2010 Summer Course Descriptions

Session I: May 17 - June 4

MS-100 Windows to the Ocean

This is a course in marine biology designed for the non-science major. Students will be introduced to the major groups of marine organisms, diverse coastal habitats, adaptations and distribution of organisms within marine habitats, and the potential for human impact on marine organisms and the environment. Current discoveries and “hot topics” within the field of marine biology will also be discussed. Laboratory work will include hands-on experience with sampling methods and equipment from both shore-based and boat-based platforms, general identification of marine plants and animals, and first-hand observation of different coastal habitats, their residents and unique adaptations.

MS-241 Marine Biology

Designed to introduce students to each area of biology as it is applied to the study of marine organisms. Introduces the history of marine biology, marine microbiology, marine botany, marine zoology, marine biogeography, marine physiology, larval biology and embryology, and natural history. Prerequisites: One year of introductory biology.

MS-210 Intro to GIS - Contact The Marine Science Consortium if you are interested.

MS-491 Coral Reef Ecology

A study of coral reef structure, formation, types, and the relationships of reef organisms to their environment. Emphasis is given to species diversity, identification, symbioses, and effects of temperature, salinity, light, nutrient concentration, predation, and competition on the abundance and the distribution of coral reef organisms. Prerequisites: One year of biology and SCUBA and/or snorkeling experience.

Session II: June 7 - 25

MS-120 Introduction to Ecology - Ecology is the scientific study of the interactions among living organisms, and between organisms and their environments. The course will examine basic ecological patterns and processes that affect populations, communities, and ecosystems, and apply the principles of ecology to understanding selected global and local environmental problems. Laboratory and field sessions will emphasize scientific inquiry as well as ecological principles and techniques.

MS-211 Field Methods in Oceanography

Familiarizes students with the dynamic marine environment and work on board small research vessels, including the use and application of standard oceanographic instruments and sampling devices. Promotes and encourages independent research. Prerequisites: Introduction to Oceanography.

MS-325 Plant Ecology - Contact The Marine Science Consortium if you are interested.

MS-343 Marine Ichthyology

A study of the internal and external structure of fishes, their systematic and ecological relationships, and their distribution in time and space. Prerequisites: One year of general biology.

Session III: June 28 - July 16

MS-221 Marine Invertebrates 

Designed to utilize the marine invertebrate taxa to introduce students the unique specializations that animals have evolved, which allow them to successfully carry out the processes necessary for life and to exploit a wide variety of marine habitats. Major trends in invertebrate evolution will be used to illustrate the historical constraints upon these solutions and the necessity of narrative explanations of form and function in animals. It is assumed that each student has been introduced to the major taxa of animals in a prior introductory zoology course. Taxonomy will be used as a heuristic tool, but will

not be stressed as an ends in itself. Prerequisites: One year of introductory biology, including general zoology

MS-451 Coastal Environmental Oceanography

This course examines the interaction of biological, chemical, physical, geological and ecological ocean processes as applied to coastal environments. Emphasis is placed on environmental management issues of the coastal zone. Topics include water quality analysis, barrier island geology and ecology, estuarine pollution, beach defense and biological implications in areas of coastal up welling and coastal fronts. Specific cases in coastal pollution will be examined from coastal environments around the U.S., including Kepone in the James River, VA, DDT on the Palos Verde Shelf, CA, eutrophication on the North Carolina Coast, The Exxon-Valdez Oil spill and Pfiesteria in coastal waters of NC and VA. Prerequisites: Introductory Oceanography and Junior standing, or permission o the Instructor.

Session IV: July 19 - August 6

MS-321 Molecular Biology - Cancelled

MS-343 Marine Ichthyology

A study of the internal and externa structure of fishes, their systematic and ecological relationships, and their distribution in time and space. Prerequisites: One year of general biology.

MS-464 Biological Oceanography

Interdisciplinary study of the interactions between biological communities and the ocean environment as seen by distributions of coastal plankton, fish, and benthic invertebrates. Projects will involve boat trips to sample populations and to quantitatively document environmental variables with state of the art equipment, laboratory and field experiments to determine rate processes, and visits to nearby field and government laboratories. Examples of project topics include transport of plankton at barrier island passes, effect of submarine banks on fish populations, ground truth data for satellite imagery, and other current topics in biological oceanography. Prerequisites: Two semesters of introductory biology. Recommended: Introduction to Oceanography.