UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AIKEN
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY AND GEOLOGY
COASTAL HEALTH AND
RESTORATION
ABIO 576 (3 credit hours)
FALL 2014
Course Policies, Procedures, and Syllabus
Instructor: Dr. Virginia Shervette
Office Location: SBDG 219A
E-mail: virginias@usca.edu
Phone: 803.641.3605
TEXTBOOK and COURSE MATERIALS
Required Text: Essentials of Oceanography, 4-6th ed., Thompson Learning, Inc., Belmont California
(can also use the 3rd edition--I recommend you find it used online)
Required Documentaries (You can view these documentaries by going to Dr. Shervette’s Lab, Purchase
the DVDs and watch them at home, utilize a streaming video service like Netflix or Amazon Prime, search
the web for other means of access):
The Blue Planet Series (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blue_Planet)
BBC Galapagos (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007y9vn/episodes/guide)
The Cove (http://www.thecovemovie.com/)
NOVA: Kings of Camouflage (watch this one online for free at: http://video.pbs.org/video/1150618835/)
End of the Line (http://www.amazon.com/End-Line-TedDanson/dp/B003F8OQUY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404692686&sr=81&keywords=The+End+of+the+Line%3A+The+World+Without+Fish)
Kingdom of the Seahorse
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. Compare current theories concerning the origin of the Earth and the waters that cover its surface.
2. Identify the features of the ocean basins and relate the structures observed to the theories of their
origin and how they affect the coastal environment.
3. Understand basic chemical oceanography in terms of properties of water, salts, and gases.
4. Describe motions in the sea in terms of their causes and their effects on the land.
5. Identify features of coastal and marine organisms such as protists, sharks, and mammals.
6. Understand the basic ecology of the coastal and marine environment.
7. Identify the causes of coastal and marine pollution, and understand the problems of containment and
alleviation.
METHODS OF PRESENTATION: Lecture videos, documentaries, and class discussions
METHODS OF EVALUATION: Quizzes (with multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer
questions); a comprehensive paper; discussion boards on current event topics; article summaries.
DISABILITIES STATEMENT: 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) 643-6816, as soon as possible. The Disabilities Services Office will determine appropriate
accommodations based on documentation.
COURSE GRADING
•
Final grades will be calculated from your scores on the following: Course Material Quizzes, Paper
on Topics in Coastal Health, current event article write-ups, participation in group discussion boards
for the current event articles, and bonus points
•
Final grades will be assigned according to your final average and will be based approximately on:
90-100 = A; 86-89 = B+; 80-85 = B; 76-79 = C+; 70-75 = C; 66-69 = D+; 60-65 = D; <60 = F.
•
Grades in the course will be determined as follows:
10% - Participation in Discussion Board concerning current events in Coastal and Marine Health
(see below for details)
20% - Article Write-ups (see below for details)
10% - Research Paper on Special Topic in Marine Conservation and Coastal Health
60% - Quizzes on Chapters, Lectures, and Documentaries
•
Each Book-Chapter-Lecture and Documentary has a Quiz that goes with it that consists of multiple
choice and short answer questions concerning the materials and are given online at our Blackboard
Website. All Quizzes are open-notes and open-book, but must be taken alone without the assistance
of others and within a specified amount of time so you should study before you take each quiz! No
makeup quizzes will be available. ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS. If you are caught
cheating on a quiz then you will receive a 0 for it. Quizzes must be completed by the dates specified
in the class schedule.
•
Article Write-Ups: Approximately six (6) articles concerning current events in Marine Sciences will
be posted in a folder on Blackboard. Each student must select four articles and do a 1-page
summary write up for those. The write-ups must be AT LEAST two full page long and to receive
full credit, you must format the paper as follows:
 12 pt Times New Roman Font
 1.5 spacing
 0.5 in margins all around spacing
 Only list the title of the article at the top on one line (do not use several lines to write
out your name, date, etc.). Save the paper electronically then upload it under the
assignments folder on Blackboard.
Article write-ups must be submitted by the deadlines indicated in the class schedule.

Article Discussion Boards: Students should read all of the current event articles. The six articles
have corresponding discussion boards set up on blackboard in order to initiate and foster student
engagement with each other and the professor in a more open format. Each student is required to
participate in at least four of these discussion boards by posting a minimum of one question for at
least four of the articles. Students must additionally respond/answer at least one comment/question
for four of the article discussions. Discussion Board Questions and Answers must be submitted by
the due dates indicated in the class schedule. Only use the initial discussion board threads started by
Dr. S for posting your questions and answers.

Research Paper on Special Topics in Coastal Health and Marine Conservation: I will post a list of
Topics for everyone to choose from in writing your research papers. If you think of something not
on the list then run it by Dr. S to make sure it is OK. The paper must be AT LEAST four pages
long. To receive full credit, you must format the paper as follows:
 12 pt Times New Roman Font
 0.5 in margins all around
 1.5 spacing
 Only list the title of the paper at the top on one line (do not use several lines to write
out your name, date, etc.). Save the paper electronically and upload it under
Assignments on Blackboard.
 Pick a specific format for citing references and use it consistently throughout the
paper.
All Research Papers must be submitted by the deadline indicated in the class schedule.
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.
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 virtually attending this class and participating in
course activities, I will act in a manner that is respectful to me, other students, the professor,
and guests.
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.