Forfar Field Station

This elective biology course is open to any student, but it is best suited for students pursuing a Math & Science Studies Transfer or Liberal Studies Transfer Associate Degree at Mid. It is especially suited for students planning to specialize in biology.

• BIO.299 Selected Topics in Biology - Biology Field Study Bahamas
  • 2 Credit Hours

Each day begins with an early breakfast followed by an excursion. Students enjoy lunch in the field and then return to Forfar. This is followed by dinner. Evenings typically consist of labs, lectures, and discussions. Students are typically busy 7am-10pm.

Example activities, lectures, and labs part of the course are described below.

• Marine Protected Areas and Stakeholder Activity - First, students learn about Marine Protected Areas on Andros and around the world, including case studies of their application, and then participate in a stakeholder debate, where they each take the position of a relevant party and discuss the merits of a new Marine Protected Area on Andros.
• Plankton Lab/Tow - Using a large plankton net, students collect and investigate different plankton species with ID books, while keeping an eye out for larval bonefish (leptocephalus) to determine bonefish spawning locations as part of a larger study with Florida Institute of Technology.
• Anole Ecomorph Activity - Anoles are small lizards found throughout Andros. Anoles can be split into different groups based on their morphology and where they live. These groups are ecological morphotypes, also known as ecomorphs. Students find anoles around the station to identify different ecomorphs.
• Bird Watching - Join the educational staff and use binoculars, bird calls, and ID books to find and observe birds on a relaxing walk near the station. These bird-watching excursions are typically in the morning before breakfast for an optimal experience.
• Blue Hole Water Chemistry Lab - Blue holes have distinctive layers: freshwater, hydrogen sulfide layer, seawater, and anoxic seawater. Students collect and compare water samples from different depths of a blue hole, testing for temperature, salinity, pH, and O2 to determine blue hole stratification.
• Coral Reef Conservation & ID - Students review the numerous factors threatening coral reef health and explore the approach of Forfar and the larger scientific community to coral conservation. Students also define the different types of coral reefs and the processes behind their formation, while examining how to differentiate and identify numerous coral species found around Andros.
• Coral Health Assessment Survey - Students assess coral health for bleaching and disease with a coral transect survey, and use Coral Watch cards to examine coral color. These activities help students understand the importance of having a healthy reef. Students can then upload their recorded data to Coral Watch, a nonprofit citizen science program.
• Sustainable Fisheries - This lecture examines the pros and cons of different types of fisheries and what makes a fishery sustainable or unsustainable. Students discuss what conservation efforts are underway in The Bahamas to protect vulnerable species and the future of fishing.
• Terrestrial Plant Ecosystems - Explore the variations and importance of Andros’ many terrestrial plant zones, adaptations, and local flora. Students learn the breadth of different ecosystems and depth of specific plant species within them.
• Herps of Andros (Herpetology) - Students learn about the many amphibians and reptiles found on Andros, covering life cycles, habitats, and morphology to help them understand island adaptations and identify them in the field.

• Monday, January 11 - Friday, May 7, 2027 | Online Coursework
• 5:30pm - 8:30pm Date TBA | Required In-Person, Pre-Trip Orientation
• Saturday, April 10 - Saturday, April 17, 2027 | Trip to Forfar

• Travel Fees
  • Approximately $2,615 per student
  • Includes round-trip airfare, lodging, and meals at Forfar, as well as all activities.
  • Students will have additional personal expenses, including U.S. passport fees, one meal at a local restaurant, snorkel gear, and spending money.
• Tuition & Fees
  • Approximately $320 per in-district student and $532 per out-of-district student.
• Total Cost
  • Approximately $2935 for in-district students and $3,147 for out-of-district students.
• Financial Aid
  • Contact Financial Aid prior to making a deposit for this course to determine if financial aid will be available to cover a portion of your tuition and fees.
  • Email finaid@midmich.edu | Call (989) 386-6664 | Schedule an appointment.

• Now - January 15
  • Complete the Reserve My Spot Form (if spots remain), which requires a non-refundable $250 deposit.
  • Spots are limited for this course, and if the initial section fills before January 15, we will start a waitlist for a second section.
• October 5
  • When Winter 2027 registration opens on October 5, you are auto-enrolled in this course.
• January 11
  • Winter 2027 courses and online coursework for this specific course begin.
• January 22
  • All Courses | Tuition Due by 9am (Make payments on campus or via myMid) Students with unpaid tuition will be de-registered from their courses.
• TBD
  • 5:30pm - 8:30pm Required In-Person, Pre-Trip Orientation.
• April 10 -17
  • Travel to Forfar.
• May 7
  • Winter 2027 semester ends.