This course provides experiential learning of the biotic and abiotic factors that govern tropical island ecosystems (coral reefs, grass beds, mangroves, dry Antillean scrub and moist mature forests) found on a typical Caribbean tropical island (St. John, USVI). Concepts addressed include: biodiversity, adaptation and co-evolution, and energy flow in these systems. All students will participate in a collaborative research project with island fauna and daily lessons on island ecology. Students will also learn about the cultural history of the West Indies and contemporary human-caused environmental problems associated with island development. Intensive field work includes daily snorkeling and strenuous hiking to field locations. Assessments will include a field journal, written assignments, and pre-and post-course examinations covering course text, on-site lessons, and assigned technical papers. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor. Summer or winter term.
Credit: 4 |
