Open-Enrollment Courses and Expeditions for 2019
Our week-long expeditions are a great opportunity to gain the experience you need in marine biology and ecology to be competitive for internships, jobs, and graduate school. Once you arrive at Research Vessel Garvin, expeditions are all-inclusive, including housing and food costs (except for one "dinner out" at a local restaurant).
Contact us here to start scheduling your trip!
Contact us here to start scheduling your trip!
Sperm Whale Research Expedition to the Bahamas
8 days May 10-17, 2019
From $3500/student
This course takes you into the field with The Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organization (BMMRO) for an unforgettable 10 day expedition to track and learn about sperm whales. As part of BMMRO’s ongoing research, we’ll be using an acoustic array to track sperm whales as they swim, feed, and dive—in the hopes of learning more about their Caribbean population.
8 days May 10-17, 2019
From $3500/student
This course takes you into the field with The Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organization (BMMRO) for an unforgettable 10 day expedition to track and learn about sperm whales. As part of BMMRO’s ongoing research, we’ll be using an acoustic array to track sperm whales as they swim, feed, and dive—in the hopes of learning more about their Caribbean population.
Intro to Shark Research Course
June 11-17, 2019
June 20-26, 2019
From $2550/student
This course includes instruction on shark handling and workup procedures, as well as training in numerous fishing methods, including longlining, gillnetting, and the use of drumlines. Students will gain experience fishing in estuarine, inshore and offshore environments. In addition to field days, this course includes significant classroom instruction on shark biology and ecology and field research skills and techniques. Species that may be caught include: Atlantic sharpnose, lemon, sandbar, bull, spinner, sand tiger, blacktip, bonnethead, tiger, scalloped hammerhead, and southern stingray.
See more about the research projects this course contributes data to here.
June 11-17, 2019
June 20-26, 2019
From $2550/student
This course includes instruction on shark handling and workup procedures, as well as training in numerous fishing methods, including longlining, gillnetting, and the use of drumlines. Students will gain experience fishing in estuarine, inshore and offshore environments. In addition to field days, this course includes significant classroom instruction on shark biology and ecology and field research skills and techniques. Species that may be caught include: Atlantic sharpnose, lemon, sandbar, bull, spinner, sand tiger, blacktip, bonnethead, tiger, scalloped hammerhead, and southern stingray.
See more about the research projects this course contributes data to here.
Advanced Elasmobranch (Shark and Ray) Research Field Skills Course
7 Days
(concurrent with Elasmobranch course, please inquire)
From $2550/student
This course requires students to have taken Field's School's Intro to Shark Research Course, or to have substantial previous experience working with sharks. Please contact us if you aren't sure if your experience satisfies the prerequisite!
This field skills course is designed for students who are interested in pursuing their own research projects on sharks. It includes advanced instruction on shark handling and workup procedures, including increased opportunities to practice shark handling skills. As part of this course, students will learn about drawing and processing blood, receive instruction on deployment of various kinds of tags (including suturing for implantable tags), and receive more advanced lectures and training to help you prepare to lead your own research.
7 Days
(concurrent with Elasmobranch course, please inquire)
From $2550/student
This course requires students to have taken Field's School's Intro to Shark Research Course, or to have substantial previous experience working with sharks. Please contact us if you aren't sure if your experience satisfies the prerequisite!
This field skills course is designed for students who are interested in pursuing their own research projects on sharks. It includes advanced instruction on shark handling and workup procedures, including increased opportunities to practice shark handling skills. As part of this course, students will learn about drawing and processing blood, receive instruction on deployment of various kinds of tags (including suturing for implantable tags), and receive more advanced lectures and training to help you prepare to lead your own research.
Tropical Marine Biology and Ecology
6 days
June 3-9, 2019
From $2000/student
Join us for an amazing six day research adventure in the South Florida! This course will cover visits to mangrove and seagrass habitats, including restoration and monitoring techniques, lectures on coral reef biology and ecology (including reef snorkels and coral reef restoration and monitoring), instruction on tropical fish ecology and biology, including training in fish identification, and a hands-on shark tagging trip.
