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MSCI/BIOL 302: MARINE BIOLOGY

Dr. Rob Young

Marine Science Department, Coastal Carolina University, ryoung@coastal.edu; phone: 803-349-2277; fax: 803-349-2545

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SPRING 2004 SYLLABUS

MSCI/BIOL 302 - MARINE BIOLOGY

MWF 10:30-11:20

Instructor:       Dr. Rob Young
Office:             SCIE 105B
Phone:             349-2277
Email:             ryoung@coastal.edu
Office Hours:  usually MWF 8:30-10:30, MF 1:00-3:00, and by appointment

Text:                 Marine Biology: an ecological approach by James Nybakken (5th ed.)

                       

Pre-req:          MSCI 112 and BIOL 122

Co-req:           MSCI/BIOL 302 Laboratory

 

Course focus:

 

After taking your introductory marine science courses, you have an overall appreciation for the inter-relatedness of biological, chemical, geological, and physical components of the marine system.  This course will continue to work within that framework, but will place a strong emphasis on the classification, anatomy, and physiology of the biological organisms in the marine environment, as well as the ecological function of these organisms as members of complex biological communities. 

 

Grading and Class Policies:

 

This is a 300 level course required for all marine science majors.  Thus, you can expect to have to work harder than in your 100 level introductory science courses.  The lecture and laboratory portions of this course receive separate grades, and the lab is writing intensive.  If you are majoring or minoring in marine science, you must earn at least a C in both lecture and lab. 

 

Grading for this course is based on 3 lecture tests during the semester, a comprehensive final exam, 4 quantitative problem sets (one during each test section), and daily reading assignments.  Reading assignments will be given for most class periods and consist of a simple question or questions based on readings from the book or the web.  I will only grade about 20% of the assignments each time, so your reading assignment grade will be based on 5 to 6 graded assignments.  The lowest of your test scores (including the exam) will only be worth 25% as much as the other 3 tests.  Typically, tests will be a mixture of multiple choice, short answer, problem solving, and essay.  The actual format will likely vary from test to test, and may be any combination of question types.  Practice problems and lists of course goals and expectations will be posted on the course web site to help you study.  Some material covered will not be in your textbook, so attendance at lectures is essential (I will follow the university attendance policy).  You are responsible for all information in your textbook unless otherwise instructed by me.  The point breakdown is as follows:

 

3 Lecture Tests and Exam (20% each, except 5% for lowest grade)

65%

4 Quantitative Problem Sets

20%

Reading assignments

15%

 

Make-up opportunities for any tests, quizzes, or exercises are only possible for a medical reason (with a doctor's excuse), a death in the family, or if a suitable reason has been cleared with me ahead of time.  

 


LECTURE SCHEDULE

 

Date

Topic

Chapters

Jan 14

Introduction, Reviewing the setting:  the physical marine environment

1

16

Reviewing the setting:  the physical marine environment

1

19

MLK Day

 

21

Life:  What is it and how does it work?

1

23

Adaptations to the marine environment

1

26

Adaptations to the marine environment

1

28

Little things mean a lot:  Monera

2

30

Protista (single-celled phytoplankton/benthic microalgae)

2

Feb 2

Protista (single-celled zooplankton)

2

4

Protista (marine macroalgae)

2

6

Invertebrate zooplankton

2

9

Plankton Ecology

 

11

TEST 1

 

13

Celebration of Inquiry (assignment)

 

16

Marine Invertebrates:   Overview

7

18

Structure and locomotion

Web

20

Feeding and defense

Web

23

Sensory and symbiosis

Web

25

Reproduction

Web

27

Marine Vertebrates:  Fish

3

Mar 1

Fish

3

3

Marine tetrapods (mammals, birds, reptiles)

3

5

Marine tetrapods (mammals, birds, reptiles)

3

8

Nekton Ecology

3

10

Review

 

12

TEST 2

 

15-19

Spring Break

 

22

Ecology review

1

24

Ecology review

1

26

Pelagic and deep sea

4

29

Deep sea

4

31

Shallow subtidal benthos

5

Apr 2

Shallow subtidal benthos

5

5

Intertidal Communities

6

7

Intertidal Communities

6

9

No class – spring holiday

 

12

Intertidal Communities

6

14

Review

 

16

TEST 3

 

19

Estuaries, salt marshes, and mangroves

8,9

21

Estuaries, salt marshes, and mangroves

8,9

23

Estuaries, salt marshes, and mangroves

8,9

26

Coral reefs

9

28

Coral reefs

9

30

Fisheries

11

Wed.  5/5

EXAM - 8:30

 

 


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Web Site designed and maintained by:

Rob Young, Marine Science Department, Coastal Carolina University, PO Box 261954, Conway, SC 29528-6054