2010 Courses
Tropical Field Phycology
Dates: |
To be announced | |||
Location: |
Bocas del Toro Research Station | |||
Instructors: |
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Organizer: |
Dr. Rachel Collin |
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.
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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://biogeodb.stri.si.edu/bocas_database/?&lang=eng) 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., Lobophora variegata).
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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.
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 before March 1, 2010. Limit 12 students. To be considered for a need-based fellowship, applicants should send a description of their need, their efforts to obtain funding from other available sources, and a travel budget. For more information see Taxonomy Training.