ENV 231T Introduction to Coastal Ecosystems
This course examines the natural history and the ecology of coastal ecosystems, with a special emphasis on coral reefs. It examines the interactions between the terrestrial and marine environments that allow the formation of these biodiverse systems as well as the characteristic species, their evolutionary history, and the complex processes that drive everyday life in these systems. The course also explores the effects that humans have on coral reefs and other coastal systems, both directly (e.g., coastal development, tourism) and indirectly (e.g., climate change). The course will challenge students to critically asses attempts to mitigate such effects. The Academic Travel portion of the course will take place along the East coast of Egypt, on the Red Sea. (Good swimming skills required.)
Prerequisite
One 100-level science course