Overview

Queensland, a place of adventure and amazement, rich in natural treasures and home of "The Great Barrier Reef" - what a great place to learn Marine Ecology. The course will provide an introduction to tropical marine ecosystems and the interactions of humans with these systems as well as opportunity for snorkeling, scuba diving, reef walking, wildlife observation, nature photography and hiking. Through hands on research and exploration we hope to open a fascinating world that until now you may have only imagined.

Highlights include visits to the Great Barrier Reef, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Dreamtime Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Central Queensland University, Australian Institute of Marine Studies, Cape Tribulation Rain Forest, and Great Barrier Reef Wonderland Aquarium.

Location

You will experience extensive field studies on three unique island ecosystems:

Stradbroke Island - one of the worlds’ largest sand islands it encompasses an incredible variety of landscapes, long sand beaches, mud flats, and rocky shores.

Heron Island - a coral cay located on the Great Barrier Reef where we will stay at one of the principal coral reef centers in the world. Surrounded by a flourishing draining platform reef encompassing a lagoon, the cay provides easy access by foot or by boat to an extensive range of reef habitats.

Orpheus Island - a small-secluded continental Island that is a National Park, surrounded by excellent fringing reefs, it is comparatively near the coast and subject to the influence of inner continental shelf waters. Consequently, it offers a very diverse ecosystem.

On each island students will conduct various field projects involving surveying the distribution and abundance of marine organisms as well as making behavioral observations. The course concludes in the tropical city of Cairns, an international tourist center famed for it’s various activities.

Academic Summary

Introduction to life on the reef

The biogeography of Australian flora & Fauna

The biogeography of the marine ecosystems

Review of ecological concepts

Marine ecosystems

Statistical methods used in ecology

Review of taxonomy

Impact of human activity on each system

Warm water aquaculture

Tropical wetlands and marine plains

Significance of each system to conservation of national and international avifauna

Comparisons of habitats

Coastal environmental impacts

Community structures and biological diversity

Biological chemical and physical processes in marine environments

Course Structure

This course will introduce students to the study of tropical marine ecology through formal lectures and practical field experience. It will provide a solid foundation in general marine ecology for students interested in a career in marine research, conservation and management, marine education or related fields. It will also cover issues of particular significance to Australia such as marine park management and conservation, island biogeography, Australian fauna and flora and Australian indigenous culture. The majority of the course will be conducted at three islands along the Queensland coast, each of which has facilities for marine research and education. These islands are Stradbroke Island (sub-tropical sand island), Heron Island (tropical coral cay) and Orpheus Island (tropical continental island).

LECTURES:
Lectures will cover a broad range of topics in marine science, leading to a concentration on the ecology of tropical marine ecosystems. They will address five major themes:

1. The Marine Environment
2. Marine Biodiversity
3. Tropical Marine Ecosystems: features and ecology of major tropical marine ecosystems
4. Island Biogeography: factors influencing the animal and plant communities of islands
5. Human exploitation and impacts

RESEARCH PROJECTS:
Students will conduct their own research projects in marine ecology during the course (in small groups of 3-4 people). A series of workshops will cover scientific methods, hypothesis testing, field sampling and data analysis to assist students to design and conduct their research projects. All research projects will involve collection of field data to explore a specific topic, which will be selected in consultation with academic staff.

ASSESSMENT:
Individual Project Report 40%
Group Oral Presentations 30% (3 talks at 10% each)
Individual Scientific Journal 30%

CREDIT:
You will receive four upper-division credits from Long Island University-Southampton upon completion of the course.

Program Highlights

•Learn and practice marine science in one of the most stunning living environments on the planet

•Tour spectacular islands, rain forests, and the Great Barrier Reef

•Led by preeminent marine biology faculty from both Australia and the U.S.


Who It’s For

Open to both undergraduate and graduate students; undergrads should have completed at least two 100-level biology subjects or receive special permission from the instructor. Graduate students should have successfully completed an undergraduate science degree.

Fees

Program Fees

$4,540.00

Fee Includes

Estimated at $3,990 USD not including airfare (fee is based on a minimum group size of 20 participants)

• All accommodation is provided and based on twin and triple share
• Most meals as per itinerary
• All lectures, field trips, and excursions

Fee Semester

The above fee is an estimate based on the Summer 2007 program fee. Fees are subject to change for future terms.

Facts

Location: Queensland
Overseas Students:
Staff:
Total Enrolment:

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have the required GPA and have completed at least the equivalent of one year of full-time study at the university/college level.

Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for this course. Undergraduate students should have completed foundation subjects in at least two 100 level biology subjects or receive special permission from the instructor. Graduate students should have successfully completed a degree in the sciences.

Required GPA: 2.50