ENVS 4005

Corals & Enviro Ch Field

Lec 01 and Tut T01 selected

Coral reefs are iconic marine ecosystems both biologically and economically. This class introduces students to the biology of both tropical and cold-water corals, key characteristics of their abiotic environments, human impacts at both local and global scales, and management options for sustainable resource use and the the protection of biodiversity. This course runs parallel with ENVS 4003 but includes the addition of a 5-day field trip to the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Science.

Sections

Lecture
Tutorial

From the syllabus

From the Fall 2025 syllabus by Sue Gass. Open the PDF

Grading

10%Assignment 1: Coral morphologyDue October 2
10%Assignment 2: Coral bleachingDue November 18
30%Midterm examIn class; covers lectures 1–10
20%BIOS project presentationsDecember 1
20%Course engagement10% regular-term classes; 10% Bermuda field trip
10%Course reflectionDue December 11

Textbook

  • The Biology of Coral Reefs, 2nd Edition, Charles R.C. Sheppard et al. (free)

Course rules

Attendance
Two missed classes are allowed without deductions; submit an SDA, then engagement is prorated based on attendance.
Late work
With an SDA, assignments are due within three days; otherwise, unapproved late work loses 10% per day.
Missed midterm
Follow the SDA protocol; a make-up midterm will be scheduled one week later.
AI use
AI is prohibited for the first two assignments, generative editing, and autonomous content creation; other uses are limited to study aids.
Field trip
Actively participate in field and lab activities and work effectively with others.

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