Exploration of marine life, with emphasis on diversity and ecological function of communities in different marine habitats (from shallow waters to the deep ocean). How marine communities interact the ocean environment and influence global cycles. Connecting marine ecological processes and scientific understanding to human wellbeing and economic prosperity.
Athena Title
Biology of the Marine Environ
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in MARS 1020, MARS 1025H
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and summer
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to describe how biologists use the scientific method to understand life in the ocean.
Students will be able to identify general groups of marine organisms and describe strategies for survival and reproduction.
Students will be able to characterize environmental constraints of different ocean habitats and accurately predict which groups of organisms will be found in them.
Students will be able to assess and communicate how human activities influence ocean ecosystems and vice versa.
Topical Outline
The course begins with an overview of useful concepts in marine biology and ecology. This serves as the foundation needed to understand life in the ocean and the effects of human activity on the marine environment and marine resources. The students then learn about the different organisms found in the marine environment - starting with single celled microbes and working up to large, charismatic animals like whales. In the second half of the course, students learn how these groups are connected in different types of marine ecosystems and how they are impacted by human activities. This course satisfies the Environmental Awareness requirement and is is subdivided into the following content modules:
Module 1: Welcome and introduction to the course
Module 2: Introduction to Marine Biology, Ecology, and the Scientific Method
Module 3: Biological and Ecological Principles necessary to understand ocean life
Module 4: The Ocean Chemical and Physical Environment
Module 5: Microbes and Primary Producers
Module 6: Marine Invertebrates
Module 7: Marine Vertebrates I – Marine Fishes
Module 8: Marine Vertebrates II – Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals
Module 9: Intertidal zone and Estuaries
Module 10: Continental Shelf and Surface Open Ocean
Module 11: Coral Reefs
Module 12: Deep Ocean
Module 13: Resources from the Ocean and Human Impacts
Module 14: Future Marine Ecosystems and Overview
