Course Description:
Coral Reef Ecology: Functional Ecology of Coral ReefsJune 28 - July 16, 2021Instructors: Dr. Eric Hochberg (BIOS) and Dr. Yvonne Sawall (BIOS)The overall aim of this course is to study how environment impacts reef benthic communities and the fundamental processes of photosynthesis and calcification. Production of organic and inorganic carbon underpins growth and maintenance of the reef ecosystem. These processes are strongly influenced by environmental parameters including water chemistry, hydrodynamics, light availability/capture, and temperature, as well as the taxonomic composition of the community itself. Reef geomorphological and ecological zonation demonstrates that benthic communities have adapted to (and influence) their prevailing environmental conditions. At the same time, conditions are never static, and communities must acclimate to short- and long-term changes in their environment. A vitally important question is how global change will impact this baseline of reef function. These complex and dynamic interactions between reef communities and their ever- changing environments comprise the topics covered by this course.This is an intensive course, aimed at upper-level undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdocs. Course logistics include readings, lectures, discussions/presentations, and extensive laboratory and field work. Next to gaining a solid understanding of coral reef ecology and reef functional processes, students gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art instrumentation and techniques for collecting and analyzing reef community and environmental data, including building underwater photomosaics, measuring current profiles, characterizing the underwater light field, determining nutrient concentrations, and quantifying rates of primary production and calcification.Prerequisites include satisfactory standing in university-level biology and ecology; introductory marine science and oceanography is desirable. The course will require boat work and the ability to work comfortably in the water with a mask and snorkel. Those who are SCUBA certified will be able to undertake fieldwork underwater and learn scientific diving skills. Some experience with scientific programming is beneficial for data analysis, although this is not mandatory. Course fee: $4,900 (tuition, room and board). Students may apply to BIOS for scholarships to assist with the course fee.

Web Address of Course Info:
http://www.bios.edu/education/summer-courses/