WINDWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ZOOL 200 (CRN 61323) Marine Biology
TR 11:15-12:30
‘Imiloa 123
INSTRUCTOR: Michelle Smith
OFFICE:
OFFICE HOURS:
EMAIL:
EFFECTIVE DATE: Spring 2011
INSTRUCTOR”S WEB PAGE FOR POWERPOINT LECTURES: http://www.wcc.hawaii.edu/facstaff/miliefsky-m/
WINDWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT
Windward Community College is committed to excellence in the liberal arts and career development; we support and challenge individuals to develop skills, fulfill their potential, enrich their lives, and become contributing, culturally aware members of our community.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
Biological, physical, and chemical characteristics, flora and fauna, and interactions of components of marine ecosystems; survey of marine environments; utilization, exploitation, pollution, and conservation of marine resources; with special emphasis on the Hawaiian marine environment. (3 hours lecture)
REQUIREMENTS COURSE SATISFIES:
· This class may satisfy the Windward Community College Associate in Arts Degree diversification requirement for a Natural Sciences biological science class (DB).
· This class may partially satisfy requirements for the Windward Community College Academic Subject Certificate in Bio-Resources and Technology, Bio-Resources Development and Management Track (Elective Set II: Environment and Ecology).
· This class may partially satisfy requirements for the University of Hawai‘i Marine Option Program Certificate as a marine survey course.
PREREQUISITES: High school biology, high school chemistry, and high school algebra, basic computer skills (internet searches, emailing, word processing).
LEARNING RESOURCES
Required Texts
· Castro, P., and M.E. Huber, 2008. Marine Biology. Seventh Edition. McGraw-Hill.
· Handouts and selected readings from various texts will also be distributed in class or through the Internet.
Recommended Texts
· Hoover, J.P., 1993. Hawaii’s Fishes: A Guide for Snorkelers, Divers, and Aquarists. Mutual Publishing, Honolulu, HI.
· Hoover, J.P., 1998. Hawaii’s Sea Creatures: A Guide to Marine Invertebrates. Mutual Publishing, Honolulu, HI.
· Gulko, D. 1998. Hawaiian Coral Reef Ecology. Mutual Publishing, Honolulu, HI.
· Gulko, D. & Eckert, K., 2004. Sea Turtles: An Ecological Guide. Mutual Publishing, Honolulu, HI.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
A solid understanding of marine biology is fundamental to the appreciation, preservation, and protection of marine environments worldwide. This course seeks to emphasize the link between marine systems, biological processes, and global health by building a working knowledge of what the field of marine biology encompasses and how various biological factors influence marine organisms and their communities. Specifically, in this course you will learn to:
· Explain the process and philosophical basis of scientific inquiry.
· Distinguish between living things and inanimate objects.
· Demonstrate an understanding of the physical and chemical characteristics of the marine environment, especially those of the Hawaiian marine environment, and how they impact marine life.
· Communicate knowledge of the diversity of marine organisms, especially Hawaiian species.
· Exhibit an appreciation of the interaction between structure and function of marine life and how marine organisms are taxonomically related.
· Illustrate and provide examples of the ecological role of and relationships between marine organisms.
· Describe the major life zones of the ocean and the adaptations of living things relevant to being a successful species in these zones.
· Recognize and suggest solutions to the negative impacts of human activities on the marine environment.
· Research and write, using the language of the field, about a marine biology topic.
COURSE CONTENT & TOPICS
Science as a Way of Knowing
Overview of the History of Marine Biology
The Characteristics of Life: The Chemical Basis of Life
The Characteristics of Life: Complexity and Organization
The Characteristics of Life: The Cell Theory and Types of Cells
The Characteristics of Life: Reproduction, Inheritance, Development
The Characteristics of Life: Interaction with the Environment and Evolution
Geography and Geology of Ocean Basins
Geologic History of the Hawaiian Islands
The Chemical and Physical Environment of the Ocean
Overview of the Diversity and Classification of Living Things
Marine Prokaryotes, Protists and Fungi
Marine Plants
Marine Invertebrates
Marine Fishes
Marine Reptiles and Birds
Marine Mammals
The Principles of Marine Ecology: Population Growth
The Principles of Marine Ecology: Species-Species Interactions
The Principles of Marine Ecology: Primary Productivity, Energy Flow, Biogeochemical
Cycles: Food Chains and Webs
The Principles of Marine Ecology: Ecological Succession
The Littoral Zone
Estuaries
Life on the Continental Shelf
Coral Reefs
The Deep Ocean Floor
Living in the Water Column: Planktonic Life
Living in the Water Column: Nekton
Human Interaction in the Sea: Resource Utilization and Management
Human Interaction in the Sea: Pollution
Skills or Competencies
Using the language and terms appropriate to the natural sciences, citing examples when appropriate, the student will describe and integrate basic biological principles and define basic biological terms presented in lecture and required texts, citing specific examples when asked for. These principles includes the following areas:
· The philosophy and characteristics of science and the scientific method.
