Students from varieties of universities around Thailand, such as Khonkaen, Walailak, Mahidol, Bhurapa Jantaburi, Ramkhamhaeng, Chiangmai and Phuket Ratchapat universities, are gathering at the Phuket Marine Biological Center for a Marine Ecology Summer Camp course. The event is co-hosted by the Institute of Science, Walailak University and Phuket Marine Biological Center, with the camp being held from April 20th to May 22nd 2009. The course has been held annually since 1990 and will offer great knowledge to students who have interest in marine ecology. As outlined by the course description, the objectives of this course are to provide an extensive look at the interrelation between marine organisms and marine environmental factors; population ecology of marine organisms, structure and function or marine ecosystems, human impacts on marine environments, the use of the sea and global environment changes. Students are participating in workshops, formal discussions and lectures. We talked to the course coordinator, Dr. Pitiwong Tantichodok, of the Science and Technology Education Park, Walailak University about the aim of this course:
Students all looked enthusiastic and were willing to talk to Andaman News and expressed their appreciation for being able to participate in this Marine Ecology Summer Camp course. Ratchaneewan Aeamlapa from Mahidol University, said: “First of all, I am gaining more knowledge by joining this summer course. Marine Ecology subject is hard to find for study in most universities that’s why I joined this course and it will teach me the real stuff. I am quite a good student at lecture class but I did not do well in laboratory class, therefore the course will be offering lab and lecture sessions which I find very useful.” Vanich Vanichanon from Mahidol University said: “I’ve been thinking about this course since I started in my first year of university and I have interest in this field. I would like to broaden my perspective and gain as much knowledge from this course for future use.”
Mr. Wannakiat Thubthimsang, Director of Phuket Marine Biological Center, explained to us about potential of students in order for them to join this summer camp. Interview Mr. Wannakiat Thubthimsang, Director of Phuket Marine Biological Center:______ Lectures are being given by staff from PMBC and a number of Walailak University lecturers. Students, who attended this summer camp, shared a quick greeting with each other and exchanged their reasons for why they decided to attend this course. Some said that they want to broaden their perspectives and want to be able to work in a workshop and know the ‘real deal’. They even said that sometimes, lectures don’t cover everything but by performing and participate in this workshop, they are hoping that their skills and knowledge will become ‘ocean wise’. Students are all being provided with food and beverage, accommodation at the center, handout sheets, textbooks and all necessary educational facilities. The summer course is co-sponsored by Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production Ltd and was run for twelve consecutive times, in hoping that this will help build new talents for Thailand’s marine ecology, so that they all can help take care of the ocean, sea animals and the world. This is Zenniesha, reporting from Andaman News.
Source: Andaman News NBT
