Environmental Problems and Solutions in Small Island Developing States
Course Delivery
- On-line components and monthly informal meetings throughout the Fall term
- One week field component in Barbados during the Fall reading break
- Accommodation in Barbados at the Bellairs Research Institute
Course Focus
- Environmental problems affecting Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including water shortages, loss of coral reefs and mangroves, solid waste management, and sewage treatment
- Barriers to achieving sustainable solutions to environmental problems in SIDS
- Approaches to mitigate environmental problems affecting SIDS
Cost, in addition to Trent tuition
- A supplementary fee collected for transportation, accommodation and meals in Barbados.
- Students are responsible for arranging and paying for their own flights to and from Barbados. Some financial support may be available for students through application to the Trent Study Abroad Program
Prerequisites: A minimum of 9 credits and either ERSC 1010H and 1020H or IDST 1001H and 1002H, or permission of the instructor. Can be taken as an ERST or an IDST credit if the instructor is informed ahead of time
Swim Test: Students must successfully complete a mandatory swim test at the YMCA pool in September if they wish to take part in field exercises involving snorkeling
To apply: To record your interest in registering for the course, contact: Megan Burtt, TSE office ESC C204, meganburtt@trentu.ca. Enrolment is limited
Deadlines: August 1st - payment of supplementary fee. August 31st - withdrawal without financial penalty
To inquire about course content: Prof. Chris Metcalfe; cmetcalfe@trentu.ca
"I had the unique opportunity to spend a week taking a field course in Barbados. The course focused on resource management within small island developing states. Over seven days, we learned about the processes involved in wastewater and solid waste management, Caribbean geology, ecological restoration projects and nature-based solutions (to name a few). I was able to gain in-field experience conducting coral reef surveys, viewing the different states of restoration involved in restoring a sand quarry and exploring the processes necessary for fisheries management from local fishermen themselves. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that exposed me to many new perspectives of resource management and improved my understanding of my chosen field of study - so much more so than from the classroom ever could! We even managed to sight a completely natural turtle hatching! Picture this: hundreds of tiny baby turtles surfacing from the sands and wiggling their way to the ocean. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment! Thank you so much Trent University and Trent School of the Environment for giving me such an amazing opportunity to learn about natural resource management from a new perspective!" - Natalie Holley