BIOL 0015. Marine Biology
Units: 4
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
An introduction to the basic biological and ecological properties of major saltwater environments, including the conservation of and human impacts on marine resources. Designed for both science and non-science majors. Laboratory hours may be partially fulfilled by required field trips. Hiking and boat travel may be necessary. (CSU, UC)
BIOL 0015 - Marine Biology
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/biol-0015/
Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory) Description: An introduction to the basic biological and ecological properties of major saltwater environments, including the conservation of and human impacts on marine resources. Designed for both science and non-science majors. Laboratory hours may be partially fulfilled by required field trips. Hiking and boat travel may be necessary. (CSU, UC) Units 4 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory 54 By Arrangement Contact Hours 108 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Analyze the physical and biological factors shaping the evolution of adaptations in marine organisms. Explain the role of geological and chemical processes in structuring the marine environment. Evaluate the impacts of human activities on marine and intertidal ecosystems. Course Content Outline Lecture Content Outline: 1. Introduction to marine biology (scientific method, principles of ecology, principles of geology as applied to marine environments, etc.) 2. Ocean movements and chemical properties (water chemistry, tides, gyres, waves, upwellings, effects of water movement on intertidal zones and other environments, etc.) 3. Energy cycling (primary productivity, food webs of marine and intertidal communities, effects of ocean depth on energy cycles, etc.) 4. Marine and intertidal communities (limiting factors affecting communities, organismal adaptations, role of biogeography in shaping communities, etc.) 5. Human effects on marine and intertidal ecosystems (economic factors, harvesting of marine resources, effects of increasing human population, conservation, etc.) Laboratory Content Outline: 1. Scientific method 2. Plankton 3. Macroalgae 4. Sponges and cnidarians 5 Annelids and arthropods 6. Molluscs 7. Echinoderms 8. Fish 9. Marine mammals 10. Intertidal sampling 11. Human impacts on environment 12. Observation and identification in the field Course Objectives Course Objectives Course objectives are linked to items from the Course Content Outline (in parentheses). Lecture Course Objectives: 1. Explain the fundamental concepts of marine biology and ecology. (#1) 2. Distinguish between the various geological processes impacting ocean topography. (#1, #2) 3. Identify factors affecting the global variations in water chemistry and temperature. (#1, #2) 4. Evaluate the causes and impacts of various types of water movement on marine and intertidal ecosystems. (#2) 5. Outline the factors affecting the adaptations and evolution of organisms in the various marine and intertidal ecosystems. (#2, #3, #4) 6. Assemble a list of representative organisms for the various marine and intertidal ecosystems and explain their ecological roles. (#1, #3, #4) 7. Diagram a simple marine food web, evaluate the impact of primary productivity on a food web, and compare and contrast food webs from various marine and intertidal ecosystems. (#3, #4) 8. Evaluate the economic and conservation significance of marine and intertidal ecosystems. (#5) 9. Synthesize current knowledge to describe the impact of humans on marine and intertidal ecosystems. (#5) Laboratory Course Objectives: 1. Develop, implement and test a scientific hypothesis. (#1, #10, #12) 2. Identify marine and intertidal organisms representative of major taxonomic groups using keys and field guides. (#3-#10, #12) 3. Compare and contrast the key characteristics and ecological roles of the major groups of marine and intertidal organisms. (#2-#9) 4. Observe the correlations between structure and function in organisms. (#2-#9, #12) 5. Explore the impacts of human activities on marine and intertidal ecosystems. (#1, #10-#12) 6. Construct a protocol for sampling intertidal environments. (#10, #12) Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Essay Examinations Objective Examinations Problem Solving Examinations Projects Reports Reading Assignments 1. Read an article on a topic pertinent to the course (e.g. status of sea otters in California, impact of atmospheric carbon dioxide on ocean chemistry, etc.) and use that information to answer questions (in writing or verbally in class), respond to an essay prompt, or to supplement material presented in lecture. 2. Read the chapter in the textbook about the current impacts of climate change on marine environments and use that information to compare/contrast with the past impacts of climate change. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Review a guide to sustainable seafood choices. Based on that, research and then describe the current status of a species that is considered sustainable and a species that is not sustainable in a short written report (1-3 pages). 2. Participate in a strategy game or simulation (e.g. Fish Banks) that involves the use of marine resources. At the end of the activity summarize the decision making processes that occurred during the game, and the impact of those decisions on the ecosystem. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) 1. Maintain a field journal documenting experiences and observations on class field trips. A field journal can consist of a combination of narrative, data, diagrams, maps, and/or sketches. 2. Write a research paper that provides a focused view of the ecology and conservation status of a marine species, and then use that paper as the basis of a presentation (oral/visual) to the class. Methods of Instruction Laboratory Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID)
...0032A BIOL 110B BIOL 0005 BIOL 120B BIOL...0270 BUS 140 IT 0015 CDEV 100 HDEV...
