Coral reef systems provide food and a source of income for more than half billion people worldwide and are amongst the most biodiverse systems on the planet. Despite their global significance and universal recognition of their importance in terms of both food and economic security, the majority of coral reefs around the world are overexploited, threatened by multiple anthropogenic stressors and are in need of protection through appropriate management. This module will introduce you to the key practical skills required by coral reef biologists whilst also providing you with training in scuba diving, species identification, and scuba and snorkel based assessment and monitoring techniques. A major objective of the field module is to provide you with training in how to design, implement and report scientifically robust underwater research. Coral reef research requires advanced in-water skills and as part of this course, students participating in diving, will be provided with the opportunity to undertake a speciality course that aims to develop key diving skills with successful participants being awarded a Coral Reef Research diver certification from the Profession Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). This module therefore aims to develop practical skills in coral reef monitoring, assessment and research. The module operates at the end of the spring term (2nd year) on the remote coral island of Hoga, within the Wakatobi Marine National Park, south-east Sulawesi, Indonesia. The module will be mostly practical based but will also include theory lectures, workshops and feedback sessions.
Learning Outcomes:
To pass this module students will need to be able to:
1. demonstrate proficiency in safe diving or snorkel based practices;
2. identify the major groups and common species of tropical marine organisms;
3. demonstrate practical skills in coral reef assessment and monitoring;
4. demonstrate skills in research design, implementation and reporting;
5. show competence in team work, data analysis and presentation skills.
- Module Supervisor: Boyd McKew