TROPICAL MARINE ECOLOGY

Catalog description

This course will introduce our students to the fundamental concepts of biology, ecology, and conservation of tropical marine ecosystems. The course is divided into four units: 1) Introduction to tropical marine ecosystems, 2) Threats to the integrity and ecological functioning of marine ecosystems, 3) Marine protected areas as a conservation tool and 4) Restoration of marine ecosystems. The four units will allow us to understand the physical, biological, and ecological processes that maintain the ecological functioning of tropical marine ecosystems. In turn, the student will have the opportunity to examine how human actions alter the intrinsic ecological processes of tropical marine ecosystems and how such disturbances affect human society. The course also addresses different mechanisms that can be taken to ensure the viability of marine ecosystems and the benefits they provide us. The course will be reinforced with field trips to the different marine ecosystems in Puerto Rico. Emphasis on the development of critical thinking skills through the analysis a nd evaluation of environmental problems relevant to the marine ecosystems of Puerto Rico. Scientific reasoning will be addressed by using the scientific method to evaluate the success/failure of conservation, protection, and restoration tools for coastal m arine ecosystems in Puerto Rico. At the same time, students' communication skills will be reinforced through a series of oral and written presentations where different philosophy of conservation thought will be critically evaluated using appropriate scientific language. Ethical behavior in the student will be encouraged by identifying the ethical behavior patterns that must govern when carrying out activities that may have a negative impact on the health of marine ecosystems.