COASTAL FIELD ZOOLOGY - MRSC 304
DR. CLAY CORBIN - COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Course Description:
Coastal Field Zoology is an intensive, hands-on, feet-wet course focused on the diversity, ecology, and natural history of animals inhabiting coastal, nearshore marine, and maritime terrestrial habitats. Students will investigate intertidal, estuarine, neritic, as well as maritime dune, scrub, and forest ecosystems through direct field observation, specimen collection, and ecological sampling.
The course emphasizes identification and life histories of major marine and coastal animal groups, as well as the physical and biological factors shaping coastal communities. Students will learn standard field techniques such as quadrat and transect sampling, seine and plankton netting, and environmental data collection. There is potential to sample herp, mammal, and avian communities depending on interest and permitting. Lectures and laboratory sessions complement fieldwork by providing ecological and evolutionary context.
Students will participate in group and independent research projects thereby developing skills in critical observation, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. By the end of the course, students will be able to interpret patterns of species distribution, assess community structure, and evaluate how organisms are adapted to dynamic coastal environmental conditions.
Marketable Skills Gained from This Course:
Prerequisites:
One year of university biology courses or approval from instructor
Required Textbook or Supplies:
Number of Students:
10-12
2026 Chincoteague Bay Field Station Fee*:
3 week course; housing and meals included
Salicornia: $1,925
Traditional: $1,770
Fees are subject to change at the discretion of the board of directors
* Does not include university tuition or fees. For specific policy on CBFS fees, click HERE.
Coastal Field Zoology is an intensive, hands-on, feet-wet course focused on the diversity, ecology, and natural history of animals inhabiting coastal, nearshore marine, and maritime terrestrial habitats. Students will investigate intertidal, estuarine, neritic, as well as maritime dune, scrub, and forest ecosystems through direct field observation, specimen collection, and ecological sampling.
The course emphasizes identification and life histories of major marine and coastal animal groups, as well as the physical and biological factors shaping coastal communities. Students will learn standard field techniques such as quadrat and transect sampling, seine and plankton netting, and environmental data collection. There is potential to sample herp, mammal, and avian communities depending on interest and permitting. Lectures and laboratory sessions complement fieldwork by providing ecological and evolutionary context.
Students will participate in group and independent research projects thereby developing skills in critical observation, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. By the end of the course, students will be able to interpret patterns of species distribution, assess community structure, and evaluate how organisms are adapted to dynamic coastal environmental conditions.
Marketable Skills Gained from This Course:
- Biodiversity assessment
- Survey techniques
- Field data collection, analysis, and presentation of findings
Prerequisites:
One year of university biology courses or approval from instructor
Required Textbook or Supplies:
- Assorted field notebooks on invertebrate and vertebrates
- Waterproof notebook and pen
Number of Students:
10-12
2026 Chincoteague Bay Field Station Fee*:
3 week course; housing and meals included
Salicornia: $1,925
Traditional: $1,770
Fees are subject to change at the discretion of the board of directors
* Does not include university tuition or fees. For specific policy on CBFS fees, click HERE.
