Download Marine Ecology Tentative Topic Schedule

MARINE ECOLOGY (MarSci 260)
(Coastal Ecology)
Instructor: Clay E. Corbin, Ph.D.
Academic Address
Department of Biological & Allied Health Sciences
Hartline Science Center 173
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
400 East Second Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 570.389.4134(w)
BOLT: https://bolt.bloomu.edu (BU’s Desire2Learn Site)
Students should have a Google email address
Course Description
Interrelationships among animals, plants, and physical and chemical aspects of the environment will be studied,
with stress on adaptations for survival, which are unique to the marine environment. Prerequisites: One semester
of college-level biology.
Course Goals and Objectives
This is a field course where we will investigate marine and coastal ecosystems (estuaries, saltmarshes, seagrass
beds, tidal creeks, bays, coves, barrier islands, beaches, intertidal zones). Someone, somewhere, at some time said
that we learn best by doing (i.e., hands-on experiences) and courses like this are a magnificent marriage of talk and
action. I expect a high level of participation, teamwork, and respect for the diverse experiences and backgrounds
of course participants. As students of this course, you will:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Apply ecological theory to the study of the structure and dynamics of ecosystems with emphasis on
coastal and marine environments.
Learn to recognize ecological trade-offs and organismal adaptation.
Gain experience with ecological field methods and materials.
Develop your quantitative skills by designing and conducting observational and/or experimental
ecological investigations.
Textbooks: Required: None required. Suggested: Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts. Kaiser et al.
2011. Oxford University Press.
Field Notebook: Required, but most any will do. Some suggestions: “waterproof” paper and pen, ringed binder (3ring possibly). Something smaller to fit in pocket maybe.
Optional texts: Regional field guides.
Tentative Course Schedule
Unless announced otherwise, Breakfast 0730-0800, Lunch 1200-1230, Dinner 1800-1845.
Class Meetings:
Earlyc
0500-0730
Morninga
0830-1130
Afternoona
1300-1500
Late Afternoona-c 1500-1800
Nightb
1900-2100
Latec
>2100
a
b
every day, informal lab every night (identification, work on assignments, computer work, etc. cspecials TBA
Days will be in the field or lab making observations and responding to questions. We will meet for three (3) hours
of lecture and 3-4 hours of field/lab time each day, although the two will be integrated. Laboratory time in the
evenings will be used for informal data analysis and discussion, during which time I will be available for
consultation. Depending on the boat schedule and tides, we will hold lecture either in the morning or afternoon
period. Nights will be spent in laboratory work (data analysis, report preparation), recitation, or discussion groups.
IF one night per week is scheduled for research seminars (7-8 pm) attendance is mandatory for Marine Ecology
students.
Habitat Types are various. Please be prepared for all conditions; full participation is expected and needed for a
successful course. We will experience Swamp, Ocean, Freshwater, Beach, Backbeach Dune, Maritime Forest, Salt
Marsh, Boats, Kayaks, Riding in van, HIking, Walking, Swimming, Sitting, Standing, Sun, Rain, Mud, Night, Midday,
Morning, Evening, etc...
Assessments for Course Grade
A written take-home exam _
Exam will cover lecture and lab material.
Format: definitions, short answer, matching, and essay
100 pts
Participation
Your success in this course is dependent upon your participation during lecture,
field exercises, group-work, presentations, and discussions.
100 pts
Assignments and Quizzes (e.g. algae quiz, bird quiz, wrackline shell diversity report, etc.)
These will be given periodically as we collect data. Total of all assignments will equal 100pts.
100 pts
Field Notebook Checks 2 @ 25 points each
Keep excellent field notes your notebook. Turn in your field notes at the end of the first two weeks.
50 pts
Current Article Synopsis 1 @ 50 points
Pick a recent primary literature article on any marine ecology topic and present it to the class.
Please, try to avoid articles on cetaceans.
50 pts
Student Projects @ 100 points
100 pts
Depending on class size, students will work alone or in groups of 2-3 to conduct (formulate a hypothesis, design an
experiment, collect data, analyze/interpret data) observational/experimental investigation and present findings to
the class on Thursday of the 3rd week. A poster summary of the study will also be produced.
Grades will be assigned based on a percentage of points earned (500 possible points):
A
B+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
(90-100%)
(86-89.9%)
(82-85.9%)
(79-81.9%)
(76-78.9%)
(72-75.9%)
(69-71.9%)
(67-69.9%)
(59-66.9%)
F
(<59%)
Marine Ecology Tentative Topic Schedule
week
Date
1
Topics
Chapter(s)
Introduction, Ecology, Sources of Variation
Distributions of Organisms Habitats
Population Ecology
Community Ecology
Food webs, Predation and Parasitism Field Notebook
2
Food webs, Predation and Parasitism
Behavioral Ecology
Biogeography
Evolutionary Ecology
Field Notebook
3
Research Projects
Conservation and Marine Ecology / Special Topics
Continued TAKE HOME TEST ASSIGNED
Continued
R
Research Presentations
F
Research Presentations TAKE HOME TEST DUE
Lecture guide,
field exercises,
Chapter TBA