Spring Semester 2008

Class Meetings

Class will Probably meet Tuesday evenings at 6pm. This time and day was chosen to avoid conflicts with other biology courses. We will spend class time reading and discussing primary scientific literature and other background information so we have a base of knowledge for the trip. Upon our return from the field trip we will meet to write reports on our research projects and to present our trip photojournals.

Field Trip

The field trip will be intensive - both physcially and mentally. You should be prepared to spend long days in the field hiking, snorkeling, and exploring. This can be challenging, especially because of the high heat and humidity typical of the tropics. We will take precautions to stay hydrated - drinking plenty of fluids and limiting alcohol consumption.

You will get the most out of the trip if you are prepared, again both physically and mentally. You should be comfortable in water, able to: swim several hundred yards, use a mask and snorkel (we will practice in a pool before the trip), free dive (diving below the surface), and maneuver in the water easily. You should be able to hike several miles over rugged and steep terrain. You don't have to be an ironman triathlete, but you should be willing to sweat. Reading about the organisms and ecosystems we will encounter before the trip is expected as part of the course (see course assessment below) and will allow you to get the most out of the trip. Students should expect to read assigned material plus explore other information (field guides, etc.) on their own.

On the trip you will assemble a photojournal - which at a minimum will document 10 plant and 10 animal species (5 aquatic and 5 terrestrial) that you see during our explorations. Along with photos, you will need to make observations of those organisms (where do they live, how do they live, what organisms do they interact with) and collect information from field guides and other sources to supplement your observations. There is no need for fancy photographic equipment (point and shoot digital or film cameras or "disposable" waterproof cameras will work - higher quality cameras are fine too).

The last two days of the trip are reserved for student research projects. Students will work alone or in small groups to study some organism or habitat that they found particularly interesting earlier in the week. Because these projects need to be completed in a short time and with limited supplies and equipment, they will be modest in scope. However, much can be learned in a short time by being interested and observant!

Assessment

Your grade in the course will be determined by:

Participation in pre-trip discussions (25%)

Pre-trip Exam (20%)

Participation during the field trip (25%)

Research Project (30%)

Costs and Enrollment

The costs below are estimates. Actual costs will depend on airfare at the time of the trip, costs of some guided trips, etc... actual total costs may unavoidably vary up or down by several hundred dollars (but I have tried my best to realistically estimate costs).

Airfare ~$650

Room and Board (8 Nights, 3 meals daily) $650

Ground Transportation $150

Guided Trips/Talks by Local Experts/ Lab-Use Fees $200

Administrative Fees $300

Snorkeling gear, camera/film, Passport, t-shirts for Mom/Dad/friends $250

TOTAL = $2200

A trip Deposit of $500 will be due ~October 28th, 2007. The remaining balance will be split into two payments, due ~November 22nd and ~December 13th, 2007. These deposits are non-refundable if a students backs out of the course. If the course does not enroll enough students to be viable, the deposits will be refunded.

You must get Dr. Wojdak's approval PRIOR to enrollment! You will enroll during normal spring registration just like any other class.

If you are enrolled as a full-time student at Radford University you will not pay extra tuition. This course will be like any other Biology elective.

Travel

A valid U.S. Passport will be necessary to enter/return from the U.S. Virgin Islands, even though it is not a different country. Getting a passport can take 6 weeks or more, so please plan ahead and begin the process ASAP.

No special vaccinations are required for travel to the US Virgin Islands. Getting a tetanus booster is recommended if you haven't had one recently (6 years or so - consult your doctor).

The sun in the tropics is INTENSE! Those that try to "get a tan" will likely be incapacitated for days by a severe sunburn. Plan to wear waterproof SPF 30+ sunscreen each day to avoid a trip-ruining sunburn.

PACK LIGHT! You will have to carry your own luggage to the airport, to the taxi, to the ferry, to camp, etc. As an added incentive to pack light, taxis in the Virgin Islands often charge fees for each bag, and bigger fees for bigger bags! Living at a tropical field station negates the need for many everyday "essentials". We will discuss the "must haves" and "must leave behinds" during the course.

St. John is a U.S. territory, and the currency used is the U.S. Dollar. ATM's are available on the islands, but starting the trip with a modest supply of cash is probably the best bet. Once at camp (VIERS), you won't need much money except to buy soda, candy, t-shirts, etc.