[Coral-List] Coral Reef Ecophysiology Course at CCMI June 27 - July 9

[Beth Chafin]

Summer course at CCMI- CORAL REEF ECOPHYSIOLOGY

DATES: June 27 – July 9, 2023

INSTRUCTORS: Drs. Gretchen Goodbody-Gringley (CCMI) & Tali Mass (U. Haifa)

FULL COURSE DESCRIPTION: https://reefresearch.org/what-we-do/education/college-programmes/

COURSE OVERVIEW

This comprehensive course will provide in depth background on the ecology and physiology of reef building corals. The course will consist of a series of lectures focused on topics such as symbiosis, photosynthesis, historical impacts to reefs, bleaching, disease, reproduction, calcification, and restoration. Lectures will be complemented with field activities such as surveying coral community composition, monitoring for coral bleaching and disease, photogrammetry, photophysiology, and measuring coral metabolism, providing in situ training on how to conduct research underwater. Students will then learn how to analyze their data and work to develop a scientific report that will be presented to their peers at the culmination of the course. This intensive and integrated program is best suited for undergraduate and graduate level university students considering a career in coral reef ecology or marine science.

Course includes 11 days of full instruction generally consisting of lectures and field or lab excursions. Course will include several mechanisms for assessment includes quizzes, presentations, participation, and exams. This program is equivalent to a university level course load. Completion of the course will include a written transcript detailing the course that can be submitted to the student's university for course credit.

REGISTRATION

To apply please send a CV and letter of interest to courses at reefresearch.org with the subject: “Lastname_CoralEco_application”.

A maximum of 18 participants will be accepted. If more than 18 applications are received, selection will be based on the quality of the CV and letter of interest. Do not purchase flights before receiving an official acceptance letter.

Application Deadline is April 1st, 2023 with acceptance confirmed by April 15th.

FEE

The total course fee is US $3,750.

Included in the course fee:
o     Airport transfer in Little Cayman to CCMI
o     Transfer to all field excursions and activities
o     Food and lodging at CCMI
o     Lectures and activities provided for the course
o     SCUBA cylinders and dive weights
o     Field and lab supplies used for the course
o     Use of CCMI bikes and kayaks

Not Included:
o     Return flight to Little Cayman Island
o     Passport or visa (if required) costs
o     Diving Insurance and medical evaluation costs
o     Rental of diving equipment
o     Anything else not specified

Full course fees are required by May 29, 2023. Following payment of the fee, reimbursement for any cancellation before June 20th will be subject to a $750 administration fee. From June 20th onwards, the fee is non-refundable.


REQUIREMENTS

The course is aimed at both students (enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree courses) and graduates preferably in a related scientific field. If the maximum limit of participants is exceeded, a selection will be performed based on applicants’ experience and interests.

All participants must be certified divers (certification of any level and association e.g.,PADI, SSI, BSAC, NAUI are accepted), with a minimum number of 15 logged dives, of which 6 performed in the 12 months preceding the course. Proof of valid diving insurance (DAN or similar) is required for all divers along with completion of a diving medical evaluation provided with enrollment package.


Beth Chafin
Science Communications & Development Manager
Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI)
Cayman Islands