winter session

Turks & Caicos Islands

Foundations of Tropical Marine Ecosystems

At A Glance

03 Weeks | 03 Credits
Winter 2021

Dec 28 - Jan 15

Closed

Winter 2022

Dec 27 - Jan 14

Open

Prerequisites

None

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Foundations of Tropical Marine Ecosystems

South Caicos Island, Caribbean Region

WINTER 2021 PROGRAM UPDATE: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, SFS has suspended all Winter 2021 programs. Students interested in this program are welcome to apply now for Winter 2022 or consider a spring or summer program. Check out the Turks & Caicos Islands Center page to see other programs offered at this location.

 
Spend your winter break exploring the spectacular reefs and turquoise waters of South Caicos, snorkeling or diving with rays, turtles, brilliantly colored fish, and other marine life. In this introductory course, you’ll learn how to identify key marine species, study the connection and co-dependence of the island’s ecosystems, and explore the environmental issues impacting these habitats and the island community.

  • Lay underwater transects and assess the health of the island’s coral reefs, which are among the largest in the world and are home to diverse marine species including the valuable queen conch.
  • Students who plan to dive during the program must complete SCUBA Open Water (OW) certification prior to the start of the program. Advanced Open Water certification may be offered on program depending on interest. Read more about PADI SCUBA certifications here.

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‌Academics

This academically rigorous program follows a six-day/week schedule. The interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to help students actively discover and understand the complexities of environmental, social, and economic issues in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Major academic themes include:

  • Marine ecology and conservation
  • Climate change and impacts on the ocean
  • Marine protected areas
  • Marine resource management strategies
  • Sustainable tourism and fisheries practices

Courses

On the Foundations of Tropical Marine Ecosystems, you will take one 3-credit course. This course is participatory in nature and is designed to foster inquiry and active learning combining lectures, field exercises, assignments, and tests. This course is taught in English.

Click on the course to view a description

SFS 3530 Tropical Marine Ecosystems: Monitoring and Management 3 credits

Core Skills

You will gain practical skills in the field such as: terrestrial and marine biodiversity assessments and survey techniques, species ID and population monitoring, animal behavior observation, species management planning, coral health assessments, protected areas assessments, tourism impact assessments, scientific writing and communication, snorkel skills.

Field Sites

You will visit different ecosystems and communities which may include coral reefs, mangrove islands, seagrass beds, fishing communities, carbonate platform flats, coastal ecosystems, beaches, marine protected areas, and numerous shallow-water snorkeling sites.

Resources

‌Life in the Field

The Center is a former hotel overlooking the crystalline waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Spectacular sunsets, open-air facilities, warm sunshine, and a refreshing ocean breeze define this marine field station. Get to know the small, historic town of Cockburn Harbour, engage in community activities, and spot the flamingoes, wild horses, and donkeys that call this island home.

  • Dorm living in four to six students per room
  • Small, open campus with direct access to the ocean
  • Air-conditioned classroom and computer lab
  • Open-air dining space, and on-site cooking staff
  • Dock, dive shed, and small fleet of research boats
  • Volleyball, hammocks, and swimming pool by the ocean

Click on the icons below to learn more about our Center in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

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