Visiting scientists provide students with additional insight on coral reef research. Students are involved with lectures, dives, and lab exercises, and have ample free time to go on reef walks, night dives, and explore the natural communities on Orpheus Island. A typical day involves lecture, snorkeling, field write-ups, oral presentations, and compilation of faunal and trips lists. There are reefs in the lagoon, and boats are taken to outlying reef areas. The course is taught by active research scientists, giving students a chance for personalized instruction and interchange of ideas .
Food is prepared and served by the class members.
A wide and ample variety of food is provided. Students also benefit from the travel experience itself, meeting new people from a different country. For many students this course is remembered as the most significant experience of their undergraduate career. Our web page is called OZ Reef. This is a reference to the magical place that is Australia, and the colloquial name of OZ that is applied by Australians to their most unique nation and its spectacular and unusual natural inhabitants, on land and sea.