UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AIKEN
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY AND GEOLOGY
COASTAL HEALTH AND
RESTORATION
ABIO 576 (3 credit hours)
FALL 2012
Course Policies, Procedures, and Syllabus
Tues and Thurs 3:05-4:20
Meeting Place:
SBDG 200
Instructor: Dr. Virginia Shervette
Office Location: SBDG 219A
Office Hours: Weds by appointment
E-mail: virginias@usca.edu
Phone: 803.641.3605
TEXTBOOK and COURSE MATERIALS
There is no single textbook that addresses the entire scope of appropriate topics for this course. The first
several weeks will be spent on covering some basic topics in oceanography so I strongly recommend you
purchase a used copy online of Essentials of Oceanography (any addition from 3rd up) by Tom Garrison.
From that book we will cover 10-11 chapters.
Additional course materials will be posted regularly on Blackboard under Course Documents. Make sure
you keep up with these materials and come prepared to class.
COURSE OBJECTIVES and LEARNING OUTCOMES
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to provide science majors with a comprehensive
understanding of coastal ocean ecosystems and the effects that humans can have on this dynamic and
delicate natural environment. We will first cover some basics of marine science so that you will have a
solid foundation to build upon. Then we will cover the impacts that human activities have on coastal
ecosystems and processes. We will also study how the coastal zone is managed and regulated to protect and
maximize environmental resources.
By the end of the term, successful students should be able to do the following.
1. Understand what coastal pollution is and how it is harmful at multiple levels of biological
organization.
2. Describe what the root sources and causes of pollution are.
3. Identify what happens to pollutants (chemical, biological, and physical) when they enter the
environment.
4. Understand management and regulation of pollution in the coastal zone.
METHODS OF PRESENTATION: Lecture, videos, presentations, and class discussions
METHODS OF EVALUATION: Exams (with multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer
questions); a comprehensive paper; and a presentation of the paper topic.
COURSE GRADING and EXAMS
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Final grades will be calculated from your scores on the following: The four 100 point exams, and the
student paper/presentation (100).
Final grades will be assigned according to your final average and will be based approximately on the
following scale: 90-100 = A; 86-89 = B+; 80-85 = B; 76-79 = C+; 70-75 = C; 66-69 = D+; 60-65 =
D; <60 = F.
To calculate your grade you would use the following formula:
(Exam 1 + Exam 2 + Exam 3 + Exam 4 + Paper/presentation + Bonus points)/5 x 100
= Final Average
ATTENDANCE and PARTICIPATION
1. This is a college course and covers a great deal of material! The reading materials are essential and
can help explain lecture material you may not fully understand. I will not cover all of the text in
class, but you will understand lectures better if you read the assigned text sections before you come
to class, and you will do better on tests if you keep up with the reading. In addition, I will provide
information in lecture that will supplement your reading materials. You will be expected to know
this additional material for lecture quizzes, so it is imperative that you attend lectures to do well in
this class.
2. No make-up exams will be given for missed lecture quizzes except under extreme situations (see
your Student Handbook).
3. Students are expected to attend lectures.
4. You are strongly encouraged to make appointments with your instructor if you are having problems
in the course. You may make an appointment or drop in if I am not busy with another student.
5. Upon prior approval, you will be allowed to use an electronic device to record lectures if the
recording device is placed at the front lecture desk. However, the use of any other portable
electronic devices, including cell phones, pagers, MP3 players, iPods, etc., during class or lab is not
permitted. If you have any of these devices in your possession during class, they must be turned off
and stowed away for the duration of the class period.
6. If you have a physical, psychological, and/or learning disability which might affect your
performance in this class, please contact the Office of Disability Services, 134 B&E, (803) 6436816, as soon as possible. The Disabilities Services Office will determine appropriate
accommodations based on documentation.
HONOR CODE AND CHEATING
HONOR CODE: In our hearts we know that cheating is wrong. It is the responsibility of every student
at the University of South Carolina Aiken to adhere steadfastly to truthfulness and to avoid dishonesty,
fraud, or deceit of any type in connection with any academic program. Any student who violates this Honor
Code or who knowingly assists another to violate this Honor Code shall be subject to discipline.
By signing your name to an assignment, quiz, or test you are acknowledging that you will adhere to The
Honor Code at USCA. This class is designed to benefit you, the student. Please do not allow yourself to
succumb to any form of cheating. Suspicion of cheating will be reported automatically to Academic
Integrity. Cheating on an Exam will result in an F in the course.
Date
23 Aug Thurs
Lecture Schedule
Topic
Introduction to Class; Origin of the Ocean
28 Aug Tues
Earth Structure and Plate Tectonics
30 Aug Thurs
Basins
4 Sep Tues
Sediments
6 Sep Thurs
Water
11 Sep Tues
Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulation
13 Sep Thurs
Waves and Tides
18 Sep Tues
Coasts
20 Sep Thurs
Exam 1
25 Sep Tues
Human Populations and Population Growth
27 Sep Thurs
Estuaries and Estuarine Ecosystems
2 Oct Tues
Coastal Resources 1
4 Oct Thurs
Coastal Resources 2
9 Oct Tues
Coastal Resource Management and Regulation
11 Oct Thurs
Uses and Abuses
16 Oct Tues
Sustainable Seafood
18 Oct Thurs
Exam 2
23 Oct Tues
Aquaculture
25 Oct Thurs
Poisoned Waters Documentary
30 Oct Tues
Water Pollution
1 Nov Thurs
Climate Change and the Oceanic Environment
6 Nov Tues
NO CLASS (Election Day)
8 Nov Thurs
Coral Reefs
13 Nov Tues
Exam 3
15 Nov Thurs
Coastal/Marine Restoration
20 Nov Tues
Special Topics-Student Presentations
22 Nov Thurs
NO CLASS (Thanksgiving Break)
27 Nov Tues
Special Topics-Student Presentations
29 Nov Thurs
Special Topics-Student Presentations
4 Dec Tues
Special Topics-Student Presentations
6 Dec Thurs
Review
11 Dec
Final Exam 2 pm
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF READING THE SYLLABUS
In your natural handwriting copy out the following statement in the space provided below:
I have read the ABIO 576 syllabus and understand the policies on lecture, lab, grading,
exams, attendance, quizzes, honor code, and cheating. I have also read and understand the
additional course information. While physically attending this class, I will act in a manner
that is respectful to me, other students, the professor, and guest speakers.
Write out statement below:
Signature: _________________________________
Name printed:_______________________________
Date: ______________________
*You will not receive credit for this course until you have completed and turned in this acknowledgement.