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Courses & Topics |  |
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All
ITME courses are filled with interesting and adventurous excursions.
The unique marine habitats surrounding the island are our "visual aids". |
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| Lecture and Laboratory Courses | ||
| Principles of Tropical Marine Ecology: ITME AC 302 (Semester) 4 credits | ||
| Principles
of Tropical Marine Ecology focuses on the community structure, nutrient
cycles, and energy flow of tropical marine ecosystems such as coral
reefs, sea grass beds, and mangrove forests. The physical and biological
oceanography of the greater Caribbean, principles of marine biology,
and systems ecology form the basis for a detailed account and comparison
of supra-, inter- and sub-tidal marine habitats. Field laboratories
and excursions will provide ample opportunities for students to examine
each of the marine ecosystems covered in this course, firsthand. Biological
productivity, food webs, population dynamics, pollution, and disturbance
(natural versus anthropogenic) are interpreted with reference to human
use of marine resources. Course meets for 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of field labs each week. |
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| Natural History & Identification of Marine Organisms: ITME AC 301 (Semester) 4 credits | ||
| Natural
History and Identification of Marine Organisms covers functional morphology,
behavior, and identification of organisms from tropical marine habitats.
Emphasis is placed on marine vascular plants, benthic and pelagic
inshore macro-fauna and flora. Some planktonic and interstitial microorganisms
will also be examined. Students apply basic methods/techniques of
field observation, data collection, and record keeping, in an inquiry-driven
approach to marine field-biology, specifically to habitat descriptions.
Course meets for 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of field labs each week. |
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Marine
Research Methodology & Practicum: ITME AC 303 (Semester) 4 credits
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This course introduces students to project design, proposal writing,
sampling techniques, data collection, data analysis and scientific
writing. Students develop and carry out independent research projects
and participate in ongoing research in conjunction with their regular
course work. Course meets for 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of field labs each week. |
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| Marine Resource Conservation: ITME AC 304 (Semester) 4 credits | ||
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Marine
Resource Conservation introduces the fundamental concepts in resource
management and socio-economics relevant to the conservation of natural
resources of the Caribbean. Emphasis is placed on issues peculiar
to small island nations. It addresses environmental policy issues
affecting the management of Dominica's marine resources. The course
also outlines opportunities for economic development based on marine
environments. |
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Tropical
Marine Ecology & Conservation: ITME
AC 305 (Summer) 4
credits
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| Tropical
Marine Ecology and Conservation analyzes the relationship between
marine ecology and resource management. The ecology of marine ecosystems
forms the foundation for an interdisciplinary examination of coastal
conservation issues in the Caribbean. Economic and social requirements
for environmental conservation will be introduced to the students,
who then outline potential conservation strategies. Extensive field
surveys provide students with an experiential approach to marine biology.
Organized interactions with people dependent on marine resources enhance
the student's exposure to issues of marine conservation. Course meets for 9 hours of lecture and 9 hours of field laboratory each week.. |
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| Seminars | ||
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Caribbean Issues Marine Resource Management: ITME AC 306 (Summer) 1 credit |
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| Forum
for presentations and discussions led by staff, students, and guest
speakers. Offered in conjunction with AC 305, this course engages
students in identifying and analyzing key issues of environmental
conservation in Dominica. Backed by their field observations and laboratories,
student's write expository term papers on principle issue of marine
resource conservation of the island. Course meets for 6 hours of lecture each week. |
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| Research Assistantships (Upon demand by faculty only!) | ||
| Volunteer Research Assistantship - Standard: ITME AC 201 | ||
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ITME
offers a limited number of basic research assistantships
upon requests from staff scientists. These are volunteer positions,
and candidates must cover all transportation costs to and from Dominica,
as well as room and board services in Dominica. Requirements include
a minimum of 2 years of biological sciences and good water skills.
Specific requirements depend on the specific research assistantship. |
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Volunteer Research Assistantship - Advanced: ITME AC 401 |
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ITME offers a limited number of advanced research
assistantships upon requests from staff scientists. These are
volunteer positions and candidates must cover all transportation
costs to and from Dominica. However, 50 - 100 % of the room and
board services in Dominica will be covered by ITME. Requirements
include an undergraduate degree in biological sciences, good water
skills, computer skills, and field research experience. Specific
requirements depend on the specific research assistantship. |
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