Course Goals: Ecology of Marine Organisms —Biology 601

One definition of ecology is “the study of the abundance and distribution of organisms.” In this course we will explore the physical conditions and the biological interactions that determine these abundances and distributions in marine environments. Our investigation of the ecology of marine organisms will include microbes, “plants” (including algae), invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Research success in science (including marine ecology) is largely a function of one’s ability to 1) synthesize existing knowledge and identify new problems and approaches, 2) “do” science, 3) make insightful contributions during group discussions (meetings, panels, etc.), and 4) write effective grant proposals. This course is designed to foster these abilities.

Lecture

All students should have had at least a 300-level general ecology course prior to 601. Therefore this course is designed to expand upon the undergraduate ecology experience and to make relevant to marine biology. This entails 1) a nearly 100% marine focus, 2) adding modeling and quantitative aspects, and 3) exposure to less familiar taxa (e.g., marine microbes, invertebrates). I also try to train students in certain general skills required to succeed in science, including proposal writing and discussions (leading and participation).

Lab

Main objectives of the lab portion of the course include:

  1. introduce students to local marine/estuarine habitats and common organisms,
  2. expose students to techniques used in ecological field experiments and sampling,
  3. research grant proposal writing and peer review, and
  4. scientific writing in the form of lab reports.