Study Abroad

Study abroad is a great way to build life skills and gain a career advantage. FWCB faculty regularly teach international courses through CFANS or as a University Global Seminar. FWCB students can also register for related courses in other programs (Find more information on Study Abroad: Learning Abroad in Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology) . For information on courses to be offered in this academic year contact these offices: CFANS International Programs | UM Learning Abroad Center

Scholarships are available through the FWCB Department, the College (CFANS), and the University's Learning Abroad Center.

The following are some of these recent course offerings taught by FWCB faculty:

Expand all

FW 1901 - Coral Reef Management in Belize

This seminar examines the living laboratories of the Mesoamerican Reef System—specifically the Belize barrier reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Learn from local experts, engage with local community action plans, and explore the reef's biodiversity firsthand to develop a complex understanding of reef environment management. During this seminar, students investigate and discuss societal goals for coral reef management, ways to translate goals into policy and practice, and methods for restoring damaged reefs. No previous coral reef management or marine biology experience is required. Students spend a great deal of time physically engaging with the reef's biodiversity, so a desire to learn is encouraged. This course involves a study abroad component to Belize during spring break.

CFAN 3502 - Tropical Marine Biology and Shark Ecology

This two-credit field study includes a combination of hands-on field and laboratory exercises guided by both Bimini Biological Field Station and UM faculty and staff. The course explores the ecology of local sharks and the natural history of the Caribbean while addressing aspects of local culture and development. In particular, students investigate several marine ecosystems (mangroves, coral reefs, sandy and rocky intertidal zones) and spend at least two days learning about and observing the many shark species that live in this region. Daily lectures are followed by excursions to observe these fascinating systems and the sharks that live within them. Local flora and fauna are collected and identified, and sharks baited by Sharklab staff, for close observations. There are at least two snorkeling trips per day and opportunities to work with staff on active research projects.

CFAN 3504 - Vertebrate Research Design and Field Survey Techniques (3 cr.)

This course provides students with a brief overview of Thailand's culture and conservation challenges and then focuses on applying a set of well-developed field survey and conservation tools. The course begins with a 2-day trip up Thailand's central waterway on a live-aboard barge designed for research and education. The class then travels to Thailand's premier conservation research site where a comfortable home base is available for daily field activities and a launching point for a wilderness trip into more remote parts of western Thailand. Many activities revolve around and contribute to a long-term tiger conservation project of which UM has been a principal partner. Students work with a team of three Thai biologists who are experts on tigers and field research. Specific activities include camera trapping techniques, prey assessment methods, and radio telemetry approaches to the study of large mammals.

CFAN 3522 - Sustainable Akumal: Turtles, Tourists, Cenotes, and Coral Reefs

The Mexican Caribbean, particularly the Riviera Maya, has experienced 70 times an increase in tourism over the past 30 years. This rapid increase in tourism has disrupted the nesting turtles as well as other plants and animals native to this area.

This program explores the complex problems of the impact of tourism and development on coral reefs, marine life, water quality, and other habitats. Students learn about responsible tourism and sustainable development through field-based projects and experiencing the water, land, flora, and fauna firsthand. You will learn and experience coastal and marine ecology in the context of tourism and development. Observe sea turtles in their habitat while working on beach habitat restoration. Test the water quality in lagoons and cenotes to understand complex issues surrounding groundwater and freshwater in this region. Experience Mexican history and culture by visiting Mayan ruins and spending time in local communities. Apply by October 1.