MARINE INVERTEBRATES - BIOM 462
DR. TRACY WHITFORD - EAST STROUDSBURG UNIVERSITY
Course Description:
The course is a study of the life history, habits, origin, development, physiology, anatomy, and taxonomy of the main phyla of invertebrates. A phylogenetic sequence is followed to show interrelationships among the phyla. Special emphasis is given to the Atlantic marine invertebrates. Laboratory and fieldwork deal with collection, preservation, and identification of local species. This course is periodically offered at the Marine Science field station at Wallops Island, Va., only during a summer session. Since this course also is offered for graduate credit, a differentiation of requirements will be made.
Marketable Skills Gained from This Course:
General Description of Field Activities:
The class visits a variety of habitats including salt marshes, mudflats, and open sandy beaches to observe and collect invertebrates. Field trips may also include visits to aquaculture facilities.
Approximate Amount of Course Time Spent in the Field:
20%
Prerequisites:
Any 2 courses in biology, with the exception of laboratory only courses.
Required Textbook or Supplies:
Number of Students:
6-11
2025 Chincoteague Bay Field Station Fee*:
3 week course; housing and meals included
Salicornia; $1,827
Traditional; $1,677
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.
The course is a study of the life history, habits, origin, development, physiology, anatomy, and taxonomy of the main phyla of invertebrates. A phylogenetic sequence is followed to show interrelationships among the phyla. Special emphasis is given to the Atlantic marine invertebrates. Laboratory and fieldwork deal with collection, preservation, and identification of local species. This course is periodically offered at the Marine Science field station at Wallops Island, Va., only during a summer session. Since this course also is offered for graduate credit, a differentiation of requirements will be made.
Marketable Skills Gained from This Course:
- Marine invertebrate identification
- Microscopy
- Marine invertebrate collection and preservation methods
General Description of Field Activities:
The class visits a variety of habitats including salt marshes, mudflats, and open sandy beaches to observe and collect invertebrates. Field trips may also include visits to aquaculture facilities.
Approximate Amount of Course Time Spent in the Field:
20%
Prerequisites:
Any 2 courses in biology, with the exception of laboratory only courses.
Required Textbook or Supplies:
- Invertebrates: 3rd edition by Brusca, Moore, & Schuster, Sinauer Associates Publishers. ISBN: 9781605353753
- Petersen's Field Guide to the Atlantic Seashore
Number of Students:
6-11
2025 Chincoteague Bay Field Station Fee*:
3 week course; housing and meals included
Salicornia; $1,827
Traditional; $1,677
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.
