BIOL 384 - Marine Biology

The ocean covers approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface. It is home to an incredible diversity of species from unicellular bacteria to whales. Such diversity exemplifies the variety of habitats that differ in abiotic and biotic factors that determine the niche of each species. Thus, many species have evolved in different ways to survive in a complex, multidimensional environment.

The ocean environment provides us with food, medicine, recreation, transport, and many other resources. However, overutilization of these resources has resulted in habitat destruction and species extinction. With the threat of accelerated climate change, research and conservation efforts are as important as ever, to protect existing and yet to be discovered species. Marine Biology is a multidisciplinary course that includes physics, chemistry, geography, ecology, and conservation.

This course will examine how marine organisms live and survive in their habitats through dissections, experiments, field trips, lectures, literature discussions, presentations, and reports.

Pre-req: BIOL 251
Co-req: BIOL 384L
Cross-listed with ENVS 384
4 credits

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