MARINE BIOLOGY - BIO 226
DR. CHRIS SMYTH - KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY
Course Description:
A study of the major groups of marine organisms, their adaptations and distribution within the marine environment.
At the completion of the course the student shall be able to:
1. Identify major groups of marine organisms at the level of Phylum, Class or Order as appropriate.
2. Categorize marine organisms by lifestyle.
3. Discuss specific adaptations (morphological, physiological and/or behavioral) that allow organisms to survive in the marine environment.
4. Describe the trophic level interactions between the plants and animals of various marine communities.
5. List the major physical factors that affect the distribution of marine organisms.
6. Describe ways in which human activities impact marine organisms.
Marketable Skills Gained from This Course:
General Description of Field Activities:
Approximate Amount of Course Time in the Field:
40%
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:
Required: Levinton, J.S., Marine Biology: Function, Biodiversity, Ecology, 5th Ed.
ISBN: 9780190625276
Note that you will not be expected to read and master all the chapters from the required text, but you will be held responsible for targeted parts of each chapter as assigned. Additional guidance will be provided in lecture each week.
Recommended: Gosner, K. L. (1978) Peterson’s Field Guide to the Atlantic Seashore New York: Houghton Mifflin Co.
ISBN 061800209X
Number of Students:
8-14
Chincoteague Bay Field Station Fee*:
Salicornia: $1,179
Traditional: $1,079
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.
A study of the major groups of marine organisms, their adaptations and distribution within the marine environment.
At the completion of the course the student shall be able to:
1. Identify major groups of marine organisms at the level of Phylum, Class or Order as appropriate.
2. Categorize marine organisms by lifestyle.
3. Discuss specific adaptations (morphological, physiological and/or behavioral) that allow organisms to survive in the marine environment.
4. Describe the trophic level interactions between the plants and animals of various marine communities.
5. List the major physical factors that affect the distribution of marine organisms.
6. Describe ways in which human activities impact marine organisms.
Marketable Skills Gained from This Course:
- Identification of common marine organisms
- Correct use of sampling techniques for shore communities
- Ability to explain the complex web of biotic and abiotic factors central to healthy oceans
General Description of Field Activities:
- Laboratory work will include methods of sampling, identification, and experimental manipulations.
- Measuring physical parameters (water clarity, salinity, temperature, beach inclination, sediment characteristics).
- Sampling biological communities (trawling, seining, plankton tows, use of species identification keys and guides).
Approximate Amount of Course Time in the Field:
40%
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:
Required: Levinton, J.S., Marine Biology: Function, Biodiversity, Ecology, 5th Ed.
ISBN: 9780190625276
Note that you will not be expected to read and master all the chapters from the required text, but you will be held responsible for targeted parts of each chapter as assigned. Additional guidance will be provided in lecture each week.
Recommended: Gosner, K. L. (1978) Peterson’s Field Guide to the Atlantic Seashore New York: Houghton Mifflin Co.
ISBN 061800209X
Number of Students:
8-14
Chincoteague Bay Field Station Fee*:
Salicornia: $1,179
Traditional: $1,079
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.
