Take a semester-long immersion into the study of marine science with a program of classwork and research that is unique in marine education. In addition to academic pursuits, a semester at BIOS will expose you to a unique research environment unlike a normal university setting. As BIOS is a residential community of researchers, students not only study and work with active scientists, but eat meals, play sports and socialize with faculty, graduate students and technicians who reside on the campus. BIOS is also an intergenerational campus, with resident students from high school age to senior learners, creating a special learning environment.
The semester is split into two sections, with the first 10 weeks devoted to in-depth study in a suite of courses. The last four weeks will be entirely committed to a research project of the student's choice. In addition, students have the option of a Research Diving course leading to advanced certification. Transfer credit for all of the BIOS courses, including the research course, has been prearranged with participating schools so that students are ensured of receiving credit towards their majors and/or graduation. Space is limited to 18 students based on application date.
Courses will be offered from September 3 through December 13, 2008. Each course provides the designated number of credit hours expected from participating schools. All students must take the two 5-credit courses, followed by the 6-credit research course. The Research Diving Methods course is optional but highly recommended and can be taken in conjunction with the other courses. Admission to the Fall Semester is predicated on at least Freshman standing with a science major.
Marine Invertebrate Zoology (5 credits)
Dr. James Wood
Tropical reefs are the marine equivalent of rain forests for species diversity. The course focuses on the biology, systematics and evolution of invertebrates, emphasizing those of the reefs and other nearshore tropical habitats in Bermuda. This is an intense upper-level undergraduate course. More...
Coral Reef Ecology (5 credits)
Dr. Samantha de Putron
Lectures, field and lab exercises review marine ecological and physiological processes and the inter-relationships of the organisms comprising coral reef ecosystems. Various field techniques using SCUBA and snorkeling, and subsequent lab analyses, are taught and used repetitively at different coral reef sites so that comparative data can be collected in order to investigate the ecology of each reef habitat. SCUBA is not a requirement, although students who are certified divers will be able to participate in a wider variety of field techniques used by coral reef ecologists. Snorkeling activities are available for non-divers. More...
Marine Biology and Oceanographic Research (6 credits)
Drs. James Wood and Samantha de Putron
A research topic will be selected, researched and pursued. During the first 10 weeks of the Fall semester, guidance by the instructors and literature reviews will be used to focus on a particular Bermudian field or lab topic, which will be selected based on the student's interest within the realm of the resources available. A written proposal will be submitted prior to the end of that period. The last four weeks of the semester will be devoted to conducting the research project. The results will be submitted in a manuscript format based on publication in the appropriate journal. An oral presentation will be made to the BIOS community at the end of the course. More...
Research Diving Methods: Theory and Practice
Alex Chequer, Dive Safety Officer, BIOS
Study and practice of aquatic research methods using SCUBA as a tool. Advanced research diving topics include areas such as navigation, search and recovery, underwater photography, survey methods, estimating population parameters, and data acquisition while under water. Specific research techniques will be presented in the context of aquatic research projects conducted by students. Students will be eligible to receive PADI or NAUI Advanced Diver, CPR, Oxygen provider, and AAUS certifications. More...
