Description

The field portion of this course is 20 - 31 May 2012. Non- travel portions (1 - 11 June) of this course will be completed remotely, via the free internet communication program, Skype and through independent work.

Students will be introduced to the study of animal behavior using a combination of lectures, readings, discussion, and hands-on research with both a wild dolphin group and a captive dolphin population. Lectures will focus on understanding animal behavior from an ecological and evolutionary perspective. Readings and discussion will focus on current research and methodology. Fieldwork will allow students to develop the skills necessary to conduct animal behavior research and to demonstrate these skills by participating in independent research with senior scientists at the field location.

* Lodging, Travel & Food

On Bimini, lodging will be at Sea Crest Hotel & Marina. Lodging in Nassau is yet to be determined. Students are responsible for their own travel to and from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Travel to Bimini from Florida and return to Fort Lauderdale from Nassau is included in the course fee. Please check with your airline at the time of booking for baggage allowances and other restrictions. US Citizens are required to travel with a valid passport. Students with other citizenship should check with their native country.

3 meals a day are included in your course fee. Most meals are served family style in association with our lodging. Typical meals include fresh fruits and vegetables, rice or pasta, and a rotation of beef, chicken or fish. You must inform us of special dietary restrictions at the time of registration. Snacks or other treats are your responsibility.

Highlights

While in the field, participants will receive:

* Daily lectures by Drs. Kathleen Dudzinski and Rebecca Singer
* Observation opportunities of wild Atlantic spotted bottlenose dolphins and data collection sessions with captive bottlenose dolphins
* 10 nights' accommodation (up to quad occupancy) with hot water and electricity
* 3 meals/day
* 4 boat trips in search of wild dolphins (weather dependent)
* 1 swims/encounters with bottlenose dolphins
* Gratuity (hotel, marina & boat staff in Bimini)
* Airfare from Ft. Lauderdale, FL to Bimini
* Airfare from Bimini to Nassau
* Airfare from Nassau to Ft. Lauderdale, FL
* Airport/hotel transfers in The Bahamas
* Certificate of completion (upon request)

* Air travel to/from Ft. Lauderale, FL is not included
* Mask, fins, snorkel are available, however selection may be limited, therefore it is recommended that you have your own snorkel gear.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education

High School

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

2,450

Program Fees Include:

* 10 nights' accommodations (quad occupancy)
* 3 meals/day
* Course instruction in the field; remote assistance during non-field portion
* Certificate of completion (upon request)
And more - see above!

Experience Required

yes

Students must be able to swim.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Other

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Other

Dolphin Communication Project's Mission Statement

The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP), a US non-profit organization, is focused on the dual goals of scientific research and education: we take results from research projects and disseminate them into education programs for students of all ages. DCP has a team of researchers (graduated professionals, graduate students, undergraduate interns and volunteers) who work together to examine how dolphins communicate in order to shed more light on the meaning of the interactions between individuals and groups. With access to a data archive collected since 1991, questions focus on communication among Atlantic spotted dolphins in The Bahamas, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in Japan, and common bottlenose dolphins in human care in Honduras and The Bahamas. In addition to studies of communication and behavior, DCP research associates also investigate comparisons between species, geographies, and habitats, as well as their own research topics. We are dedicated to continuing the long-term, longitudinal observations of dolphins in our four study locations.

Year Founded

2000