Tropical Marine Ecology in Belize
Location: South Water Caye, Belize Experience Type: shortTRECs
About the Program
Travel
Spend spring break on an island off the coast of Belize, exploring a marine reserve that is home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Snorkel (and maybe scuba) through diverse ecosystems—mangroves, patch reefs and seagrass beds—that provide critical habitat for many endangered or vulnerable species. Live and work in a field station complex provided by IZE Belize.
Rethink
What are the markers of a healthy (or unhealthy) marine habitat? Which species populate which habitats—and why? How does each species contribute to this delicately balanced marine ecosystem? And how can these questions be answered with biological field research?
Explore
Discover diverse organisms during a night snorkel. Measure the length of seagrass blades or levels of dissolved oxygen in critical habitats. Record and analyze data collected on underwater expeditions, then synthesize your fieldwork observations into several research projects. Working individually and in groups, produce scientific research papers like those published in peer-reviewed journals.
Connect
Fieldwork experience and research skills are valued across the sciences. This program provides excellent preparation for graduate study and is especially relevant to careers in marine biology, natural resources management, environmental sustainability, ecology and animal behavior.
Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum GPA of 2.0
- Good academic and disciplinary standing
- Open to all majors
- Prerequisites: Ecology and Evolution (BIOL 150); Diversity of Life: Animals, plants and Microbes (BIOL 160)
- Able to demonstrate basic swimming skills
Faculty Director
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Tammy WindfelderAssociate Professor, Biology |
Experience Information
Sponsor: | Center for Global Education |
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