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Coral Reef Ecology
The annual migration of students interested in coral reef ecology is an opportunity students and faculty from Coastal Carolina University and several other institutions look forward to as they head for Discovery Bay, Jamaica. Coral Reef Ecology is an introduction to the principles of organization, structure, function, productivity and diversity of coral reef ecosystems. This course is implemented as a "research travel" opportunity for marine science majors/minors. This course does not require SCUBA certification but it is highly recommended.
Click here for application
Meet This Programs Leaders
Dr. Erin Burge
Assistant Professor, Marine Science
Erin Burge has taught the Jamaica coral reef ecology class since 2007. His research interests include a wide range of questions relating to how marine organisms respond to environmental change, the role that human activities play in coral reef health, and tropical fish community ecology.
E-mail: eburge@coastal.edu
“Maymester in Jamaica was the best class I took at Coastal."
" If you like SCUBA diving and learning about marine life TAKE THIS CLASS!"
"The research I did in Jamaica got me into graduate school studying coral reefs for my masters." |
Mr. Steven Luff
University Dive Safety Officer
Steven Luff is the Coastal Carolina University dive safety officer and has participated in the Jamaica coral reef ecology course since 1994. He teaches open-water and advanced SCUBA, and other specialty courses in dive training. He holds instructor rankings with NAUI and SSI dive training agencies, and oversees field and diving safety.
E-mail: sluff@coastal.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions:
When is the deadline for application?
Priority Deadline for program application ($50 off the total program cost) and deadline for all scholarship applications is November 6, 2009. Completed applications, along with a $500 deposit, must be in the Office of International Programs by close of business on November 6, 2009 to meet the priority deadline.
Normal Deadline for Program Admission (Regular Program Fee) is November 30, 2009 (No scholarships are available after the priority deadline.) A $500 deposit must be submitted along with the completed application to meet this normal application deadline.
When does this program take place?
This program takes place from May 12-30, 2010.
What is the cost of this study abroad program?
This program's cost is $3,250 and includes air/ground/boat transportation, lodging, meals, diving and field trips. All courses offered by Coastal Carolina University are assessed at $250/credit hour and this is not included in the price of the trip.
When are payments due for the program?
| Deposit |
$500 due with application |
| 2nd Payment |
January 15, 2010- 1/3 of remaining balance |
| 3rd Payment |
February 15, 2010- 1/3 of remaining balance |
| 4th Payment |
March 15, 2010- 1/3 of remaining balance |
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How many credit hours can I complete during this program?
The expedition provides an upper level lecture course (3 credits) and a research project (3 credits) that can also be a senior thesis. The course offered is MSCI 477: Ecology of Coral Reefs, a three credit hour course. The research course is MSCI 499: Directed Undergraduate Research (3 credits).
Does this course/program satisfy core curriculum requirements?
This program does not currently satisfy core curriculum requirements.
Are scholarships or financial aid available for this program?
Graduates of Horry County high schools are encouraged to apply for the new Horry County Higher Education Commission International Awareness Award ($1,000 - $2,000 per award available). To determine whether you have additional eligibility for financial aid during the Spring or Summer short-term study abroad programs, please see your Financial Aid Counselor in Kingston Hall. To meet the priority deadline and for scholarship consideration, complete this form and return to the OIPS by November 6, 2009. The general deadline for submission of this packet is November 30, 2009.
Are there any prerequisites for this study?
The prerequisites for each of these courses is instructor approval.
Do I need vaccinations to participate?
Coastal Carolina University strongly recommends that program participants are vaccinated for all Center for Disease Control (CDC) vaccinations for each area to which the program is traveling. Please visit the website http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ for your destination.
What are the physical demands of this program?
It is highly recommended that students be SCUBA certified. Basic or open-water certification is sufficient. Students should be able to safely work on and in the water, be capable of lifting and carrying full SCUBA equipment and assisting with boat anchoring, and be able to hike 1-2 miles in the mountains in tropical heat.
For More Information, Please Contact:
The Office of International Programs & Services
Mr. Geoffrey Parsons, M.Ed.
Director, International Programs & Services
843-349-2054 / parsons@coastal.edu
Ms. Lori Patterson, M.P.S.
Coordinator/Advisor, Study Abroad
843-349-2684 / lori@coastal.edu
Singleton Building 113
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