The Winter Program Coral
Reef Biology in Roatan, Honduras runs for two weeks in
January. The program is designed to give SU students
the opportunity to study the fish, coral, plants, and
invertebrates associated with a Caribbean tropical reef
with a primary focus on the diversity of living
organisms surrounding the reef. Much of the time is
spent in the water snorkeling, where students can
observe and interact with organisms in their natural
environment. Students will have the opportunity to
learn about, and swim with dolphins!
CLASS:
BIOL 399
International
Field Studies, Coral Reef Biology: The class
meets for the first week at Salisbury University and
then is based at the Roatan Institute of Marine Science
in Roatan for the remainder of the time. Students will
learn about coral reef ecosystems and environmental
threats to coral reefs and select a topic to do
independent research before departure for Roatan and
continue their research while in Honduras. Students
will have lectures, slide presentation, and lab
activities
Prerequisite: Permission of
instructor, previous biology courses and good swimming
ability.
HOST INSTITUTION:
The Roatan Institute of
Marine Science is SU's institutional partner on this
program. Founded in 1989, the Roatan Institute for
Marine Science (RIMS) is on the northwest coast of
Roatan where over 30 miles of fringing and barrier
reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves and shoreline are home
to an abundance of life. In the past decade RIMS has
established itself as a dedicated teaching institution.
The primary objective of this facility is the
preservation of Roatan’s natural resources through
education and research.
RIMS
is surrounded by roughly13 km of protected area known as
the Sandy Bay Marine Reserve. Within this area no spear
fishing, trapping or collecting of any kind is allowed,
nor is anything to be taken from the reef. To
discourage touching or grabbing coral, divers and
snorkelers are not permitted to wear gloves within the
reserve. Local dive resorts and the municipality of
Roatan support the Reserve, and RIMS has initiated a
long-term reef-monitoring program within the Marine
Reserve. Coral, fish and invertebrate populations,
conditions on the reef are monitored over time in order
to gauge reef health. Student groups are invited to
participate in the reef-monitoring program.
HOUSING:
Students are housed in accommodations provided by
Anthony’s Key Resort, and have access to all resort
amenities, including the full-service dive shop,
underwater photo center and medical clinic.
COST:
$2,675. This includes international
airfare, room and board in Honduras, tuition, boats;
everything except snorkeling equipment.
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT
INFORMATION: An
initial deposit of $250 is due at the time of
application. This deposit is part of the total
advertised cost of the program. Once a student is
academically admitted by the faculty director, the
initial non-refundable deposit is due to the Cashier’s
Office. The student will be automatically enrolled into
the study abroad course. The University Billing Office
will then bill each registered student for the total
cost of the study abroad program (less the deposit
amount) through the regular university billing system.
Standard University deadlines for withdrawals do not
apply to study abroad programs. Once the
published Application Deadline occurs, the accepted
student is responsible for the entire amount of the
study abroad program charge.
APPLICATION
INFORMATION:
Application forms are available at the Center for
International Education or from the faculty director.
Completed application forms are currently being accepted
by the faculty director or by the Center for
International Education. The course
is limited to 12 students. Admission to the course
is competitive and preference will be given to biology
majors.
For more
information see
Coral Reef Biology in Roatan, Honduras.
All questions concerning
the program should be addressed to the program director:
Dr. Joan Maloof
(2008, 2010 programs)
Henson School of Science
and Technology
Phone: 410-548-5788
E-mail:
jemaloof@salisbury.edu
Dr. Ann
Barse (2009, 2011 programs)
Henson
School of Science and Technology
Phone:
410-543-6073 E-mail:
ambarse@salisbury.edu
Printable Program Flyer Available Here |
