2008 Courses
Tropical Field Phycology
| Dates: | July 9 - 23, 2008 | |||
| Location: | Bocas Research Station, Bocas del Toro, Panamá | |||
| Registration Fee: | $500 (Includes room and board, STRI registration, etc) (Fellowships are available) |
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| Instructors: |
Jim Norris (Not an instructor on this course), Suzanne Fredericq, Wilson Freshwater & Brian Wysor. |
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| Organizer: | Dr. Rachel Collin
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| Download: | Flier [in PDF Format - 7 Mb] |
Course Description
This course is designed to orient participants to the biodiversity of tropical marine floras through field and laboratory work. Specifically, it will emphasize the development or enhancement of practical skills essential for identification, characterization and preservation of tropical marine macroalgae (seaweeds). Sampling forays in diverse environments (e.g., mangrove habitats, seagrass beds, coral reefs, sponge communities) on protected and exposed shorelines throughout the Bocas del Toro Archipelago will complement morphological and molecular investigations in the laboratory.
- Morphological investigation will emphasize the preparation of specimens for microscopic examination and the interpretation of vegetative and reproductive structures in living material in the light of published observations from the primary literature. Participants will contribute to the development of the Bocas del Toro Biodiversity Inventory (http://striweb.si.edu/bocas_database/) and the development of a bi-lingual field guide to the local marine flora through the production of individual species pages documenting microscopical and field observations (e.g., http://striweb.si.edu/bocas_database/details.php?id=3708).
- Molecular investigation will emphasize sampling and preservation of material for subsequent analysis of DNA sequences for barcoding, phylogenetic and biogeographical studies. Data derived from this part of the class will contribute to the Bocas del Toro Barcode of Life Project.
Most field sites can be sampled by snorkeling (0-10m depths), but optional SCUBA diving opportunities will be available. The course will be taught in English.
Funding
A variety of funding sources may be available to those wishing to participate in the course. Some links to potential funding sources are provided below. Please also check with your regional/national Phycological, Ecological, Environmental or other relevant societies for travel and field course support. Please note, many institutions provide support for students presenting the results of their ongoing investigations. Students wishing to present their work will be given 15 minutes to discuss their work in one of three or four 1-hour sessions during the first week of class.
| Award | Due Date | Link |
| STRI: need-based assistance | 1 Mar 08 (with application) |
Please send one page describing your need and what other sources are available to you. |
| Phycological Society of America: Croasdale Fellowship | 1 Mar 08 | http://www.psaalgae.org/ops/grants.shtm |
| British Phycological Society | 1 Mar 08 | http://www.brphycsoc.org/courses.lasso |
| Botanical Society of America (click on BAS Awards) | http://www.botany.org/awards_grants/detail/bsagsra.php |
The list will be updated as we learn of new opportunities; if you are aware of other sources, please let us know so that we can update list.
Application Procedure
This course is directed towards graduate students and advanced Licenciado candidates and will be conducted in English. Please e-mail your CV, 1 letter of recommendation, and a 1-2 page statement explaining your background and reasons for taking the course, to Rebecca Rissanen at RissanenJ@si.edu or at rebecca.rissanen@gmail.com if you don't get an answer, before March 1, 2008. Limit 12 students. For more information see Taxonomy Training