Biological Station for Research (BBSR) to attend its prestigious summer course.

The university students are taking part in a series of intensive courses taught by resident and visiting scientists in their fields of expertise.

The courses, running from June 9 until August 24, will include Tropical Marine Invertebrates, Biological Oceanography, Coral Reef Ecology, Hazard Assessment of Marine Contaminants, Biology of Fishes and Chemosensory Biology in the Marine Environment.

BBSR educational officer Helle Patterson said the students can use the six courses toward college credit at their home institutions.

Ms Patterson explained that the work load for the courses was very heavy because they only run for three to four weeks.

Designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, the courses use hands-on laboratory and field techniques to achieve a practical approach to the subject matter.

"Students who wish to take part in the programme must submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a resume m,'' Mrs. Patterson said.

She also said while a course costs $2,400, students could apply for scholarships for up to $2,000.

"There are international companies which donate scholarships to students,'' she added.

Students also learn how a scientific research station is operated, thus gaining valuable experience for their future careers as scientists.