INTRODUCTION TO CORAL REEF SYSTEMS

PROGRAM
Introduction to Coral Reef Systems
3–6 Undergraduate/Graduate Credits - Kean University in Earth Science or Biology

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
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 TIMETABLE
Check with the Kean Travelearn Office

REGISTRATION
Undergraduate Student Registration:
Students register through Kean University for Earth Science Special Topics credits (ES 4901 field course, ES 4902 research credit) or Biology credits (Bio 4911, Bio 4912 & Bio 4913).

Graduate Student Registration
Coral Reef Systems and Coral Reef Research: GEOL 5212 (4 credits), 5312 (6 credits)

CONTACT
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.

COST OF THE PROGRAM
[TBD]

EXPERIENCES IN THE FIELD