MARINE BIOLOGY - BIO 226
DR. ISAAC LIGOCKI - MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY
Course Description:
Students in this course will investigate the biological processes of the Marine
environment. Students will learn and utilize hands-on lab and field research techniques
to investigate biological questions at the molecular, organismal, community, and
ecosystem level.
At the completion of the course the student shall be able to:
1. Explain the relationship between physical and chemical properties of Marine environments and the biological processes that take place in them.
2. Describe the trophic level interactions and key representative organisms of major Marine Ecosystems.
3. Identify major marine organisms of the Mid Atlantic coast to the Phylum, Class, or Order level.
4. Establish links between environmental constraints and specific adaptations of organisms living in marine habitats.
5. Evaluate the role of humans in Marine Ecosystems.
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.
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.
Approximate Amount of Course Time in the Field:
50%
Prerequisites:
One year of Biology or consent of instructor.
NOTE: This course is intended to meet requirements for various science majors, including secondary education. All non-science majors should contact the instructor to determine the suitability of this course for their programs!
Required Textbook or Supplies:
TBD
Number of Students:
6-14
2021 Chincoteague Bay Field Station Fee*:
Hybrid course; one week at CBFS: $650
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.
Students in this course will investigate the biological processes of the Marine
environment. Students will learn and utilize hands-on lab and field research techniques
to investigate biological questions at the molecular, organismal, community, and
ecosystem level.
At the completion of the course the student shall be able to:
1. Explain the relationship between physical and chemical properties of Marine environments and the biological processes that take place in them.
2. Describe the trophic level interactions and key representative organisms of major Marine Ecosystems.
3. Identify major marine organisms of the Mid Atlantic coast to the Phylum, Class, or Order level.
4. Establish links between environmental constraints and specific adaptations of organisms living in marine habitats.
5. Evaluate the role of humans in Marine Ecosystems.
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.
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.
Approximate Amount of Course Time in the Field:
50%
Prerequisites:
One year of Biology or consent of instructor.
NOTE: This course is intended to meet requirements for various science majors, including secondary education. All non-science majors should contact the instructor to determine the suitability of this course for their programs!
Required Textbook or Supplies:
TBD
Number of Students:
6-14
2021 Chincoteague Bay Field Station Fee*:
Hybrid course; one week at CBFS: $650
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.
