Tropical Marine Biodiversity
(3 credits)

Language of Instruction: English
Lecturer: DR. Dang Thuy Binh, Dr. Nguyen Van Long, Dr. Glenn Alain Bristow

Introduction:
Vietnam has one of the world’s most diverse marine biological systems. This biodiversity feeds and supports not only local communities within Vietnam, but a growing international export market, as well.  Vietnam also is one of the world’s countries most at risk for loss of biodiversity due to climate change. With the risk due to both climate change and increased reliance on the marine system to support both local and international markets, it is imperative to understand not only the biodiversity that exists but also the factors that help maintain it, as the pressures on it increase.

Objective:
The purpose of this course is to introduce the concepts necessary to understand marine biodiversity with specific examples of Vietnamese marine biodiversity. The courses address biodiversity, ecology, and conservation by integrating a strong field component with lectures. Additionally, international students will have a chance to attend social and cultural activities.

Lectures:
The course contains both theoretical and practical field and laboratory work.
The theoretical elements are the following:

1. Introduction to biology how is it measured?;
2. Species concept and it’s importance?;
3. Tropical Ecosystems;
4. Coral reef, marine soft bottom and mangrove forest system
5. Biodiversity and climate change
6. Marine Biodiversity Conservation.

Field trip and Practice course
Common practical field courses will include field trips to the following areas: Hon Mun MPA,  Oceanography Institute, marine sea cage culture, Khanh Vinh Tropical forest (Nha Trang City), Cu Lao Cau National Park (Binh Thuan Province) and fresh water culture and plant diversity in Da Lat City. These will include inspection and measurement of coral reef, intertidal and super tidal biodiversity.
Whenever possible, economically and environmentally important species will be utilized for demonstration and examination, with explanations of why it so important to preserve our biodiversity. The information and experiences gathered here will be readily transferable to marine systems around the globe.

Course evaluation
Participants will be evaluated through field report and seminar presentations

Tropical Biodiversity Sample Program 2 weeks