The biodiversity of coral reefs has been declining rapidly in the last 20 years due in large part to human activities. In this field course students will have an opportunity to confront this problem directly and contribute to our understanding of reef biodiversity. This course will take place on the island of Grand Cayman, British West Indies for one week following the Spring 2016 term, from June 4-June 11. Students will have an opportunity to become certified scuba divers and gain first hand experience with the characteristics of the organisms and the physical environment as they dive and snorkel in the extraordinary fringing reefs of Grand Cayman. Students will also engage in underwater research and contribute fish diversity data to an international repository for such data.

This course will be offered from June 4-June 11, 2016. Interested students should register for this course in spring 2016; credits earned will count towards the credit requirements for spring 2016.