MSCI 469 - Coral Reef Ecology

4 credit hours
This course will examine the ecology and evolution of coral reef communities, seagrass beds, and mangrove swamps. Current issues, including degradation of reefs by macroalgae, hurricanes, coral bleaching, diseases of corals and sea urchins, overfishing, and pollution, will be examined critically through reading the primary literature. Students will participate in lectures and laboratory exercises at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, and they will take a field trip to the Island School on Eleuthera Island, Bahamas. A current passport is required for travel. Special fees apply and will be posted on the web at: www.disl.org. Prerequisite(s): A course in ecology.