BIOSM 3830 Field Marine Invertebrate Biology

Course description

An introduction to the biology and diversity of the major marine invertebrate groups, with an emphasis on field and laboratory techniques. Topics and methods include functional morphology through dissection, qualitative and quantitative biotic inventory, intertidal and shallow subtidal collecting (including dredging), zonation, biotic interactions, life histories, and behavior. Mollusks, crustaceans, echinoderms, and worms will be covered in depth; other phyla will be discussed as they are encountered in the field. In addition to field and laboratory assignments, students will develop original short-term research projects that demonstrate skills in research design, data collection and analysis, presentation, and preparation for publication. Appledore Islanda??s unique location and varied temperate shallow-water habitats provide an excellent venue for the encounter of freshly collected, in situ representatives of more than 200 species during the 2-week course.

Outcome 1: Through the directed study of selected marine invertebrates in a field setting, and by working as a class, in small groups, and individually in field and laboratory settings, students will develop the skills to design and complete a research project, including defining objectives, designing protocol, making course corrections, analyzing data, and presenting results in oral and written forms; master techniques of documented observation; master techniques of marine animal care in the laboratory; master techniques of field and laboratory experimentation; master techniques in qualitative and quantitative biotic inventory.

Prerequisites

one semester of college-level biology or equivalent

Previously offered classes