BIO 234 - Marine Biology

Most of our planet consists of marine environments and marine organisms represent most of living biodiversity. This course explores the biology of marine organisms and environments, especially concepts related to ecology, evolution, and organismal biology. Ecological concepts will be explored, including productivity, transformations of matter and energy, and factors that affect community structure/biodiversity. Evolutionary concepts will also be a major focus, including phylogenetics using marine examples, evolutionary mechanisms, and how morphology of marine organisms relates to the unique considerations and constraints of life in the sea. Additionally, pressing issues of global change that affect our oceans will be discussed, including climate change and ocean acidification, especially in the context of how that interacts with marine ecology and organisms. In completing this course, students will gain further experience in reading primary literature, evaluating and interpreting scientific studies, and communicating science.

Satisfies Biology major requirement.

Satisfies Environmental Studies major and interdisciplinary minor requirement (NS depth requirement in Natural Science, NS breadth requirement in Social Science and Humanities tracks)

Prerequisites & Notes
BIO 112/114 or permission of the instructor.