· The difference between hypotheses, theories and laws in science
· The definition of life and how living things differ from inanimate objects.
· How living things are classified and named and the characteristics used to classify living things.
· The chemical architecture of living things and basic biochemistry (photosynthesis, respiration, fermentation) of organisms.
· The parts, their structures and functions, of cells; how prokaryotic cells differ from eukaryotic cells; and how plant and animal cells differ.
· Patterns of asexual and sexual reproduction and development. In the most general way, how genetic information is passed from parents to offspring.
· Evolution as the unifying principle of biological science; and the evidence supporting evolution and natural selection.
· The characteristics, classification and basic biology of marine prokaryotes, protists, fungi, plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates
Using the language and terms appropriate to the natural sciences, citing examples when appropriate, the student will describe and integrate basic information related to the marine environment and the organisms that inhabit it. This information includes the following:
· The general characteristics of the ocean as a habitat (e.g., the origin & structure of ocean basins, chemical & physical properties of seawater, and the characteristics of waves, tides & currents) and how it differs from other environments (land, freshwater, & air); the classification of the marine environment.
· The origin of the Hawaiian Islands and the special characteristics of Hawai‘i in relationship to its marine flora and fauna.
· The general adaptations of living things to life in the sea.
· Population growth of marine species, including the factors that may limit this growth.
· Interactions among marine species (competition, predation, symbioses, niche concept, keystone species, etc.).
· The productivity of the ocean and the trophic relationships (e.g., nutrient recycling, energy flow, food chains & webs) of marine ecosystems.
· The characteristics of the benthic environments (e.g., intertidal, shallow subtidal, abyssal benthos, hydrothermal vents & coral reefs), the organisms, and their respective adaptations, that inhabit these environments.
· The characteristics, adaptations and ecology of marine planktonic forms.
· The characteristics, adaptations and ecology of marine nekton forms (e.g., fish, whales, pinnipeds, marine birds and reptiles).
· The potential of ocean resources and the influence of human activities involving the ocean (e.g., utilization and exploitation, ocean pollution problems).
· Identification of common species of Hawaiian marine flora and fauna.
Using the language of the field, and following the format appropriate for a scientific research review paper, research and write on an approved marine biology topic.
MODE OF INSTRUCTION
The previously described objectives will be achieved through the aid of the following learning activities:
1. Assigned readings
2. Class lecture and demonstrations
3. Videos
4. Webpage resources
The material presented in all modes of instruction will be of an introductory nature but sufficient in content to allow serious study by the interested student. Assigned readings will serve to provide background and supplemental information to provide a broad base for a basic study of coral reefs. Class lectures will build upon this base, helping to focus the student to some of the more important details.
ASSESSMENT TASKS AND GRADING
ESSAY ASSIGNMENTS. The student will complete two essay assignments (at least three pages each; each essay is worth 100 points) throughout the semester. Each essay will address a question or a topic (related to information presented during the course) posed by the instructor. Specific instructions regarding these essays will be presented in class. In order to be eligible to receive full credit, each essay must be completed and submitted by its assigned due. Late assignments will be accepted up to one week following the due date, but with an automatic point penalty assessed on top of the score received (5 point deduction per day late). Essay assignments received more than one week following the due date will not be accepted for grading.
QUIZZES. The student will take six non-cumulative examinations worth 100 points each to demonstrate understanding of information presented during lectures and assigned readings. These examinations, which will be administered during a scheduled class session (see course syllabus). Exams are closed book, but the student is allowed a 1-sided 3x5’’ note card. Note cards that are double-sided will be thrown out and those larger than 3x5 will be cut down to size. NO RETESTS will be given. A student missing an examination because of an illness or legitimate emergency may take a make-up exam only during the FIRST class meeting to which the student returns. In such a circumstance, the student should make every reasonable attempt to contact the instructor before the exam is administered to the class (or as soon as possible). While make-up exams will cover the same content area as a missed exam, the exam format and specific questions may be different.
