Exploring the marine environment brings endless intrigue and fascination. This interterm involves a three-week trip to Galveston Island to study marine biology. The course is an introduction to the habitats and common marine organisms of the bays, beaches and near-shore waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Field trips, lectures, and laboratory studies will emphasize the ecology and peculiar life-styles of marine organisms. Excursions to Houston, the NASA Johnson Space Center, the Bush Presidential Museum and other attractions are included.
Learning Objectives: Students will 1) gain an understanding of the oceanic environment, marine organisms, and the marine ecosystem and 2) learn about the impact humans have on the marine ecosystem.