Curaçao Marine Biology Adventure

Two natural science credits available through Lesley University.

Course description: This course examines the biology and ecology of tropical marine communities and demonstrates research techniques and equipment that marine biologists commonly use. Interactive labs and scuba dives give you the opportunity to explore the environments you study through coursework.

Course objectives:

• Gain a greater understanding of the oceans and marine life.
• Develop an appreciation for the importance of life in the oceans to the history of life on the planet.
• Learn to identify and describe the diversity of life found in the oceans.
• Understand how individuals, populations and communities interact with each other and their physical environments.
• Learn about the fragility of marine communities and the major threats to the health of marine life.
• Gain experience conducting group research and presenting on a marine science topic of your choosing.
• Practice collecting, analyzing and interpreting data.
• Understand how marine biologists conduct research in the field and in labs in order to better understand ecological and evolutionary relationships.

Three PADI scuba certifications available:

• PADI Open Water Diver
• PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
• PADI Coral Restoration Diver Specialty

Nine hours of service learning through projects dedicated to coral reef conservation.

Requirements:

• Available to students completing grades 9-12. No additional experience necessary.