Island Biogeography in the Florida Keys

Description: This travel course is designed to give students a first hand look at island biogeography in the context of the subtropical United States.  Visits to local marine science laboratories; marine mammal, bird, and turtle rehabilitation centers; and living coral reef and mangrove ecosystems will illustrate the principles of island biogeography taught during daily lectures and discussions. Students will participate in an active shark-tagging and monitoring research program, swim with dolphins, snorkel the largest coral reef in the contiguous USA, visit the Dry Tortugas National Park and historic Key West.

Course objectives will be:

•  To investigate the marine and coastal habitats of the Florida Keys, paying special attention to the connections
    between the physical landscapes and the living organisms they support.
•  To understand the principles of biological evolution as they relate to the physical insularity of island environments.
•  To appreciate the role of humans in the ecosystems of the Florida Keys.
•  To gain practical experience conducting biogeographical fieldwork toward the answering of a self-identified
    research question.

Prerequisites: Prior coursework in human or physical geography, biology, or environmental science is beneficial, but not required.  All enrollments are contingent upon instructor approval.

Approximate Travel Costs*:

*These expenses are estimates subject to change.  Cost of tuition is additional.

For more information, contact Russell Fielding at Russell.Fielding@du.edu.

SPACE IS LIMITED. Registrations are being accepted until March 1, 2012 OR until the course is full. Call 303-871-2360 to register.

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