6 days
June 3-9, 2019
From $2000/student
Join us for an amazing six day research adventure in the South Florida! This course will cover visits to mangrove and seagrass habitats, including restoration and monitoring techniques, lectures on coral reef biology and ecology (including reef snorkels and coral reef restoration and monitoring), instruction on tropical fish ecology and biology, including training in fish identification, and a hands-on shark tagging trip.
R @ Sea Immersive Workshop in R for Ecological Modelling
Two options are available:
$799 per person
Includes: Workshop and activities, transportation once participants arrive at the RV Garvin, and all housing and meals for the duration of the course.
$599 per person
Students local to Miami may join the activities each day, lasting from 9 am until 6 pm. Includes activities and lunch but does not include housing on the Garvin or other meals.
This 3 day workshop is ideal for students and researchers looking to learn R programming quickly in an immersive, hands-on setting. Live and learn aboard the RV Garvin for 3 days during which you will rotate through small group sessions introducing you to critical R skills and break sessions where you will have the opportunity to explore beautiful South Florida habitats from mangroves to coral reefs.
Two options are available:
$799 per person
Includes: Workshop and activities, transportation once participants arrive at the RV Garvin, and all housing and meals for the duration of the course.
$599 per person
Students local to Miami may join the activities each day, lasting from 9 am until 6 pm. Includes activities and lunch but does not include housing on the Garvin or other meals.
This 3 day workshop is ideal for students and researchers looking to learn R programming quickly in an immersive, hands-on setting. Live and learn aboard the RV Garvin for 3 days during which you will rotate through small group sessions introducing you to critical R skills and break sessions where you will have the opportunity to explore beautiful South Florida habitats from mangroves to coral reefs.
Other course offerings
.Our staff are able to offer a wide range of hands-on research experiences. Below are some examples of courses we can offer on request for private and university groups. For more information and available dates, please contact [email protected].
Robots vs Aliens: Using ROVs to Study Invasive Species!
6 days
Price: from $2500/student
Get hands-on experience using Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles for marine science research. Course research will focus on South Florida where invasive species from lionfish to pythons are causing serious environmental damage. Gain critical experience with emerging technology in marine science. Course includes in-depth instruction by credentialed, experienced field scientists and hands-on research experience with ROV flight and operation, team research, and experimental design, including executing projects created by students.
6 days
Price: from $2500/student
Get hands-on experience using Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles for marine science research. Course research will focus on South Florida where invasive species from lionfish to pythons are causing serious environmental damage. Gain critical experience with emerging technology in marine science. Course includes in-depth instruction by credentialed, experienced field scientists and hands-on research experience with ROV flight and operation, team research, and experimental design, including executing projects created by students.
Dolphins and Hammerheads Marine Science Retreat (7 days)
$2900 per person
This family-friendly trip is focused on marine megafauna in beautiful Bimini, Bahamas. The trip includes the chance to observe a variety of wildlife, with a particular focus on Atlantic Spotted Dolphins and Hammerhead Sharks, two species which congregate in this area off the Bahama Banks in late winter. Participants will also have a chance to see and learn about coral reefs, mangroves, fish, nurse sharks, stingrays, and bottlenose dolphins. This trip is offered in partnership with our German partners, and will include translation for German-speaking participants.
$2900 per person
This family-friendly trip is focused on marine megafauna in beautiful Bimini, Bahamas. The trip includes the chance to observe a variety of wildlife, with a particular focus on Atlantic Spotted Dolphins and Hammerhead Sharks, two species which congregate in this area off the Bahama Banks in late winter. Participants will also have a chance to see and learn about coral reefs, mangroves, fish, nurse sharks, stingrays, and bottlenose dolphins. This trip is offered in partnership with our German partners, and will include translation for German-speaking participants.
