Marine Field Ecology and Conservation is an intensive, field-based course that is taught at Oceanic Society field site at Blackbird Caye (Turneffe Atoll, Belize). This course has several objectives: (1) to teach students basic research methods that are utilized during marine field studies, (2) to do a comparative biodiversity study of tropical ecosystems, including coral reefs, sea grass beds, and mangroves, (3) to conduct a marine conservation research project, and (4) to introduce students to the culture of Belize. Snorkeling is required. The course is offered during the Spring term but begins in the Winter term.