Course Description
Major biological processes in the water column and sediments of estuarine, coastal, and open sea environments, with emphasis on interactions of biota with marine chemical and physical processes.
Athena Title
BIOL OCEANOGR PROC
Prerequisite
Permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students who successfully complete this course will have gained a general understanding of the structure and function of oceanic ecosystems, and the methods by which bioloical oceanographers study such ecosystems. These students will also be able to critically evaluate relevant primary research papers, and to present such evaluations to a scientific audience in a clear and effective manner. Students will be evaluated by their performance on two written exams (emphasizing underlying concepts rather than recitation of facts), participation in class discussions, and presentation and discussion of two recent scientific papers relevant to a particular topic of their choice.
Topical Outline
I. The Oceanic Environment A. Physical oceanography overview B. Chemical oceanography overview II. Primary Production A. The phytoplankton B. Photosynthesis C. Primary production measurements D. Regulation of primary production E. Spatial & temporal variation in primary production F. The biological pump III. Secondary Production A. The zooplankton B. Grazing C. Grazing measurements D. Zooplankton energetics E. Zooplankton population dynamics IV. Marine Pelagic Food Webs A. The classical food web B. The microbial loop C. Bacterial production V. Benthic systems A. The benthos B. Benthic processes VI. Elemental cycles A. The carbon cycle B. The nitrogen cycle VII. Marine Fisheries
Syllabus