Description

This exciting new program, led by Sacred Heart University faculty member Dr. Deirdre Yeater, is an amazing opportunity for students to travel to the beautiful Bahamas to study dolphins in their natural habitat. Students will be able not only fulfill degree requirements by completing a 3 credit course, but will also be able to work with an experienced researcher from DCP. Students will study wild Atlantic spotted dolphins and bottlenose dolphins, all while learning about dolphin behavior and interaction.

Highlights

May 21-29: Online course instruction
May 30: Depart for Bimini
June 11: Leave Bimini
June 12-18: Online course instruction

During the field portion (30 May - 11 June) students will accompany Kelly Melillo Sweeting and Dr. Yeater in search of wild Atlantic spotted and common bottlenose dolphins. The dolphins will be observed from the boat, and when possible, under water. Students will be able to assist in portions of the data collection, including underwater digital still photography. All swims are done with mask, snorkel and fins (no SCUBA). Rental snorkel gear is available at no charge if guests do not wish to bring their personal gear. It is highly recommended, however, that guests bring their own, properly fitted gear. There is no quicker way to upset your trip than to have a leaky mask or uncomfortable fins. Students will partake in the 4-5 hour dolphin surveys using datasheets, video cameras, underwater still cameras, and underwater slates. In addition to this, students will be involved in lectures, seminars, and discussions on readings, and will identify the dolphins in their still photographs. These photographs will contribute to DCP's photo-ID catalog.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education

High School

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

4,270.00

Program Fees Include:

* Tuition (3 credits)
* HTH International Insurance
* Course instruction
* 13 days/12 nights shared-room housing
* 3 meals a day and snacks fully catered, family style (including days of arrival and departure)
* Suite (kitchen, living room, dining room (doubles as a classroom))
* 8 wild dolphin surveys, with at least 2 reef snorkel opportunities
* 1 wild shark feed/snorkel
* Gratuity (hotel, dock & boat crew)
* Bimini only airport/hotel transfers
* Orientation and support at Sacred Heart and in Bimini

Experience Required

yes

Ability to swim Prerequisites: * Psychology Majors/Minors PS 110 & PS 111 and permission of instructor; Biology Majors/Minors BI 225 (with C+ or better) * College or University undergraduate students majoring/minoring in Psychology or Biology (or related discipline) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 are invited to apply for the program.

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 10 - 14

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Transcript

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