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MARINE BOTANY - BIO 312 
DR. ANNE BOETTGER - WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY

Course Description: 
This course explores the startling diversity and environmental dynamics of micro- and macroalgae, seagrasses, mangroves, and salt marshes as well as phytoplankton (minute, free-floating photosynthetic planktonic organisms) and benthic communities (attached plants) that comprise the flourishing botanical garden submerged in and around the surface of our vast oceans. Fieldwork will focus on identification, ecology and human uses of the marine micro- and macroflora along the US East Coast. 

Marketable Skills Gained from This Course:
  • Organismal identification including the identification of morphological features and their importance in specific environments
  • Human uses of marine autotrophs other than the obvious oxygenation of the planet and the formation of the bottom of the food pyramid
  • Techniques for culturing algal species for Aqua- and Mariculture
  • Harmful algal bloom predictions and their importance in changing climates
  • Collection and preparation of Herbarium specimens, which is particularly difficult in marine algae containing heavy amounts pf mucilage
  • Teamwork, written and communication skills which are important skills, not only for Marine Biologist but for any future Scientist

​General Description of Field Activities:
Field Activities will include trips to the following environments:
  • Sandy and muddy environments, i.e. Wallops Island Beach (sheltered, sandy), Tom’s Cove (muddy, sheltered) and Assateague Beach (sandy, exposed) for collection of cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates and diatoms.
  • Rocky environments such as those found at Indian River Inlet, Ocean City Maryland (exposed, high currents) will provide habitats for species displaying capabilities of attachment including cyanobacteria, pennate diatoms and all macroalgae.
  • Saltmarshes such as those found in Assateague State Park, the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Guard Shore will introduce students to marsh ecosystem dwellers, including animals that feed on the autotrophs.
  • Seagrass beds such as those found within Chincoteague Bay to examine reproductive features of seagrasses and determine different seagrass community members.
  • Dunes, such as the ones at Savage Neck and on Assateague, will allow students to examine the transition from terrestrial vegetation to maritime forest communities to dune plants.
  • In addition, boat and kayak trips will allow the class to members of the phytoplankton and establish depth profiles and autotrophic organisms found at different depths.
​
Approximate Amount of Course Time Spent in Field:
50%

Prerequisites:      
None

Required Textbook or Supplies:     
A Field Guide to the Atlantic Seashore: From the Bay of Fundy to Cape Hatteras (Peterson Field Guides)
by KL Gosner (Author, Illustrator), RT Peterson (Editor). ISBN-10#:061800209X                                                                                                                                                           OR
Atlantic Seashore Field Guide: Florida to Canada. J. Duane Sept. Stackpole Books. ISBN-10: 0811714217


Background text: Algae. LE Graham, LW Wilcox. Benjamin Cummings. ISBN -10# 0136603335.
Marine Botany. CJ Dawes. Wiley. ISBN -10# 0471192082. (both not mandatory)


Number of Students:
​6-13


2024 Chincoteague Bay Field Station Fee*:
3 week course; housing and meals included

​
Salicornia; $1,794
Traditional; $1,644

* Does not include university tuition or fees. For specific policy on CBFS fees, click HERE. 
Register for Summer 2024
2018 Syllabus
Picture
Picture
CHINCOTEAGUE BAY FIELD STATION  | 34001 Mill Dam Road  |  Wallops Island, VA 23337  |  (757) 824-5636  |  [email protected]
  • HOME
  • University & Research
    • SUMMER COURSES >
      • REGISTRATION & FEES
      • COLLEGE SUMMER FAQ >
        • WELCOME TO CBFS
        • WHAT TO BRING
        • CAMPUS MAP
        • HEALTH & WAIVER FORM
        • POLICIES AND RULES
        • COLLEGE FACILITIES
    • FIELD TRIPS >
      • FACILITIES
      • ACTIVITIES & SITES
      • FIELD TRIP FEES
    • RESEARCH >
      • FACULTY & INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
      • STUDENT RESEARCH
    • AFFILIATE FACULTY
    • STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
    • INTERNSHIPS >
      • INTERN TESTIMONIALS
  • CAMPS
    • FAMILY CAMPS
    • YOUTH CAMPS >
      • DAY CAMPS
      • OVERNIGHT CAMPS
      • CAMP ACTIVITIES
      • FAQ
    • ADULT SUMMER CAMP
  • ROAD SCHOLAR
    • Bicycling the Eastern Shore of Virginia
    • Birding Virginia's Eastern Shore
    • Discover the Islands of Virginia's Eastern Shore
    • Kayaking the Eastern Shore
    • Share a Marine Science Adventure with your Grandchild
  • OTHER PROGRAMS
    • SCHOOL PROGRAMS >
      • GENERAL INFO
      • CLASSES
      • FAQ
      • FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
    • FRIDAY ADVENTURE SERIES >
      • FAS OCEAN ADVENTURE
      • FAS ORGANISM DISSECTION
      • FAS KAYAKING
      • FAS NOCTURNAL ADAPTATIONS HIKE
      • FAS FISH BIOLOGY
    • HOMESCHOOL
    • CUSTOM PROGRAMS
    • SCOUTS
    • OUTREACH
    • TEACHER WORKSHOPS
  • PROGRAM GUIDE
  • ABOUT US
    • STAFF/CONTACT US
    • RENTALS
    • EMPLOYMENT
    • INTERNSHIPS
    • MEMBER UNIVERSITIES
    • CAMPUS
    • DONATE NOW >
      • WAYS TO SUPPORT US