OBFS

Tropical Marine Ecology - Summer Course
2023-06-26 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
TROPICAL MARINE ECOLOGY (June 26 – July 14)Instructor: Dr. Samantha de Putron (BIOS)The Tropical Marine Ecology (TME) course covers the ecology, physiology, and behavior of a wide variety of marine organisms in a series of tropical habitats. The course begins with an introduction to the tropical marine environment and life in the open ocean and then focuses on the dynamic and diverse coral reef, seagrass and mangrove habitats, as well as marine ponds and tropical rocky shores. Field work explores the Bermuda platform, our ‘natural laboratory’, with easy access to all these habitats that are within close proximity of each other. The biology and ecology of the dominant inhabitants are examined, with a focus on invertebrates and fish communities, as well as their interactions, trophic levels and energy transfer within and between these habitats. Marine ecological principals are taught combining lectures and discussions with hands-on surveys and laboratory experiments. The essential services provided by these marine environments and their inhabitants are discussed, as well as threats and conservation biology.This is an intensive course including lectures, readings, discussions, extensive field work and laboratory exercises. The laboratory and field work provide experience in commonly used marine ecological sampling and analysis techniques and equipment. The class data are synthesized into group presentations to provide experience in communicating science. The course syllabus and further information can be found here: http://www.bios.edu/education/summer-courses Prerequisites: University Introductory-level Biology and Ecology. The course will require boat work and the ability to work comfortably in the water with a mask and snorkel.Students of all nationalities are eligible to apply for partial scholarships towards course fees which include 3-weeks tuition, campus accommodation and meals (we do not award scholarships towards travel expenses, visas or medical/travel insurance). Successful applicants are advised to arrange for independent study credit through their home institutions.Applications due April 30, 2023 Full course details, prerequisites and application information are available here: http://www.bios.edu/education/summer-courses Questions? Please contact us at education@bios.edu
Web Address of Course Info:http://www.bios.edu/education/summer-courses/
Contact: University Programs education@bios.edu

Research Diving Methods - Summer Course
2023-06-26 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
RESEARCH DIVING METHODS (June 26 – July 14)Instructor: Kyla Smith (BIOS) The Research Diving Methods (RDM) course aims to familiarize participants with the fundamentals of scientific diving, both theoretical and practical. Research methods and practices are taught in class and then subsequently rehearsed on SCUBA during open-water sessions in the field. Underwater research techniques include: navigation, search and recovery procedures, rescue diving, proper usage of lift bags and mapping techniques. A series of introductory science lectures provide the basic understanding of why and how marine scientists study communities using SCUBA. These lectures are integrated with field work to practice data acquisition using a range of methods and equipment, such as: underwater photographic surveys to measure coral communities, coral condition monitoring to measure coral bleaching and disease, coral recruitment surveys, reef fish counts, seagrass surveys, common restoration techniques and underwater cementing, blue water diving to study planktonic communities, and marine archaeology. By the end of the course, participants will be trained to the standards defined by the American Academy of Underwater Sciences, of which BIOS is an organizational member. Future renewals will be subject to AAUS requirements. During the course, participants will also have the option to elect into further specialist PADI qualifications, such as Advanced Open Water and Rescue Diver.This course is aimed at all SCUBA enthusiasts who are looking to expand their experiences and skill sets whilst being immersed in marine science. In addition, given the usefulness and increasingly common employment of SCUBA as a research tool for marine science, students possessing underwater research training will enjoy a competitive advantage. The course syllabus and further information can be found here: http://www.bios.edu/education/summer-courses Prerequisites: Participants must already be SCUBA certified (minimum at the PADI Open Water Diver level, or internationally recognized equivalent). Per AAUS guidelines, participants are expected to provide all of their own equipment as well as proof of recent gear servicing (regulators and BCD) within the last 12 months prior to arrival at BIOS. To be permitted to dive at BIOS, students must complete, and return to the Dive Safety Officer, various forms and meet certain medical safety standards, which will require physical examination from a health practitioner. The student dive information package (SDIP), including all such forms and supplemental information, will be provided after notification of acceptance on this course.Students of all nationalities are eligible to apply for partial scholarships towards course fees which include 3-weeks tuition, campus accommodation and meals (we do not award scholarships towards travel expenses, visas or medical/travel insurance). Successful applicants are advised to arrange for independent study credit through their home institutions. Applications due April 30, 2023 Full course details, syllabus, prerequisites and application information are available here: http://www.bios.edu/education/summer-courses Questions? Please contact us at education@bios.edu
Contact: education@bios.edu

Freshwater Algae Identification Workshop
2023-05-22 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
lgae from diverse aquatic habitats. Students and professionals can gain proficiency in (or sharpen up on) using taxonomic keys, examining ecological factors influencing algal biodiversity, and collect high-resolution algal images and voucher specimens.We will sample a diverse range of lake, pond, and river habitats. We provide a full array of sampling gear, microscopy facilities, and an extensive taxonomic library. Registration Fee: $1,800. Cost includes on-site housing (limited number). Meals not provided.Transportation costs to and from the field station must be arranged by the student. Web Address of Course Info:http://www.fordham.edu/FWalgaeID Contact: Alissa Perrone, aperrone@fordham.edu

Grasses of the Southern Appalachians
2023-05-08 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
class will include a detailed description of the grass flower, inflorescence type, habitat and ecological associations, Tribal affinities, distribution, and habit differences. The class will be taught in four parts: 1) power point presentation and classroom instruction, 2) examination of important features with hand lens and dissecting scope, 3) team keying of grass specimens, and 4) field identification.Dichotomous keys, hard copy print outs of power point presentation, and other handouts will be provided by the instructor. Tips for proper collection; processing; label development; herbaria deposition of grass specimens; and suggested websites/electronic tools helpful in grass study will also be discussed.

Web Address of Course Info:https://highlandsbiological.org/summer-2023-academic-courses/

Contact: Katie Cooke (kfcooke@wcu.edu)
