Summer Classes Offered at UF's Seahorse Key Marine Lab

April 20, 2012

In partnership with the University of Florida, Santa Fe College students are invited to participate in Summer at Seahorse Key classes in marine sciences at the Seahorse Key Marine Lab (SHKML). Three classes will be offered this summer including, Coastal Conservation Biology, Marine Biology and Coastal Disturbance Ecology. This effort represents a fruitful collaboration between UF and Santa Fe, with a common goal of promoting excellence in field teaching and research at SHKML.

The Marine Laboratory at Seahorse Key was established by UF in 1951. It is located in the Gulf of Mexico and is accessible by boat from the UF boat Dock at Cedar Key. The SHKML is a field station committed to providing support for research by students, faculty, and visiting scientists, as well as an outstanding teaching program in coastal and marine related subjects and support for public education.

The isolated, pristine environment of Seahorse Key makes it a prime location studying marine sciences and provides an excellent opportunity to investigate aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and the natural linkage between them.

Information on the Summer at Seahorse Key Marin Lab classes follows:

Coastal Conservation Biology: June 13-22 or July 30-August 8
This unique course combines lectures and daily field trips with local professionals to focus on biology, and the threats and management of Florida's Big Bend. Field trips are on and off the water. Students will study:

• Coastal ecosystem processes & biodiversity
• Threats to coastal ecosystems
• Species conservation
• Conserving ecosystem function & services

Credits: 3, Class limit: 12, open to undergraduate and graduate students – May be used to fulfill WEC requirements; Required UF campus meeting before field course.

Lab fee: Due May 1, 2012: $460 (includes lodging as well as land & water transportation). Note: food & tuition costs will also apply.

To register and for more info contact: Course Instructor Dr. Jennifer Seavey, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Email: jseavey@ufl.edu.

Marine Biology: July 2-18
Learn community ecology with hands on experience in coastal ecosystems, including:

• Mangrove
• Seagrass
• Oyster Reef
• Salt Marsh
• Maritime Forests
• Rock Pools and more

Credits: 4, Class limit: 14 open to undergraduate & graduate students

Course: ZOO-4403

Lab fee: $275 (includes lodging as well as transportation). Note: food & tuition costs will also apply.

To register and for more info contact: Course Instructor Dr. Michael McCoy, Department of Biology. Email: anura@ufl.edu.

Coastal Disturbance Ecology: May 14-23 or July 16-25
This course explores the role of disturbances in shaping coastal species, communities and ecosystems. This course will focus on following:

• Defining disturbances
• Spatial & temporal scales of disturbances
• Disturbance effects on coastal populations, communities and ecosystems
• Hurricanes, oil spills and climate change
• Implications for resource management

Credits: 3, Class limit: 12, open to undergraduate & graduate students -(Students need instructor permission to enroll). May be used to fulfill WEC requirements. Required UF campus meeting before field course.

Lab fee: Due May 1, 2012: $235 (includes lodging as well as land and water transportation). Note: food and tuition costs will also apply.

To register and for more info contact: Course Instructor Dr. Jennifer Seavey, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Email: jseavey@ufl.edu.