Coral Reef Optics

Target Audience: Undergraduate Student
Graduate Student
Postdoctoral


Institution: Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS)

Institutional Web Link: http://bios.edu/

Course Description: The aim of the Coral Reef Optics (CRO) course is to study the light ecology of coral reef benthic organisms and communities. There are two basic goals: the first is to understand variability in the quantity and quality of light reaching the seafloor and the second is to understand how that light drives fundamental reef processes. The CRO course is an intensive, integrated program comprised of lectures, required reading, laboratory exercises and field surveys. Lectures cover a broad range of relevant topics and ecological principals in coral reef optical ecology including concepts in hydrologic optics, fundamentals of aquatic photosynthesis, and metabolism and calcification of reef organisms and communities. Lectures are supplemented by readings from the primary literature with attention given to active areas of research. The course is divided into evening lectures and discussions (1–2 hours) that are complemented with extensive laboratory and field activities on Bermuda’s reef system. The laboratory and field work is designed to introduce students to concepts, instrumentation, and techniques for measurement of chemical, physical, biological, and, of course, optical components of the reef system. Precepts are given to introduce specific lab/field methods and instrumentation.

This course is intended primarily for graduate students, though postdoctoral scholars and even advanced undergraduates will be considered. The objective is to enhance the student’s academic and professional development with better understanding of the light ecology of coral reef communities. These prerequisites are firm: prior background/study in coral reef ecology and SCUBA certification.

Readings are taken from the primary scientific literature. Kirk’s Light and Photosynthesis in Aquatic Environments is a key resource.

Course Syllabus: http://www.bios.edu/uploads/Coral-Reef-Optics-Syllabus.pdf

Preliminary Schedule: http://www.bios.edu/uploads/Coral-Reef-Optics-Schedule.pdf


Course Fees and Expenses: $4,900.00 USD

Scholarships, Fellowships, Associated with the Course: Students can apply to BIOS for scholarships to assist with the course fee.

Funding Source: Other


How to Apply: The Summer Course Application Form, along with complete instructions, can be found on the webpage (http://www.bios.edu/education/summer-courses). Please download the form to your computer (e.g., save it to your desktop), complete it, save it, and send it along with all supporting documents as listed on the application to education@bios.edu by April 14, 2017 in order to receive full consideration. Letters of reference should be sent directly to the BIOS education email by referees. Late applications will be considered until the courses are full. Forms filled out in browser mode (i.e., in preview) may not save appropriately.

Application Closing Date: 04/14/2017

Course Begins: 2017-07-24

Course Ends: 2017-08-11