191 College Ave. Space is limited to 20 students. Courses are available for undergraduate and graduate students, and science teachers and provide 3 college credits. An additional 1 - 3 credits available for independent field research projects. Credit is offered through Rutgers University, Institute of Marine and Coastal Science.
Submersible investigations are possible with a local submarine vendor.
Students will first explore the modern reef environments to understand the interaction between oceanographic setting, geology, and marine organisms. They will then examine the submarine terraces on which the modern reefs have been built and explore spectacular ancient analogs in outcrops that fringe Little Cayman Island to explore reef evolution. Natural and anthropogenic impacts on the reefs will be discussed to better understand the driving forces behind short and long-term reef evolution. We will also examine what drives coral reef development and what causes their demise and evolution. Fishes are an integral part of the coral reef ecosystem.