Oceans cover more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface and are our planet’s primary life support system. This course examines adaptations and interactions of plants and animals in a variety of marine habitats. Focal habitats include the photic zone of the open ocean, the deep-sea, subtidal and intertidal zones, estuaries, coral reefs and kelp forests. Emphasis is placed on the dominant organisms, food webs, and experimental studies conducted within each habitat, and the measures being taken to conserve these ecosystems. Laboratories will emphasize diversity of species in marine habitats and will highlight local coastal ecosystems. The course capstone will allow students to investigate a human impact on a marine ecosystem and propose solutions, supported by the scientific literature.

This course has a required co-requisite laboratory - BISC 210L.

Units: 1.25

Max Enrollment: 14

Prerequisites: One of the following (BISC 111, BISC 111T, BISC 113, BISC 113Y) or ES 101; or permission of the instructor.

Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences; LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory

Typical Periods Offered: Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes: