Coral Reef Ecology, Alaska Pacific University

Coral Reef Ecology

MAR410: The ecology of coral reefs and associated organisms. Offered alternate (even) years in January Block.

[ Course Page | Syllabus | General Expectations | Web Resources ]

Description

APU students Jessica Diaz and Megan Sirr with a sea turtle on Oahu, Hawaii (2002).

A field-oriented block course that examines the ecology of coral reefs and associated organisms, including reef building organisms, organisms that live on or in the reef, and coral reef ecosystems. Topics include coral taxonomy, reproduction, morphology and ecology, reef structure and zonation, coral identification, symbionts on coral reefs, and coral reef ecosystems. Students will spend substantial time in or on the water (snorkeling). No SCUBA certification required. Lab included. Lab fee required. Additional costs of travel to and within the tropics, are required of the student. Prerequisites: MAR 201 and SC 301.

This course is an upper-division elective for Marine Biology majors; and is designed for Juniors & Seniors. Graduate students (ES671) examine factors regulating community dynamics on the reef. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

Required texts: Gulko, D. 1998. Hawaiian Coral Reef Ecology. Mutual Publishing: Honolulu.
Ronald H. Karlson. 2002. Dynamics of Coral Communities. Vol 23 in Population and Community Biology Series. Kluwer Academic Publishers.

January Block 2006 field trips: Hawaiian Vacations 261-2700 has good air fares out of Anchorage.
6 Jan - Course convenes on Oahu. You must arrive on Oahu (Honolulu if you are flying in) by this morning.
13 Jan - Class travels from Honolulu to Kona (Big Island). If possible, book the flight departing Honolulu at 1335, arriving Kona 1418
21 Jan - Class ends on Big Island at the end of the day. Lodging provided for the night of 21 Jan. We can provide transportation to the airport for students departing from Kona the morning of the 22nd.

Learning Objectives

This course will give the student an understanding and familiarity with coral reef ecology, including:

evolution, classification, diversity, and identification of reef-building corals;
ecology and behavior of reef-associated plants and animals;
coral reef ecosystems;
field techniques for surveying coral reefs.

dscheel@alaskapacific.edu

David Scheel, Professor of Marine Biology,
Environmental Science Department, Alaska Pacific University
*Complete address