Tropical Biology on San Salvador Island, Bahamas Tentative Dates: May 23-June 3, 2011

Tropical Biology on San Salvador Island involves a field study of marine and terrestrial environments of the outermost island in the Bahamas archipelago (BIO 320 Tropical Biology, 3cr; Spring 2011). We will stay at the College of the Bahamas' Gerace Research Centre (GRC) on the north end of the island. San Salvador's flora and fauna include both native and introduced species, making the island a natural laboratory for studying island biogeography. Marine studies will focus on coral reef, sea grass bed, mangrove, beach, and rocky shore communities. Terrestrial studies will examine cave, mud flat, sand dune, and upland shrub communities. In addition to their field studies, students will experience the enchanting culture of the Bahamian "out-islands."

Prior to the field study on San Salvador, students will enroll in a five-week 1-credit course: Bio 319 Oceanic Island Ecology. This series of seminars introduces the concepts needed for making critical observations on San Salvador. A grade of C- or better in the seminar course is required to participate in the field course on the island. Participants must be good swimmers willing to snorkel in tropical ocean waters.

One month after the return from San Salvador, students will submit essays integrating the concepts from the seminars on campus with the ecological relationships observed on San Salvador.

The estimated cost for the twelve-day trip is $1,800* which includes airfare, ground transportation, room, board, facilities fees, health insurance, taxes, and gratuities. Students must provide their own snorkeling gear (mask, fins, snorkel); there are additional costs for optional SCUBA diving (SCUBA certification required). Participants should be in reasonably good health and must be good swimmers willing to snorkel in tropical ocean waters.

Note: This course is indended for students majoring or minoring in biology;
other students will be considered if space is available.

• One semester hour (Bio 319 Oceanic Island Ecology; Spring 2011) taught on campus
• Three semester hours (Bio 320 Tropical Biology; Spring 2011) taught on San Salvador
• Students eligible to take upper-level Bio courses may count the 4-credit Bio 319/320 combination as one of the six upper-level courses for the biology major (note: Bio 320 may be counted only once for the biology major)
• Cost: Approximately $1,800* plus any personal expenses (snacks, souvenirs, diving, etc.)
• Limited financial aid may be available to Eastern students who qualify; applicants for aid must have a Federal Student Aid application (FAFSA) on file at the Financial Aid Office.

*Final cost may change depending on number of participants or changes to airfares or GRC fees.

This page © Ross E. Koning 1994.

Go to the Course Schedule Page.

Go to the Plant Physiology Information Homepage.

Send comments and bug reports to Ross Koning at rkoning@snet.net.