Field Trip to the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS)
March 15-22, 2008
(Spring Break 2008)

GENERAL INFORMATION: Marine Biology of the Caribbean,
Spring Break, 2008: We will again take a group to Roatan Island for a week during Spring Break, 2008 to study the biology of the coral reefs found off the eastern coast of Honduras. Using the facilities of the Roatan Marine Institute, the group will snorkel and dive on the incredibly beautiful and biological diverse reefs of the western Caribbean. Students learn to identify marine species and to perform underwater ecological surveys while enjoying a wonderful respite from the cold winds of Iowa at that time of the year. For further information send an E-mail to dssakagu@iastate.edu.

Location: The Caribbean sea on the island of Roatan at the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS),

Course number: Biology 394a and b, Section: HN.

Course instructor:
Dr. D. Sakaguchi of the Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology (GDCB).
Dr. Dusan Palic of the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine (VMPM).

Course credits: 1 credit for pre-trip seminar (394a), 1 credit for field trip (394b). Students must enroll in both 394a and b (section HN).

Course requirements, etc.: Students must possess an exceptionally strong desire to learn more about marine science and the marine environment. Students should have at least one year of college-level biology. Students must be very comfortable in an aquatic environment (i.e. extensive marine activities: snorkeling and/or SCUBA diving). If you have questions about these course requirements please contact the course instructors.

Grading: Grading for Bio 394a and b is S/F. Evaluation will be based upon student participation, completion of assignments, submission of a research paper on some aspect of marine biology and oral presentation of research topic.

Dates of departure and return: March 15 - 22, 2008.

Statement of the purpose of the program: Program is designed to provide students with a coral reef biology and aquatic animal and ecosystem health field experience. It will involve on-site lectures by local experts and extensive diving/snorkeling activities in a variety of marine habitats.

Pre-departure orientation program planned: All students will enroll in a one credit seminar (394a) for Spring semester where they will receive trip orientation information and academic background for the field trip.

Curriculum planned: Curriculum planned will include lectures on coral reef ecology, marine invertebrates and fish, dolphins, health considerations while traveling abroad, Honduran culture and history, climatology of Central America and the Bay Islands. Program at RIMS will include seminars and labs in marine biology and ecology, coral reef biology, reef invertebrates and fishes, and marine mammals. One side trip to a local village on Roatan Island is planned for one afternoon.

Estimated cost (subject to change):
We are still in the process of negotiating airfares.

Price includes the following:
Airfare: Des Moines to Roatan, round-trip,
Accommodations and 3 meals daily at Anthony's Key Resort (AKR) (Sat. - Sat.),
RIMS marine biology program,
Two dives daily, one night dive, RIMS lectures on coral reef biology and dolphins, educational dolphin platform sessions and dolphin snorkel,
Trip insurance,
Tips for baggage handling, housekeeping service, waiters, chefs, divemaster, and boat,

The price does not include: SCUBA class and materials, SCUBA certification, and rental of SCUBA/snorkeling gear; Passport (valid for 6 months after your return), Study Abroad fee, International Student Identity Card, Roatan departure tax, vaccinations and preventive medicines; and other incidental expenses that you may incur).

Accommodations: RIMS guests are housed in quad occupancy louvered wooden bungalows overlooking the lagoon reefs. Each has ceiling fan, 24-hour electricity, and a bathroom, including hot water shower; three ample meals a day are served (food has been described as excellent by past participants).

Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS) Services:
Dry and wet laboratories.
A large air conditioned classroom with A/V equipment.
Specimen collections and reference library.
Tours and use of Roatan Museum that chronicles and displays the cultural and archaeological history of the region.
One all purpose dive boat with guides, use of tanks, weights and belts.
Vehicles for transport with guides to terrestrial sites (1 trip).
Recompression chamber and medical clinic (doctor on call 24-hours).
Recreational services and facilities of adjacent AKR.
Escorted round-trip transfer from airport to Institute.


Information sheet available as a pdf file.

F.Y.I.: Information from Spring 2006 field trip (PDF file).

Some Links to coral reef creatures:

Reef fish/creature/coral identification tutorial for Biology 394 (Photos courtesy of D. Sakaguchi).

Challenge yourself with the Reef fish quiz. A great way to begin learning reef fish identification.

Check out some original artwork by a former participant of our marine biology field trips:
Fish of Roatan by Rose Swalla (Spring 2000 participant).

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Those interested in the SCUBA class:
In the past a SCUBA class was organized beginning in mid-late January. This course will be offered at Ames High School (through City of Ames Parks and Recreation). Instructor is Jerry Symons, ISU SCUBA instructor. Registration will take place on the first day of class (please be prepared to pay for the course fee: $210 (cash or check only). Class will be in room 123 at Ames High School. Class begins promptly at 7:00 PM. Please fill out and bring to the first class the PADI Medical and PADI Liability Forms. The PADI medical evaluation form will need to be filled out before the first class. If you have any medical "issues" you will need to have a physician fill out the appropriate part of the PADI medical form.

During this first class be prepared for water/pool evaluation: you will be required to swim 8 lengths of the pool and then tread water for 10 minutes.

Additional expenses associated with the course:
Course fee: $210 (fee subject to change)

You will also need to purchase the PADI open water training materials.
You will need your own mask, snorkel, fins, booties.
The course fee does NOT include fees associated with open water certification.
You will also incur additional expenses for the actual open-water certication dives.

Non-discrimination Statement
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries can be directed to the Director of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, 3680 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-7612.