International Programs - [Geosciences]
Geosciences Study Abroad
Bahamian Field Program. The Bahamian Field Program was developed at MSU, in cooperation with the Gerace Research Center (GRC) on San Salvador Island, Bahamas, to present MSU undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to do field research in a cultural and physical environment unlike that found in Mississippi. Faculty, in addition to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, have been able to develop additional research projects of their own. The program is generally run over the winter break, after Christmas but prior to the start of the spring semester, and occasionally between the spring semester and the start of summer school. The GRC is affiliated with MSU, which grants MSU students and faculty reductions in costs and increased access to field sites. The field course begins with structured field trips to expose students to the environment of living and fossil reefs, caves, beaches, inland water bodies, archaeological sites, lagoons, and other sites of natural history significance. Evening lectures are given, and labs are used to analyze samples. As students gain a greater familiarity with the island's many environments, they make decisions about doing research projects with faculty, graduate students, other students, or alone. The remainder of the time on the island is used to execute these research projects. Students are encouraged to schedule free time to enjoy both the Bahamian culture and the scenic landscapes. All students are required to keep a journal and submit it at the end of the trip. For more information contact, John Mylroie, Box 5448, Mississippi State, MS 39762. 662-325-8774 or mylroie@geosci.msstate.edu.
