BIOL465 - Field Studies in Tropical Marine Biology

This is an immersion course that involves students in hands-on research methodes in tropical marine ecosystems in Hawaii, including coral reefs, mangroves, and planktonic seawater communities. Students will learn how to develop and conduct research experiments via field and lab-based activities, and will gain familiarity with a diversity of marine organisms including corals, algae, invertebrates, and fish. Topics covered will included ecological and evolutionary principles as applied to coral reef ecosystem structure, function, and biodiversity, and examine processes that influence growth and survival of marine organisms, including natural and anthropogenic stressors (e.g. climate change). Additional topics will include environmental and management challenges facing coral reefs and marine resources globally, and the cultural significance of marine ecosystems to the native peoples of Hawaii.