program.
