Click on the documents link above to view a PDF with the tentative itinerary for the program. The itinerary listed is tentative and may have slight modifications depending on availability or extenuating circumstances that necessitate alterations made in the best interest of the program and the participants.

BIOL 314: Biology of West Indian Coral Reef Organisms

WHO? This field course is open to all interested students of many colleges. In previous years, we have welcomed students from Lynchburg College, Randolph College, Sweet Briar College, Hampden-Sydney College, Longwood University, and the University of Virginia.

Interested students at other colleges or universities, please contact Dr. Benson (by email or phone: 434.544.8364) for additional information.

WHAT? This is a three-credit course, consisting of a trip to San Salvador, Bahamas. This course is taught by Dr. Kari Benson. The course emphasizes the ecology and organisms of the West Indian Coral reef ecosystem. Students will learn to identify the reef species, and will study the life history, ecology, and behavior of these organisms. We will take a boat trip to some of the outer reefs. We will also travel to several inland sites that are particularly interesting ecologically or geologically. Students that wish to SCUBA dive can do so at the Riding Rock Inn, a professional dive operation on the island.

We will visit many locations including several reefs, inland lakes, a cave, beaches, and a mangrove swamp. We will also visit the downtown area (Cockburn Town) for anyone that wishes to purchase a souvenir.

Faculty Contact:
Dr. Benson | 434-544-8364 | benson@lynchburg.edu