This course introduces students to basic ecological principles such as competition, diversity, symbiosis, disturbance, adaptation, reproduction, and trophic relationships as well as basic identification of the major taxa living in coral reef ecosystems.

Students also examine the importance of seagrass and mangrove ecosystems. In-water observations and research accompany the majority of the lectures and are essential to the learning process.

Contact hours: 60. Recommended Credit: 4 semester/6 quarter hours. Instructor: Caren Eckrich

(Sample syllabus)

A strong conservation ethic has been developed on the island of Bonaire, which has a distinctive and interesting multicultural heritage. The Cultural and Environmental History of Bonaire investigates the environmental and cultural changes in Bonaire from pre-history through the present.

Bonaire is examined from a historical vantage point including an examination of Bonaire’s indigenous roots, the impacts of colonization, slavery, the salt industry, and tourism. Bonaire’s ongoing social, political, and environmental issues are examined to deepen insights into the interplay between culture and environment. Topics include: sustainable development, eco-spirituality, environmental valuation, consumerism, natural resources and violence, and the precautionary principle. Contact hours: 30. Recommended Credit: 2 semester/3 quarter hours. Instructor: Dr. Rita Peachey

(Sample syllabus)

Tropical Marine Conservation Biology examines the properties of tropical ecosystems; the fundamental relationships between species; the dynamic biological, ecological, physical, and chemical properties of the marine environment; marine animal ecology; the management challenges the marine environment poses; the human impacts on marine species and ecosystems; the role of marine reserves and protected areas in conservation; and the role of participatory management in conservation.

Examples and case studies are drawn from around the Caribbean, particularly Bonaire, to illustrate concepts in the conservation and management of tropical marine ecosystems and species. Topics include: invasive species, restoration ecology, overfishing, reserve design, collaborative and community based management, population ecology, coral disease, and nutrient enrichment. The class participates in collaborative field research with the Bonaire National Marine Park and Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire. Contact hours: 45. Recommended Credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours. Instructor: Dr. Rita Peachey

(Sample syllabus)

Students carry out a project in a topic of their choice in one of the subject areas: coral reef ecology, tropical marine ecology and conservation, and marine conservation management, —or another subject matter accepted by the instructor. The project culminates in a research paper and presentation.

Students learn the basic steps of the independent research process: finding a topic, formulating a research question and seeking answers, verbalizing research findings, and presenting findings to a peer audience. Contact hours: 60. Recommended Credit: 4 semester/6 quarter hours. Instructors: Dr. Rita Peachey

Click on image to read the first volume of the journal, Physis, written by students in the fall 2006 semester

In this course, students learn to use scuba as a research tool instrumental to understanding the underwater environment. The course focuses on diving physics and physiology, diving safety, mastering research scuba techniques, developing mapping skills, and learning to record and collect data underwater.

Contact hours: 60. Recommended Credit: 4 semester/6 quarter hours. Instructor: Caren Eckrich

(Sample syllabus)