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Introduction to Marine Science Lab


Course Description

Physical, chemical, and geological characteristics of the marine environment. The effects of human activity on marine environments and resources. Emphasis on student-designed experiments to explore major physical and chemical course concepts in a collaborative learning environment.


Athena Title

Intro to Marine Science Lab


Pre or Corequisite

MARS 1010 or MARS 1011 or MARS 1011E or MARS 1015H or MARS 1030 or MARS 1030H


Semester Course Offered

Offered fall


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will learn to apply chemical, physical, and geological principles and parameters to understand issues facing marine ecosystems.
  • Students will learn to communicate marine science information, and the consequences of human activities, to various audiences.
  • Students will learn to use the scientific method to collaboratively analyze, visualize, and interpret oceanographic data to answer scientifically relevant questions.

Topical Outline

  • Marine Plankton & Phytoplankton Monitoring
  • Marine Invertebrates – Meet & Greet
  • Abiotic Factors & Asking Scientific Questions
  • Lake Herrick I: Field Sampling
  • Lake Herrick II: The Experiment
  • Lake Herrick III: Data Analysis & Graphing
  • Eutrophication Experiment I & II
  • Physiological Stress Experiment
  • Sea Level Rise & Scientific Models
  • Microplastics I & II
  • Final Project Presentations

General Education Core

CORE II: Physical Sciences

Syllabus