Natural Science in Perspective 295: Coral Reefs in Time and Space:

Microcosm of a Complex System

Fall 2015

Professor C. de Wet, Dept. of Earth & Environment

Office: HAC 104 Email: Phone: 291- 4388

Office Hours: M,W 10:00 – 11:00 am; T 3:30-4:30 pm and by appointment.

What are the scientific and societal issues addressed in this course?

-How does the reef system reflect complex interactions between biological, chemical, and physical parameters? What scientific principles are important in understanding this system?

-What role does humanity play in such a system? How have natural systems influenced human culture and society? What impacts are humans having on such systems today?

To help answer these questions the course will explore an aspect of a complex earth system - the coral reef community. This will be explored in time and space to understand its evolution and present state.

Expectations:

Each class builds upon the previous one, and it is important that you attend all classes. If you have to miss a class email the professor ahead of time. You should be focused and alert in class. Do not leave the room during class unless you have a medical emergency. Absolutely no cell phones or other electronic distractions are permitted. I use the chalkboard extensively for diagrams and illustrations, therefore, laptop computers are not particularly useful and a traditional notebook and pen will serve you better. Please leave your cell phone and laptop/tablets in your backpack or room.

You should do all readings before the class when they are due, and assignments must be turned in on the due date. Exams may not be rescheduled. No exceptions to this policy will be made without a formal communication from College Health Services, i.e. you have a short-term health leave or a medical emergency. Please read the Academic Honesty Policy and Disruptions of the Academic Process sections in the College catalog carefully as they clearly state the College’s expectations and your responsibilities.

I will respond to your email queries promptly, but not during late night hours.

Grading:

Your grade will be based on the quality of assignments and examinations. Writing and oral communication should be at college level (no typographic errors, spelling mistakes, incorrect grammar etc). I strongly urge you to visit the Writing Center. Unexcused late assignments will automatically drop down by a grade per day late (e.g. a B grade will go to a B- if it is turned in 1 day late).

Assignments:

There will be in-class writing assignments relating to the readings that are due that day. You will answer questions related to the assigned readings.

There will also be a number of “mini-labs” where you will have assignments to complete during the class period.

I will collect the writing and “mini-lab” assignments and assign a check plus, a check, or a check minus to each one. If you earn 5 check plus marks your overall class grade will improve by 3 points (i.e. an 87 will improve to a 90), 5 check minus marks will lower your final grade by 3 points, and < 5 check plus or check minus marks will leave your final grade unchanged. The in-class writing and mini-lab assignments will be covered on the exams.

In addition, there will be 2 essays (15% each) and a visual arts presentation (20%). There will be a midterm exam and a final exam, 25% each, total 50% of your grade. The due dates for all of these are on the syllabus so plan your time appropriately!

Remember that grades are not assigned, but earned.

Text Books:

- The Enchanted Braid, by Osha Gray Davidson

- Palaces Under the Sea, by Joe Strykowski & Rena Bonem

Additional readings will be assigned throughout the semester.

Syllabus - Fall 2015

Sept. W. 2:Introduction and Geographic Distribution – plate tectonics.

Enchanted Braid Ch.1 & Palaces book, Preface, Ch.3

M. 7: Applications of plate tectonics.

W. 9: Shallow marine environments & first reef builders – the

Stromatolites, Enchanted Braid –Ch. 4 & Palaces – Ch. 1

M.14: Ancient & Extinct: Tabulate and Rugose corals

Enchanted Braid Ch. 2, 7 & Palaces Ch. 6

W. 16: Field Trip to Spalding Conservancy. Wear comfortable shoes

for a 2 mile walk.

M. 21: Scleractinian corals. Enchanted Braid Ch.8,9 & Palaces – Ch. 5,

6, 7, 10

W. 23: Global reef distribution.

M. 28: Mutalism and symbiosis. Enchanted Braid Ch. 8,9 & Palaces

Ch 8,9

W. 30: Reef community interactions.

Oct. M. 5: Constructing a rigid framework – ocean chemistry and the

precipitation of calcium carbonate. Enchanted Braid – Ch. 3 &

Palaces – Ch. 2, 4.FIRST ESSAY DUE.

W. 7: Natural destructive processes; Palaces Ch. 5

M. 12 NO CLASS – FALL BREAK

W. 14: Human – Reef Interactions: reef discoveries. Palaces Ch. 11.

M. 19: Human – Reef Interactions: reef exploration, Charles Darwin,

cultural impacts; Palaces Ch. 11, Enchanted Braid Ch. 3

SECOND ESSAY DUE.

W. 21:Professor DeSanto – Marine Protected Areas. MIDTERM

EXAM REVIEW

M. 26: MIDTERM EXAM

W. 28: Reefs in written expression & Reefs in the visual arts project,

Nov. M. 2: NO CLASS – work on powerpoint presentations

W. 4: The expression of reefs in the visual arts – class presentations

M. 9: The expression of reefs in the visual arts – class presentations

W. 11: The expression of reefs in the visual arts – class presentations

M. 16. Corals as sentinels of climate change. ocean acidification.

Enchanted Braid Ch. 13, 14, 15

W. 18: Climate change & coral bleaching

M. 23: Jamaican reefs & consequences of overfishing case study,

discussion of Science article, Apo Island experiment, Enchanted

Braid Ch. 10, 12.

W. 25: NO CLASS – THANKSGIVING BREAK

M. 30. Aquarium trade and tourism. Enchanted Braid Ch. 16

Dec. W. 2: Field trip to aquarium store.

M. 7: Poverty & Resources, Enchanted Braid Ch 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,

15Palaces Ch. 11, 12;

W.9: Reefs and Public Policy – Does Society Need To

Manage/Preserve Reefs, Why or Why Not? – Revisiting the

original questions.FINAL EXAM REVIEW.

FINAL EXAM AS SCHEDULED BY THE REGISTRAR. Do not make travel plans until you know the exam date.

Mandatory Reporting of Sexual Misconduct

All faculty and staff (including currently employed students who become aware of misconduct while in their working roles) at Franklin & Marshall College are mandated reporters of sexual misconduct. Two federal laws, the Clery Act and Title IX, create this requirement. Mandated reporters who witness or hear about instances of possible sexual misconduct are required to report to the Title IX Coordinator, Jan Masland, what they saw or observed. The Title IX Coordinator will determine whether the situation constitutes an ongoing threat, and, if so, will contact the affected student before informing others of the event and possibly proceeding with an investigation. Safety is of the utmost importance to Franklin & Marshall’s faculty and staff. We want to do everything we can to prevent incidents, and to help those who have witnessed or experienced such incidents. Please contact Jan Masland at 717-358-7178 with any questions about mandated reporting of sexual misconduct.