BIOL 334 - Field Course in Applied Tropical Ecology
Bellairs Research Institute, Barbados
**Spring 2012: Saturday, May 12 - Saturday, May 26, 2012

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Timing and Organization

The course is based at McGill University's Bellairs Research Institute in Barbados (www.mcgill.ca/bellairs) and will run from Saturday May 12th to Saturday May 26th, 2012. (** please note revised date)

It will be taught by Professors Fred Guichard, Thomas Bureau and Neil Price (Biology Department, McGill University). The minimum enrollment is 12. Tentatively, the format of the course is to have students divided into three groups of up to 7 individuals who rotate among three modules each lasting one day. These modules could include studies of coral reef and sea grass ecosystems and molecular ecology. There is one day for orientation to Bellairs, the course, and the adjacent reef and terrestrial environments. Two days will be spent visiting other sites of ecological interest on the island. During the second week of the course, students will focus on a collaborative research project under the direction of one of the professors.

These projects are still being developed but are likely to include a project on the effectiveness of the Barbados Marine Reserve, conservation of coral reef abd sea grass ecosystems and application of molecular techniques to ecological studies. Students are expected to devote all waking hours to course activities.

With permission of Prof. Guichard and the Biology Graduate Coordinator, graduate students may take the Applied Tropical Ecology course at the graduate (600) level. This will involve an additional week-long independent research project with a written report.

Information Meeting:
Thursday, November 10th, 2011 at 5:30pm, in Stewart Biology, Room W4/12
[>> download slides from information session]

Application deadline:
Please submit application form by November 23rd, 2011 (please note revised date)

Registration and initial deposit deadline:
Monday, Dec. 9th, 2011 [see instructions on Course Requirements page]

COURSE EVALUATION:

Students must complete a set of preliminary readings that will be available early January 2011. This material will be the subject of a take-home examination that will be completed by the end of March. Course evaluation will be based on 1) the take-home exam (30%), 2) participation during the modules and field trips (35%) and 3) the project completed during the final module (35%).

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