Course description: this course is designed to provide the student with a solid foundation in ecological concepts, techniques and experimental design in field research as applied to coral reef ecosystems. It consists of a one-week field-based research at a marine research station in Taiwan. To have attended Ocean 5097 is strongly recommended before joining this course. Alternatively, solid knowledge of coral reefs and the environmental challenges they are currently facing is requested. The course will begin with a general introduction of the coral reefs and how they are influenced by global and local factors. It will quickly narrow down to the context of Taiwan by introducing the local context: known diversity, past disturbances, and on-going research. The major reef biota will be discussed in terms of their ecological requirements, roles on the reef and their overall impact. Methods in ecological monitoring and sampling will be discussed and applied on the field and will serve as a baseline for a future long-term ecological assessment. Data analysis will consist of examining and comparing structure of benthic assemblages among sites and depths (basic knowledge of R software is recommended). Students are asked to provide a poster (electronic format) summarizing their work a maximum of one month after the last day on the field.

Additional information: a pre-course discussion on preparation for the field trip (3 hr) will be arranged early in the semester. Field course (7 days): overlaps spring break holidays from March 30th, 2020 (Monday) to April 5th, 2020 (Sunday). Working hours: daily 9H00 – 17H00. Daily schedule (subject to changes): theoretical class in the morning and fieldwork preparation (9H00 – 12H00), fieldwork in early afternoon (13H00-15H00) and sample/pictures/data analysis in late afternoon (15H00-17H00).

There is a quota of 8 students for this course. This is an advanced course on coral reef ecology and students without a strong biological/ecological background will not be considered. Students will not be able to enroll in the course until they contacted the instructor of the course personally, and have been notified that their application has been approved. All hours are conducted at Green Island Marine Research Station (GIMRS, Academia Sinica) with the exception of a few hours of pre-course discussion for the preparation of the field trip, and the final assignment (research poster) to submit after departing the marine station (one month maximum, May 5th, 2020).

Students will need to arrange their own way to and from the marine station. Accommodation will be graciously provided by GIRMS. Transportation including return train (Taipei-Taitung: 1,566 NT$) and boat (Taitung-Ludao: 920 NT$) will be covered upon presentation of the receipt (to keep safely). Cost for diving or snorkeling equipment as well as transportation on the island will also be taken in charge in the context of activities from the present course, only. Students are asked to possess their driving license if driving around the island, own individual insurance, and to cover their other daily living expenses such as food. This is a class on ecology, and students will be asked to reduce their carbon footprint as much as possible when residing at the station. An effort on diet will also be greatly appreciated to reduce pressure on coral reefs.

Students must bring their personal computers. All enrolled students MUST know how to swim, and to be comfortable in staying in the water (sea) for a prolonged period of time. Snorkeling is a central part of this course, and all students are encouraged to participate (snorkeling skills will be tested individually before joining fieldwork). Diving certification is not necessary; however, certified divers may have the priority for this class and be involved in surveys deeper at deeper depths.

Approximate costs at the charge of the student:
7 x daily expense (400 NT$) + 7 x daily insurance (50 NT$) = 3,150 NT$
In addition, any activities outside working hours and possible damages caused to equipment rent will be at the charge of the student.
Further details will be available to enrolled students early in the semester.
For enrollment or any questions related to this course, please contact directly the instructor: Dr. Vianney DENIS, vianney.denis@gmail.com.