summer session I

Turks & Caicos Islands

Fundamentals of Marine Conservation

At A Glance

04 Weeks | 04 Credits
Summer 2019

Jun 3 - Jul 3

Open

Prerequisites

None

Sample Itinerary
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Fundamentals of Marine Conservation

South Caicos Island

Dive under the waves and study marine conservation. On the island of South Caicos, spectacular reefs and turquoise waters serve as laboratories for field lectures and underwater expeditions. Snorkel and dive among these incredible marine ecosystems, learn about the environmental issues and policies affecting them, and gain the skills needed to conduct research in collaboration with members of the community.

  • Collect data on the distribution, size and age structure of the queen conch, a species critical to the local economy and a national symbol of the Islands
  • PADI SCUBA certifications are available on this program. Learn more 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 & Caicos Islands.

Major academic themes include:

  • Marine ecology and conservation
  • Marine protected areas assessment
  • Natural resource management strategies
  • Sustainable tourism and fisheries practices

Courses

On the Fundamentals of Marine Conservation program, you will take one 4-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 each course to view a description and download the syllabus

SFS 3530 Tropical Marine Ecosystems: Monitoring and Management 4 credits

Field Skills

You will practice valuable skills in the field which may include: marine population monitoring, habitat and biodiversity assessment, science communication, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, snorkel and scuba skills, research presentation, and PADI Open Water Diver certification (offered at an additional cost, upon request).

Ecosystems

You will visit different ecosystems and communities while in the field, which may include coral reefs, mangrove islands, seagrass beds, fishing communities, carbonate platform flats, coastal ecosystems, beaches, marine protected areas, numerous shallow-water snorkeling sites, and the historical tourist hub of Providenciales.

Resources

Spend your summer with SFS!

Get more out of your SFS experience when you take two summer sessions with SFS. More time to explore the ecosystems and communities, more time to learn about the complex environmental issues, and more time to learn essential field skills. Sessions feature different course topics and field excursions and you will have time to travel independently between sessions.

RECOMMENDED PROGRAM
Turks & Caicos Session II: Marine Megafauna

Learn More
All program components are subject to change.

‌Life in the Field

The Center is a small converted 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. A 5-minute walk brings you to the small, historic town of Cockburn Harbour, where students and faculty frequently engage in community activities.

  • Dorm living in 4-6 person bunkrooms
  • Main building includes student lounge and study/work spaces
  • Classroom building with staff offices
  • Large kitchen, open-air dining space, on-site cooking staff
  • Dock, dive shack, and small fleet of research boats
  • Volleyball, hammocks, and swimming pool overlooking the ocean

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