Tropical Marine Ecology - 4 credit biology elective [lecture portion of course taught online, lab = one week at Marine Science Institute] Learn about tropical marine ecology while taking an online science elective through the SUNY Learning Network [http://SLN.suny.edu]. Travel to the Roatan Institute of Marine Sciences, Honduras, over Spring Break [March 19th - 25th] to complete the Lab Portion of this Course. Tropical Marine Ecology is a 4 credit sophomore-level class with a 3-credit lecture plus a one-week trip to Honduras for field study at the Roatan Institute of Marine Science. Contact Information: Liz Balko PhD [balko@oswego.edu]; OR OCC Biology Dept. [315-498-2411]. Registration Information & questions regarding online courses: http://SLN.suny.edu This unique course will introduce you to the natural history of coral reefs and the diverse life forms that they support through a combination of online exercises and hands-on experience. Students will gain the ability to identify, observe and study enchanting marine organisms going about their daily lives on the reefs embracing the island of Roatan, Honduras. The online portion of this course will introduce you to the biology and taxonomy of life surrounding Caribbean reef systems. The field trip segment will take you beyond studying the natural history of coral reefs by enlightening participants to the critical need to conserve these fragile ecosystems as well as the efforts of the dive community and scientists to protect the Sandy Bay Marine Reserve. A highlight of the trip to Honduras will be the dolphin specialty segment that introduces dolphin anatomy, physiology, cognition, communication and behavior. Instruction on dolphin behavior and biology will be implemented through lectures and hands-on interactions with 17 dolphins kept in natural flow through seawater enclosures in the lagoons around RIMS. Students also take an active role in studying dolphin behavior and communication by participating in dolphin swims, recording observations of dolphin behavior and participating in dolphin training sessions. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to compare the biology of coral reefs to that of a tropical rain forest. We will visit a cloud forest on the mainland that is home to jaguars, pumas, howler monkeys, and white-faced capuchins. Take your love of the environment to the next level and join us in this opportunity to learn about the environment you enjoy. The trip will be lead by Dr Liz Balko [OCC & SUNY-Oswego] and her teaching assistant Jennifer Hunter [UC Davis]. While at the Roatan Institute of Marine Sciences (RIMS) we will coordinate lectures and field experiences with the RIMS education and dolphin staff. The school group will be housed in accommodations provided by Anthony's Key Resort. This renowned dive resort has been in operation for over 28 years and works in conjunction with RIMS to extend its luxuries to the students and professors. It consists of private cabins, SCUBA shop and service station, photo shop, gift shop, open dining area, and bar. Everything one might need is within easy access. We will have use of our own dive boat to make our daily trips to the reef system surrounding the island. The trip to Honduras is covered by the additional lab fee of $2,000 [includes airfare from US departure city (Miami or Houston), room board, all facility uses fees, dolphin specialty lectures & training, roundtrip airfare from Roatan to mainland Honduras to visit Pico Bonito + ground transportation and lunch @ park]. Requires valid passport, completed medical form, and Study Abroad application form. NOTE: Tuition and trip costs may be covered by student financial aid.