The course, including a 7-day field expedition to study the largest island-nesting colony of leatherback sea turtles in the world, presents the biology of sea turtles (evolution, anatomy, physiology, behavior, life history, population dynamics) and emphasizes their role in marine ecosystem structure and function. Basic ecological concepts are integrated into issues related to the conservation and management of endangered species, the contributions of technology to the study of migratory marine species, and the role of research in national and international law and policy. Students will interact directly with resource managers, community conservationists, fishermen and others on the Caribbean island of Trinidad.

(lecture and field trip to Trinidad in Block C - March 15 - Apr. 9, 2010)
BIOLOGY 125 and ENVIRON 135 STS, NS (undergraduate), 1.0 course (3 semester hours)
ENVIRON 227(graduate), 3 units (3 semester hours)
Eckert S. / Eckert K./ Piniak

* Beaufort Signature Course; additional travel costs apply