Instructor:
Karina Scavo Lord, kscavo@bu.edu
Description:
This course offers an in-depth exploration of coral species across diverse habitats within the tropical seascape in Belize, including mangroves, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs. Through a combination of field excursions, lectures, and a small group research project, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the natural history of coral species and the ecological processes, interactions, and adaptations that shape these unique coral assemblages.
Additional Considerations:
- Course-specific Costs:
- Students will need to reimburse the BU Marine Program for the cost of the flight to Belize (about $1000).
- Students are responsible for transportation to and from Logan Airport on travel days.
- All students must have a passport valid for at least 6 months past their return date.
- Meals
- Food and lodging are covered by the program while in Belize. Students will be responsible for purchasing any meals during travel days.
- Schedule
- ~7 Days in Boston: Mon-Fri / 10:00-12:00 & 1:00-4:00
- ~13 Days in Belize
- Mon-Sun / Daily Field work: ~8:30-11:30 am; 1:30-4:30 pm;
- Daily Data Analysis & Talk Preparation: 7:30-9:30 pm
- Location: Calabash Caye Field Station
- 1 Day Wrap-Up in Boston
- Required gear
- Full-length 2mm/3mm wet suit, neoprene booties, fins, dive mask, snorkel, waterproof watch. Optional: hood, underwater camera.
- Physical requirements
- Up to 7 hours of snorkeling per day. Daily transit on small boats. Short hikes across level ground. Occasionally carrying class gear across a sandy beach. Class stays at a remote field station. You will be exposed to the elements (sun, rain, wind) and bugs (be prepared with bugspray).