Coral Reef Biology and Ecology

Prerequisites: 2 semesters of general biology or equivalent required, general ecology course recommended.

This course will explore the ecology and evolution of coral reef communities within a rapidly changing climate. This 4-credit course will begin with self-paced online course lectures and activities beginning in late spring (April).

In May the class will travel to a natural coral reef site to complete the field-based laboratory portion of the course. Overall, this course covers energy flow across reefs, biogeochemical cycling important for continual reef development, microbial interactions that govern the flow of carbon and nitrogen through coral reefs, and current threats from climate change.

*Special fees apply and will be determined by the number of participants in the course (approximately $1500-$2000). The field trip location varies annually as does the specific travel dates and cost. Please reach out to the course instructor or to the registrar for further information.