Marine Science and Dolphins Island Hopping Retreat (12 days)
$3500 per person
This family-friendly expedition is designed to give participants a chance to experience the Caribbean "off the beaten track". During the trip, participants will encounter a variety of marine life and marine ecosystems. This trip will include the opportunity to observe and help gather data on bottlenose and Atlantic spotted dolphins, sharks, rays, fish, and sea turtles. We'll visit and learn about many of the amazing ecosystems of the Caribbean: small islands, coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and even shipwrecks! This trip is offered in partnership with our German partners, and will include translation for German-speaking participants.
$3500 per person
This family-friendly expedition is designed to give participants a chance to experience the Caribbean "off the beaten track". During the trip, participants will encounter a variety of marine life and marine ecosystems. This trip will include the opportunity to observe and help gather data on bottlenose and Atlantic spotted dolphins, sharks, rays, fish, and sea turtles. We'll visit and learn about many of the amazing ecosystems of the Caribbean: small islands, coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and even shipwrecks! This trip is offered in partnership with our German partners, and will include translation for German-speaking participants.
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Ocean Conservation Summer Internship and Research Field Course
Offered in Partnership with Debris Free Oceans 5 Days Fundraise $2200 for Debris Free Oceans and all costs associate with the course once you arrive in Miami are covered This internship introduces students to the issues around plastic pollution in our oceans while they help remove marine debris from, and conduct research in mangrove, coral reef, beach and seagrass habitats. Students will learn how these systems interrelate, improve their marine species identification skills, and contribute to ongoing research projects studying the impact of marine debris on our oceans as well as marine wildlife including dolphins, turtles, and sharks. Students will also gain fundraising and public speaking experience, as they each become social entrepreneurs during the weeks leading up to the field course. |
Coral Reef Ecology and Biology
5 Days
From $2200/student
This course is intended for students with a passion for coral reefs and tropical ocean systems. Lectures focus on the ecology and biology of reef-building stony (scleractinian) corals, and the array of plants and animals that call coral reefs home. Students will learn to identify 20 common species of Caribbean coral, as well as many species of fish, sharks, and invertebrates, and will be instructed in and practice many of the basic skills involved in coral monitoring and research. The course will include in-depth instruction on the threats facing corals, and discussion of available tools (both scientific and legal) for attempting to conserve remaining Caribbean reefs.
For this course, basic SCUBA certifications are required as course content includes diving. If you are not SCUBA certified, please plan to take a certification course beforehand, or contact us before booking.
5 Days
From $2200/student
This course is intended for students with a passion for coral reefs and tropical ocean systems. Lectures focus on the ecology and biology of reef-building stony (scleractinian) corals, and the array of plants and animals that call coral reefs home. Students will learn to identify 20 common species of Caribbean coral, as well as many species of fish, sharks, and invertebrates, and will be instructed in and practice many of the basic skills involved in coral monitoring and research. The course will include in-depth instruction on the threats facing corals, and discussion of available tools (both scientific and legal) for attempting to conserve remaining Caribbean reefs.
For this course, basic SCUBA certifications are required as course content includes diving. If you are not SCUBA certified, please plan to take a certification course beforehand, or contact us before booking.
Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas Tropical Marine Biology and Ecology
7 Days
From $2350/student
This lengthier field adventure allows students to dig more deeply into the biology and ecology of South Florida's marine systems. On day 1, students will learn about the interdependence of offshore and coastal habitats, while participating in ongoing mangrove and fish community research projects. Day 2 will be spent in Biscayne National Park, exploring this unique intersection of marine, freshwater and terrestrial systems. On day 3, students will learn about the biology and ecology of coral reefs and snorkel in the first underwater marine park in the United States. The next day, student will have the opportunity to participate in ongoing turtle nest monitoring projects. They will spend the afternoon snorkeling on a coral reef, looking for turtles, sharks and rays. That evening will be spent exploring all that historic Key West has to offer.
