Broadreach Marine Biology Caribbean

Marine Biology Voyage Syllabus Broadreach

Credit Information: Department: Natural Science Course #: LNSCI 2004 College credit hours: 2 Prerequisites: None Course Description: The ocean covers more than 70% of Earths surface and contains nearly 99% of the planets available living space. Within this realm, many unique and diverse species collectively help to create a complex world of interacting communities. Perhaps the most diverse and beautiful of these marine communities are found in tropical environments. This course will examine the biology and ecology of tropical marine communities and illustrate research techniques and equipment that marine biologists commonly use. Contact hours: 50 Academic Lectures and discussions 22 hours Guest Lectures and discussions 5 hours Marine Park Service work 10 hours Snorkeling, diving and marine surveys 13 hours Course Objectives/Outcomes: By completion of the course, each student will demonstrate: a greater understanding of the oceans and marine life. an appreciation for the importance of life in the oceans to the history of life on the planet. the ability to identify and describe the diversity of life found in the oceans an understanding of how individuals, populations and communities interact with each other and their physical environment an appreciation of the fragility of marine communities and an understanding of the major threats to the health of these communities an understanding of how marine biologists conduct research in the field and in labs in order to better understand ecological and evolutionary relationships experience conducting group research in marine ecology experience collecting, analyzing and interpreting data so that it may be presented in a scientifically acceptable format. Students will: Participate in ongoing data collection project for REEF, Reefcheck and CoralWatch Become familiar with the recent trend of integrative scientific studies of marine ecosystems Learn to utilize scientific data analysis techniques, including field observations Volunteer with local marine parks and conservation efforts

Grading: Midterm: 25% Final: 35%

Broadreach Marine Biology Caribbean Journal (10 total entries): 20% Field Work Participation: 20% Assessments: Exams: There will be two exams given during this course, a midterm and a final. Exams may consist of multiple choice, matching, short answer, essay, and skills-based questions. They will require identification or explanation of concepts that have been discussed in class, journal assignments and /or illustrated during practical field work. Journals: Students will complete 10 journal entries throughout the course. The journal topics are designed to encourage students to incorporate the broader themes of the course into short reflective essays. Journals are graded on organization, quality of reflection, length, and how well the answer is supported by additional information. Journals are typically due 24 hours after being assigned. Field Work and Participation: Field work will be graded on student effort with assisting in collecting and analyzing data, including controlling variables and interpreting their data collection. Required Text for Students:
Castro & Huber. 2007. Marine Biology 7th Edition. McGraw-Hill Publishing

Broadreach Marine Biology Caribbean

Academic Overview:
Day 2: Lesson #1: Course outline / Leeward Islands Assignment: Syllabus, Chapter 1 (Pages 1-2) Experiential: Local Reef Animal Identification NO Journal Entry Day 3: Lesson #2: Ocean Properties I Assignment: Chapter 3 (Pages 40-48) Chemical and Physical Features of Seawater and the World Ocean NO Journal Entry Day 4: Lesson: Ocean Properties II Assignment: Chapter 3 (Pages 48-62) Chemical and Physical Features of Seawater and the World Ocean Journal Entry #1: Day 5: Lesson: Marine Life Origins Assignment: Chapter 4 & 10 (Pages 66-71, 78-83, 220-225) Journal Entry #2: Day 6: Lesson: Primary Production Assignment: Chapters 5-6 (Pages 93-113) Experiential: Seagrass Communities Journal Entry #3 Day 7: Lesson: Coral Biology Assignment: Chapters 7 & 14 (Pages 118-122, 303-312) Experiential: Coral Identification Journal Entry #4 Day 8: Lesson: Coral Reefs Assignment: Chapter 14 (Pages 312-326) Experiential: REEF survey Training Midterm Day 10: Lesson: Invertebrate Biology Assignment: Chapters 7, 11, 15 (Pages 115-149, 242-263, 331-336) Experiential: Invertebrate Identification Day 11:

Broadreach Marine Biology Caribbean Lesson: Fish Biology Assignment: Chapter 18 (Pages 418-419) Experiential: Wreck Dive / Investigation Journal Entry #5 Day 12: Lesson: Fish Diversity Assignment: Chapter 8 (Pages 151-166) Experiential: Fish Dissection Journal Entry #6 Day 13: Lesson: Artificial Reefs Assignment: Chapter 8, 10, 16 (Pages 167-175, 211-219, 359-377) Experiential: REEF Surveys Journal Entry #7 Day 14: Lesson: Marine Reptiles & Seabirds Assignment: Chapter 9 (Pages 177-180) Experiential: Turtle Conservation / Turtle Patrols Day 15: Lesson: Marine Mammals Assignment: Chapter 9 (Pages 185-209) Journal Entry #8 Day 16: Lesson: Marine Threats & Conservation Assignment: Chapter 18 (Pages 402-419) Journal Entry #9 Day 17: Lesson: Marine Reserves Assignment: No Reading Assignment Experiential: Visit Saba Marine Park Journal Entry #10 Day 18: Lesson: Review Assignment: Review All Readings Day 19: Lesson: Review Assignment: Review All Readings Final Exam Day 20: Course Wrap Up

Broadreach Marine Biology Caribbean