This course focuses on relevant issues facing our ocean ecosystems through the lens of biology and the scientific method. Students develop skills important for becoming critical consumers of information about the oceans. Students will explore how the oceans impact their everyday lives and society in general.
Athena Title
Biology of the Marine Environ
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in MARS 1021E, MARS 1025H
Corequisite
MARS 1020L
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to apply biological concepts to understand issues facing the ocean.
Students will be able to use the scientific method to understand real-world problems facing the ocean.
Students will be able to evaluate societally-relevant issues through active engagement with current relevant problems impacting the oceans.
Students will be able to communicate how the oceans impact their every day life and society.
Students will be able to appreciate ocean ecosystems and learn how their actions affect marine conservation.
Topical Outline
Unit 1: Fisheries
- Nature of science
- Plankton
- Goliath Grouper Stakeholder Debate
- Oysters - Stakeholders
- Georgia fisheries: Shrimp, blue crabs and jellyfish
- Aquaculture – Oyster dissection
- Fish Biology
- Athens seafood sustainability: Menu activity
- Social aspects of the fishing industry
- Management and conservation efforts
Unit 2: Marine ecosystems and their conservation
- Marine mammals
- Marine biology in the news
- Sea turtles
- Sea turtle conservation activity
- Georgia barrier islands dynamics and conservation
- Sea-level rise model activity
- Shorebirds
- Adaptations to life at sea
- Merlin Bird ID Activity
- Sex in the ocean
Unit 3: Marine Sciences and Society
- Deep-sea and you
- Deep-sea mining stakeholder debate
- Fascinating Deep-sea Creatures
- Guest lecture: Graduate student research
- Plastics and microplastics in the ocean
- Squid dissection (ethics)
- Service-learning activity
- Marine science & art
- Ocean habitats
- Uplifting news: Presentation activity
- Biodiversity campus scavenger hunt
