Sacred Heart University and the Dolphin Communication Project

Field Course in Cetacean Ecology in Bimini, The Bahamas

Summer 2012:   May 21 - 29                         Online through Sacred Heart University

                                May 30 – June 11             At the Bimini field site   

                                June 12 - 18                        Online through Sacred Heart University

Course: Special Topics in Psychology (3 Credits) or Special Topics in Biology (3 Credits)

Prerequisites:  Psychology Majors/Minors – Introduction to Psychology/General Psychology (with C+ or better)

             Biology Majors/Minors – Animal Behavior (with C+ or better)

Undergraduate students majoring/minoring in Psychology or Biology (or a related discipline) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 are invited to apply to this program. 

Instructor:  Dr. Deirdre Yeater – Sacred Heart University Psychology Dept. (yeaterd@sacredheart.edu  - 203-365-4870)

Course Description:  This course will examine the behavioral and social ecology of coastal cetaceans, particularly Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins.  Participants in this course will enjoy a real life learning experience with wild dolphins, in the beautiful waters surrounding the island of Bimini in the Bahamas.  Students will earn three hours of credit while learning to record and analyze dolphin behaviors.  Students will also learn about ecotourism and human impacts on the marine environment.  The field work at Bimini will consist of 4-5 hour boat surveys.  If the group is able to make underwater observations, students will be assisting in the use of underwater slates, video cameras, and digital still cameras. The number of students will be limited by the size of the research vessel.  Therefore, students should apply as soon as possible.  All students MUST be able to swim and snorkel as part of the program.

Cost:  The cost of the trip will be approximately $4270.  This includes program tuition, lodging, food, transportation in Bimini, and boat trips.  Airfare and personal expenses are the student’s responsibility.

Applications: Due January 20, 2012

Access the Study Abroad Website at http://www.sacredheart.edu/pages/41483_bimini.cfm for further information and online application.

For more information about Dolphin Communication Project please go to the following website: http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/.

Deirdre Yeater, Ph.D

Assistant Professor

Sacred Heart University

5151 Park Avenue

Fairfield, CT 06825

Phone: 203-365-4870

Fax: 203-371-7998