Check out these amazing photos and student-produced videos of our adventures in La Paz, BCS, Mexico with Ecology Project International:
PHOTO GALLERY
VIDEO GALLERY

Course Description

OCB 2910H - Marine Biology Undergraduate Research - is a 3 credit hour course that will be taught as blended course in Fall 2014 (August 21 - December 11). Students will meet on campus on predetermined dates & times for group lessons and also receive individual instruction via Canvas.

On-campus meetings will include lessons on:
  • Sea turtle biology
  • Oceanography
  • Research design & statistical analysis
  • Field data collection
  • International travel expectations

This course is limited to 6 students who will be selected on the basis of academic merit and affiliation with Florida SouthWestern's (FSW*) Honors Scholar Program. To be considered students must be over 18 and enrolled full-time in a degree-seeking program at FSW.


Course Expectations

Students will complete an independent research project designed around a rigorous 10 day field experience in Baja Mexico (October 15th to 25th). At the conclusion of the course students will prepare and present an oral presentation on their research project and field experience. Students will be expected to participate in hands-on field research involving sea turtles and other marine animals.

Study Abroad Component

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"Ecology Project International is a nonprofit, educational organization like no other. We combine travel to remarkable places, rigorous and exciting field science, conservation efforts, and authentic cultural exchange to improve our students’ awareness, understanding, knowledge, confidence and academic skill sets. We make a difference in the world, one student at a time."

Learn more about EPI at their website: www.ecologyproject.org

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Financial Expectations

The total cost to participate in the trip to Baja Mexico is $3895 per student and is all inclusive (airfare, transportation, lodging and meals).

The 6 selected students will be the recipients of a $1000 scholarship from FSW's New Center for International Education and an additional scholarship of $850-$1000 by the Edison Foundation! This means that more than HALF of the expense is already covered if you are selected to participate.

Other scholarship opportunities may be available and it may be possible to use your financial aid to cover part of the expense. This is an absolutely amazing opportunity to travel abroad with a great deal of support from our appreciated donors!
Why did I choose Ecology Project International?

In 2011 I had the great fortune of traveling with 7 students to Costa Rica with EPI. The organization is true to their word and provided an educationally and culturally rich experience. We were able to assist researchers in collecting data on endangered leatherback sea turtles and their nesting habitats, as well as a visit to the rainforest to learn about the ecology and impacts of international food markets. Their experience in hosting students abroad and their focus on conservation AND rigorous science makes this a "no-brainer" choice for me!

Ecology Project International is committed to making this trip an experience of a lifetime for FSW's honors students and
I can't wait to travel with them again. This fall we will visit a World Heritage Site in Baja Mexico where students will work in the field to gather important data on endangered sea turtles and have the opportunity to explore habitats rich with marine mammals and other wildlife. The brochure below describes some of the activities that we will participate in.