MARINE BIOLOGY - Course Number TBD
Dr. CHRIS SMYTH - SUNY BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY
Course Description:
This course is an exploration of the chemical and physical attributes of coastal and marine ecosystems, focusing on the profound impacts of climate change on the organisms that live there. This offers a comprehensive study of marine microbes, flora and fauna, including their taxonomic diversity, biology, ecology and evolution. This is a field-based course, where students immerse themselves in hands-on experiences in marine biology across diverse barrier island ecosystems, including estuaries, saltmarshes, seagrass beds, tidal creeks, bays, coves, barrier islands, beaches, and intertidal zones. The influence of human activities and their ripple effects on these delicate ecosystems will also be examined.
Marketable Skills Gained from This Course:
General Description of Field Activities:
Prerequisites:
One year of Biology or consent of instructor.
Required Textbook or Supplies:
Field Notebook: Required, Write in the Rain “waterproof” notebook & writing utensil.
Suggestions will be provided to registered students.
Foldscope Microscope – Suggestions will be provided to registered students.
Textbook(s) TBD
Number of Students:
9-14
2024 Chincoteague Bay Field Station Fee*:
3 week course; housing and meals included
Salicornia; $1,794
Traditional; $1,644
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.
This course is an exploration of the chemical and physical attributes of coastal and marine ecosystems, focusing on the profound impacts of climate change on the organisms that live there. This offers a comprehensive study of marine microbes, flora and fauna, including their taxonomic diversity, biology, ecology and evolution. This is a field-based course, where students immerse themselves in hands-on experiences in marine biology across diverse barrier island ecosystems, including estuaries, saltmarshes, seagrass beds, tidal creeks, bays, coves, barrier islands, beaches, and intertidal zones. The influence of human activities and their ripple effects on these delicate ecosystems will also be examined.
Marketable Skills Gained from This Course:
- Proficiency in field-based research skills for coastal and estuarine ecosystems including trawling, seining, plankton tows, water chemistry analysis, and sediment analysis.
- Ability to identify common organisms found in the mid-Atlantic region.
- Ability to read and evaluate scientific literature in the field of marine biology.
General Description of Field Activities:
- Shore-based and vessel-based organism collection and identification.
- Evaluation and quantification of components of the abiotic environment.
- Conduct field-based experiments on organisms in their natural habitat.
Prerequisites:
One year of Biology or consent of instructor.
Required Textbook or Supplies:
Field Notebook: Required, Write in the Rain “waterproof” notebook & writing utensil.
Suggestions will be provided to registered students.
Foldscope Microscope – Suggestions will be provided to registered students.
Textbook(s) TBD
Number of Students:
9-14
2024 Chincoteague Bay Field Station Fee*:
3 week course; housing and meals included
Salicornia; $1,794
Traditional; $1,644
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.
