1202 W. Thomas Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
602–285–7500

Phoenix College Coral Reef Ecology Class Heads to Australia

by: Christy Skeen

The Phoenix College Coral Reef Ecology study abroad course in Australia is back by popular demand. So pack your bags and get ready to experience a classroom setting of sandy beaches and coral reefs, as well as hands on instruction full of snorkeling and scuba diving.

If you ever had the desire to examine some of the world’s greatest coral and associated species, Phoenix College is opening the door to this unique opportunity.

Participants will have a chance to experience the exciting, underwater world of the tropical Pacific. By teaming up with the Whitsunday College Cannonvale campus, Phoenix College can offer its students a classroom setting that showcases the inner workings of coral reefs and their incredibly diverse flora and fauna.

Students will spend approximately two weeks from June 14 through July 2, exploring the marine biology of the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef during this three-credit course.

They will explore the coast, snorkel or scuba dive and discuss a variety of fascinating coral reef topics in the classroom and on nature walks. A three day/three night, live aboard, dive cruise on the Great Barrier Reef is included as part of the itinerary.

The class will also allow participants to snorkel or scuba dive off the beautiful Whitehaven Beach and Blue Pearl Bay in the Whitsunday Islands, monitor the health of sea grass and corals and examine the tidepools of Pigeon Island. They will explore the wet tropical forest and mangroves of Conway National Park, survey the invertebrates and fish of Hardy Reef and explore the Proserpine River estuary.

In addition to Phoenix College marine biology instructor, Dr. Philip Pepe, serving as a teacher and guide, the program will also include a teacher and professional diving instructor from Whitsunday College. Both schools will work together to optimize students’ field experience in Australia.

"I’ve organized a number of programs of this nature and I must say that this one rates among the best," said Pepe. "Participants in this program will be exposed to tropical marine environments that are unavailable to them in the United States. They will experience the high biodiversity found on the Great Barrier Reef; one of the most developed coral systems in the world. This is truly an experience of a lifetime."

Applications are now being accepted and space is limited. For more information, please visit http://www.phoenixcollege.edu/biology or call (602) 285-7106.