🚀 go-pugleaf

  The course �Biodiversity and Conservation Genetics Studies of a
Caribbean Coral Reef Community� (BIOL 575, 4 credits) will be taught at
the Bahamas Environmental Research Center (BERC), on Andros Island, June
1- 12, 1998.  Due to the relentless deterioration of natural habitats and
their resident flora and fauna worldwide, the need for characterizing and
preserving existing biological diversity has reached urgent levels.  This
course intends to immerse students in the fundamentals of biodiversity
and conservation genetics research by way of in situ habitat surveys,
taxonomic and phylogenetic assessments, and practical demonstrations of
molecular genetic techniques and analyses currently being applied in
inter- and intraspecific ecological, evolutionary and systematics
studies.  Major organismal focus will be on keystone marine invertebrate
fauna of Andros reefs (third largest barrier reef in the world) and
surrounding habitats (mangroves, blue holes). SCUBA diving will be
offered as an optional activity but will not be required. The instructor
will be Dr. Jose Lopez (George Mason University, New Century College;
currently at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution). A $200.00
non-refundable deposit is currently being taken to reserve a place in the
course.

  George Mason University and The College of The Bahamas jointly operate
the BERC on Andros Island, Commonwealth of The Bahamas.  BERC provides
classroom and laboratory space, equipment, vehicles and boats in support
of courses offered by both institutions, their graduate students and
independent researchers. BERC is also a member of the Organization of
Biological Field Stations.  Located in Staniard Creek, a Bahamian
out-island, the BERC operates as a member of the local community,
providing opportunities for cultural and information exchange between
visiting students and residents. Situated within minutes of one of the
world�s largest coral reefs, unique blue holes and mangrove estuaries,
BERC offers access to thriving, relatively pristine tropical ecosystems. 
Other courses offered include field biology, microbial ecology, botany,
marine ecology, field mapping techniques, cultural anthropology, and art.
 A typical class is 3 or 4 semester credits, has 10-17 people and lasts
two weeks on the Island. Courses are open to students outside of GMU and
Virginia at low tuition rates.	For example, total costs of a typical
course including all tuition, round trip transportation from Virginia,
all food, lodging, and transportation in land rovers and boats costs
about $2,000.  Upon completion of the course, you will receive a graded
GMU transcript.  Please investigate our web sites: www.ido.gmu.edu/andros
and www.geocities.com/Rainforest/Vines/8169 or contact us at The Center
for Field Studies, George Mason University, MSN 5D3, Fairfax, VA
22030-4444; lbrow4@osf1.gmu.edu or Lopez@hboi.edu;  Dr. Luther Brown ,
Director (703) 993-1436 for more information.

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