This E-perspective course involves class one night per week during spring semester, and 2-week trip to Cuba in July. On campus, the course will introduce Cuban geography, history, culture, sea turtle ecology and reproduction, coral reef characterization, and fish diversity. Activities will also include class discussion of readings. In Cuba, we will camp on a sea turtle nesting beach for one week to evaluate nesting sea turtle populations. The second week will involve SCUBA dives or snorkeling to learn underwater sampling methods. It is recommended that students get SCUBA certified before the trip. However, students who are not SCUBA-certified will be able to use mask and snorkel to take on similar activities. Evaluation includes quizzes, assignments, a trip journal, presentations, and class participation. There are no prerequisites and the course is suitable for any student, although the course may be most valuable for those majoring in marine science, environmental studies, animal studies, or biology.
