INTRODUCTION TO CORAL REEF SYSTEMS

PROGRAM GOALS
An "Introduction to Coral Reef Systems" is a field course that introduces students to the geology, biology, and ecology of tropical marine and coastal habitats. Each day, students will explore the variety of marine habitats and organisms that are a part of the coral reef system. The key goals are for students to learn:

1) how to identify the major species of plants and animals,
2) the role different species play in the structure of this ecosystem, and
3) why the physical setting is significant in controlling diversity.

Students will learn how to design and complete a field research project that provides data to support a specific problem. This course gives students hands-on understanding of human impacts on reef health, and the challenges of preserving and protecting coral reefs. Daily field trips have specific themes to illustrate the major objectives of the course. Students practice field methods common in tropical marine biology and geology. Students are also introduced to our ongoing Long-Term Assessment and Monitoring Program (LAMP).

APPLICATION DEADLINE
November 15, 2007

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
Students register for Biology (6 credits) or Earth Science (6 credits) lecture and research credit. Biology students: Bio 4911, Bio 4912 & Bio 4913. Earth Science students: ES 4901, 4902.

GRADUATE COURSES
Coral Reef Systems and Coral Reef Research: GEOL 5212 (4 credits), 5312 (6 credits)

PROGRAM FEES
$1800 plus tuition. Contact the Center for International Studies for Travel & Kean University fees. The program fee includes housing, food, airfare, and basic travel insurance. Kean University's tuition and fees are not included and the per credit cost depends on the student's New Jersey in-state versus out of state, and graduate versus undergraduate status).

HOW TO APPLY

Reserve your space with the Travelearn Office (cis@kean.edu) or you may contact the Travelearn Program of the Center for International Studies at 908-737-7140. Students can obtain a Kean University Travelearn Participant Form and Travel Waiver Form from the Center for International Studies' website (Kean University CIS). Both forms must be returned to the Center for International Studies, Kean University, Kean Hall 225, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union NJ, 07083.

Registering for College Credit: Kean University students can register for credit and pay any applicable tuition via KeanWISE (Kean students only).

Visiting Students (non-Kean University students): Visiting students must complete the Request for Registration Eligibility Form to verify their enrollment at another institution (http://www.kean.edu/ocis/Reg_form_sheet_06su.htm). Once this form is received at Kean University, students will receive a user name and pin by mail from Kean University. Students may then log into KeanWISE website and register (KeanWISE).

COURSE INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Carrie Manfrino,
President, Central Caribbean Marine Institute
Associate Professor of Oceanography, Kean University
Visiting Professor, Rutgers University Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences

If you have any additional registration-related questions, please email cis@kean.edu.