The next day students will embark for Dry Tortugas National Park. This remote park, on two uninhabited islands 70 miles west of Key West, will allow students to experience the natural environment of the Caribbean in a whole new way. There they'll learn about the history of the Dry Tortugas, including Fort Jefferson, as well as snorkel and gather data on some of the most pristine coral reefs in this part of the Caribbean. During their time in the Dry Tortugas, students will participate in gathering data for numerous research projects on reefs, fish, corals, rays and sharks. This course spends 2 days/1 night in Dry Tortugas National Park. After returning to the Florida Keys, students will spend a day shark tagging with the University of Miami's Shark Research and Conservation Program. Students will spend their last night docked in Miami for a final debriefing in preparation for their departure in the morning.
7 Days
From $2350/student
This lengthier field adventure allows students to dig more deeply into the biology and ecology of South Florida's marine systems. On day 1, students will learn about the interdependence of offshore and coastal habitats, while participating in ongoing mangrove and fish community research projects. Day 2 will be spent in Biscayne National Park, exploring this unique intersection of marine, freshwater and terrestrial systems. On day 3, students will learn about the biology and ecology of coral reefs and snorkel in the first underwater marine park in the United States. The next day, student will have the opportunity to participate in ongoing turtle nest monitoring projects. They will spend the afternoon snorkeling on a coral reef, looking for turtles, sharks and rays. That evening will be spent exploring all that historic Key West has to offer.
The next day students will embark for Dry Tortugas National Park. This remote park, on two uninhabited islands 70 miles west of Key West, will allow students to experience the natural environment of the Caribbean in a whole new way. There they'll learn about the history of the Dry Tortugas, including Fort Jefferson, as well as snorkel and gather data on some of the most pristine coral reefs in this part of the Caribbean. During their time in the Dry Tortugas, students will participate in gathering data for numerous research projects on reefs, fish, corals, rays and sharks. This course spends 2 days/1 night in Dry Tortugas National Park. After returning to the Florida Keys, students will spend a day shark tagging with the University of Miami's Shark Research and Conservation Program. Students will spend their last night docked in Miami for a final debriefing in preparation for their departure in the morning.
Florida Keys and Bahamas Tropical Marine Biology and Ecology
7 Days
From $2450/student
This expedition takes students through the ecosystems of the Florida mainland, Florida Keys, and Great Bahama Banks. Over the first few days, students visit the mangrove, seagrass and coral habitats of South Florida, as well as the Everglades. This includes a choice of specialized focus on seabirds, turtles, or marine mammals based on course goals. The course then travels across the Gulf Stream to beautiful Bimini, Bahamas. While there students will have a chance to encounter and conduct research on species including Atlantic spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, southern stingrays, lemon sharks, nurse sharks, Caribbean reef sharks and a variety of Caribbean reef fish and corals. In addition to numerous field experiences, this includes a guided tour of the world-famous Bimini Biological Field Station, or "Sharklab". On our return from Bimini, students will overnight in Miami for a debriefing and question and answer session before heading home.
7 Days
From $2450/student
This expedition takes students through the ecosystems of the Florida mainland, Florida Keys, and Great Bahama Banks. Over the first few days, students visit the mangrove, seagrass and coral habitats of South Florida, as well as the Everglades. This includes a choice of specialized focus on seabirds, turtles, or marine mammals based on course goals. The course then travels across the Gulf Stream to beautiful Bimini, Bahamas. While there students will have a chance to encounter and conduct research on species including Atlantic spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, southern stingrays, lemon sharks, nurse sharks, Caribbean reef sharks and a variety of Caribbean reef fish and corals. In addition to numerous field experiences, this includes a guided tour of the world-famous Bimini Biological Field Station, or "Sharklab". On our return from Bimini, students will overnight in Miami for a debriefing and question and answer session before heading home.