WAIKIKI AQUARIUM ASSIGNMENT. The purpose of this assignment is for you to become familiar with the marine flora and fauna of Hawaii and Pacific regions. You will also examine the relationship between an organisms form and function and its ecology. The Waikiki Aquarium displays various marine representatives under conditions that replicate many aspects of their natural habitat. A worksheet will be provided and is worth 100 points.
ATTENDANCE. Attendance is mandatory. If a class is to be missed the Instructor must be notified and as to the reason why. Attendance is worth 100 points toward your final grade. Each unexcused absence will result in a deduction of 10 points.
EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS
There are six assignments worth up to 5 percentage points for each assignment. For instance, if you received an 85% on an exam and 5 points on the extra credit. You now have a 90%. Each assignment is to be turned in on the day of the exam. They can be turned in early, but late submissions will not be accepted.
1. Attend a lecture at Waikiki Aquarium, Hanauma Bay Education Center, participate in a beach or algae cleanup… or
2. Review an article related to class content (e.g., Discover magazine, National Geographic, local paper…).
ASSIGNMENT: Review a scientific article related to class content. The article may be from any scientifically reputable periodical or publication (e.g., Discover, Time, Newsweek). Legitimate online sites such as nationalgeographic.com or newsweek.com are acceptable, but not Bob’s marine biology website. Ask your instructor if you are unsure which types of publications are acceptable. Write a 1-2 page summary-reaction paper, typed, double spaced, size 12 font. Attach article to paper (photocopy it or cut it out).
METHOD OF GRADING
The assignment of points will be according to the following protocol:
Essay Assignments (two @ 100 points each) 200 points
Lecture Quizzes (six @ 100 points each) 600 points
Waikiki Aquarium Assignment (100 points) 100 points
Attendance (100)………………………………………... 100 points
TOTAL 1000 points
Letter grades will be assigned as follows:
Grading Scale:
Total Points Grade
100-90% A
89-80% B
79-70% C
69-60% D
59- 0% F
The student should use the above grading scale to evaluate his or her performance throughout the class. If the student misses an examination because of an illness or legitimate emergency, the student must contact the instructor within 48 hours to arrange a time to take a make-up exam. The instructor may request that the student present evidence of the illness or emergency that caused the student to miss the exam. If the student misses an exam for any other reason, the student may be prohibited from taking a make-up exam, thus failing to receive any points for the missed exam. While make-up exams will cover the same content area as a missed exam, the exam format and specific questions may be different. No retests will be given for any reason.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Students involved in academic dishonesty will receive an "F" grade for the course.
Academic dishonesty includes cheating on exams and plagiarism. See page 16 of the 2006-2007 course catalog for a description of the University’s policies concerning academic dishonesty
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Students are expected to be prepared in advance when they arrive to class. Being prepared includes the following: having already read text materials (e.g., textbook readings and handouts) assigned for that day's activities; and bringing required work materials (e.g., textbook, handouts, writing supplies, etc.).
Any changes in the course schedule, such as examination dates, deadlines, etc., will be announced ahead of time in class. It is the student's responsibility to be informed of these changes.
It is the student's responsibility to be informed about deadlines critical to making registration changes (e.g., last day of erase period and last day for making an official withdrawal.
Please be considerate to other students by turning off any Cell Phone devices or Beepers during class. If yours does go off, be prepared to make amends to the entire class. The instructor will explain in more detail.
The student should understand that "INTRODUCTORY" DOES NOT MEAN "EASY". The student should not assume that the lack of prerequisites for this class ensures a low level of difficulty for this course. While the instructor assumes that students enrolled in ZOOL 200 have little or no science backgrounds, the students should expect a level of difficulty comparable to other 200-level science classes. When difficult concepts and detailed information are presented, it is the student's responsibility to take the appropriate steps to learn and understand these concepts and information.
Science courses at W.C.C. generally require two to three hours of independent private study time for each hour in class (depends upon the student's science background). It is the student's responsibility to allocate the appropriate time needed for study in an environment conducive to quality study. The student must budget time efficiently and be realistic about all personal and professional commitments that consume time.
HOW TO SUCCEED IN THIS CLASS
Understanding biological science involves understanding many difficult concepts and vocabulary, not just knowing facts. The student should know that the details to these concepts are important. In addition, the student will be introduced to hundreds of new words. In some cases, words that are familiar in a context other than biology will be introduced in the context of biology. The student will need to understand and use these terms in a biological science context.