[Coral-List] FINAL CALL - POSITIONS REMAINING - 2014 SCIENCE UNDER SAIL - Marine Science Sailing Expeditions for College Students

[Robin T. Smith, PhD]

Colleagues,

Please find the following course announcement and kindly distribute it to any student(s) you feel would most benefit from this type of challenge. Due to a couple recent cancellations, we now have a few positions remaining on each Expedition Leg. 
 
For your convenience, below the announcement I’ve included a synopsis of the curriculum aboard the Expedition. More information is available on the website.

Thanks in advance & apologies for cross-postings,
 
Robin

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POSITIONS REMAINING - 2 DAYS LEFT TO APPLY!    2014 SCIENCE UNDER SAIL - Marine Science Sailing Expeditions for College Students

** We are seeking high-performing College Students to fill a couple remaining positions and complete our 2014 Expedition Team for Science under Sail’s expedition EXU2014 in Exuma, Bahamas. The Expedition sets sail on June 21, leaving Elizabeth Harbour and heading north up the archipelago to perform research on coral reefs and establish the infrastructure for a long-term survey and monitoring program in Exuma.
Other mission objectives, detailed program information, and a downloadable application can be found at: www.scienceundersail.com

Application and tuition deadline is March 20th.  Keep in mind that positions are very limited and are filled on a First Accepted/First Reserved basis.
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Course Summary

These intensive 2 & 3-week courses are designed to immerse undergraduate & graduate students in the study and understanding of coral reef ecosystems, while challenging them in the rigors of marine field research. Active participation in every aspect of a liveaboard research expedition will prepare student scientists for fieldwork by naturally promoting opportunities for teamwork, problem solving and innovation, and other skills necessary to successfully collect data outside the laboratory. The courses integrate formal lectures covering a broad range of relevant and current topics in coral reef science with field survey and/or data collection components. Students will also learn and become proficient in many contemporary cutting-edge techniques used in coral reef research and other marine science disciplines. Lastly, participants learn fundamentals of seamanship and sailing as they captain and navigate the 46ft sailing catamaran throughout the Exuma archipelago to near-shore and offshore research sites.

Lecture Topics:

  • Coral Reef Ecology 
  • Symbioses
  • Reproductive Biology of Corals
  • Physiology & Photophysiology of Corals
  • Calcification
  • Coral Bleaching & Disease
  • Global Climate Change and Coral Reefs
  • Future Perspectives
  ** Additional lectures focused on visiting SEAmbassador’s research & expertise
 
 Practical Techniques
 
-Survey protocols & data analysis (AGGRA, NOAA/EPA coral disease protocols, photo-transects, Sigma Scan & Point Count analyses)
- Coral processing & biometrics
            - collection & tissue removal
            - symbiont quantification
            - DNA isolation & preservation
            - coral reflectance measurements
            - chlorophyll quantification (spectrophotometrically)
            - protein quantification (spectrophotometrically)
            - surface area quantification
- Coral physiology
            - PAM fluorometry
            - coral calcification (buoyant weights)
            - analysis of fecundity
- Seawater parameter analyses
            - pH (spectrophotometric determination using m-cresol purple)
            - salinity (refractometer)
            - dissolved oxygen (spectrophotometrically & potentiometrically)
            - total alkalinity (spectrophotometrically using bromocresol purple)
            - other carbon species determined using CO2Sys
           
General Qualifications
Courses are open to all undergraduate & graduate student currently enrolled in an academic institution. International students are encouraged to apply.
 
Diving Qualifications
All underwater surveys and collections are accomplished through the use of surface supplied air systems (commonly called 'hooka rigs'). These systems are preferred to traditional SCUBA because of the remoteness of the research sites and field stations. The use of surface supplied air systems does not require prior diving experience or certification, however, participants wishing to take part in underwater field components are required to complete a comprehensive medical questionnaire and carry Diver’s Alert Network (DAN) insurance. Field instructors are NAUI certified SCUBA instructors and/or dive masters able to assess competence level, provide instruction and oversee field components for all participants.
 
Course Credit
The comprehensive science-based curriculum permits most students to earn academic credits in Biology from their home institution, provided they register for summer courses at their college or university. In many cases, Science Under Sail is able to implement any departmental requirements (i.e. final report, graded test, evaluation, etc.) necessary for students to gain credit, if arrangements are made prior to commencement of the course.  Please contact Dr. Robin Smith at info at scienceundersail.com for specific questions and inquiries.
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Science under Sail pioneers innovative marine-science field study programs for college students combined with a unique modern mentorship program. Our vision is to empower the next generation of ocean ambassadors by engaging students with experts aboard sailing-based research and education expeditions throughout the Caribbean.  
 
*Participation is open to College Students and graduating high-school seniors 18+ (gap year students welcome)
 
For specific inquiries, please contact info at scienceundersail.com

Also, feel free to check out and follow our Expeditions on social media:

on Facebook
on Twitter
on Instagram





Robin T. Smith, PhD
Director, Science under Sail, Inc.
www.scienceundersail.com
facebook.com/thecouragetosea
http://about.me/robintsmith