The Introduction to Coral Reefs course introduces students to one of the most relevant issues in marine conservation today. Students learn about the biology, ecology, geology, and oceanographic processes that create the ocean’s most biologically diverse environment. The course introduces students to the coral reef system and provides learning experiences in the field and classroom. Students who are science majors are 
encouraged to apply, but non-majors are also accepted with the instructor’s permission.
encouraged to apply, but non-majors are also accepted with the instructor’s permission.Each day students explore real-life conservation issues facing the catastrophic decline of coral reefs. They will learn about the effectiveness of marine protected areas and the interconnections between humans and the environment. Pre-trip lectures and discussion prepare students for the field trip during Spring Break.
While in the field, students take daily trips to visit marine parks and the diverse habitats surrounding the coral reefs of the Cayman Islands. Students practice field methods and learn how to develop a research project based on their own observations. Students have an opportunity to become involved in the Little Cayman Research Centre’s coral reef long-term monitoring and assessment project on the structure and diversity of coral reefs.
For additional information about the course, contact the faculty coordinator, Dr. Carrie Manfrino: manfrino@reefresearch.org
Program cost:
Field trip cost $1,400** The fee covers room, airfare from Grand Cayman to Little Cayman but not from the US to Grand Cayman, 3 meals a day at the Little Cayman Research Centre, field surface travel expenses and all field trips.
Prices exclude, airfare from the U.S. to Cayman Island, single room accommodations; individual trip or airfare cancellation fees; passport and/or visa fees; international airport or departure taxes; personal items (telephone calls, laundry, etc.); mandatory travel insurance and DAN insurance; Kean University tuition and fees for corresponding academic course(s); and a $100 Kean administrative fee.
Schedule of payments and financial aid:
November 6, 2009 - Nonrefundable administrative fee of $100 due to CIS
December 1, 2009 - Full payment of program fee due to CIS
Matriculated students seeking financial aid to cover program cost must contact the Center for International Studies by November 13, 2009.
To sign up:1. Submit the Travelearn Participant Form, Travel Waiver, copy of your passport and $100 administrative fee by the deadlines above.
• Participants must obtain the faculty coordinator’s signature
on the Travelearn Participant Form.
• Matriculated Kean students seeking financial aid to apply
towards program fees must complete and
above documents.
2. Submit subsequent payments by the deadlines above.
3. Submit proof of purchase of travel insurance and DAN insurance.
4. If seeking academic credit, register for the Spring 2010 semester by obtaining the permission code from the academic department and registering in KeanWISE.
