Course description

The last 30 years have produced an explosion of new information on the biology of the approximately 1,000 living species of sharks, skates, rays, and chimaeras, which collectively make up the group Chondrichthyes. This course will cover advanced topics in the evolution, diversity, anatomy, functional morphology, neurobiology, sensory systems, behavior, reproduction, development, and conservation of cartilaginous fishes.

Outcome 1: Students will be able to describe elasmobranch phylogeny and evolution.

Outcome 2: Students will be able to explain how evolution has resulted in a wide variety of elasmobranch anatomical, physiological and morphological specializations.

Outcome 3: Students will develop skills and research methods used to advance understanding of shark biology, ecology and conservation.

Outcome 4: Students will be able to cite current and past shark research, and study elasmobranch species in the Gulf of Maine.

Students will live at Shoals Marine Lab, Appledore Island, Gulf of Maine, during this course.

Prerequisites

At least one semester of major-level marine biology or vertebrate biology; or permission of instructor.

Summer 2025: