Biology 4280
MWF 10-10:50am
Professor: Dr. Jennifer Ciaccio
Phone: 652-7779
Marine Biology
Science Room 127
Spring 2012
3 Credits
Office: Science 122
Office Hours: 1-2:30 pm MTWF
Email: ciaccio@dixie.edu
About this course
Marine biology is an introductory course for students in the physical and biological sciences. This course
will cover the global oceans with an introduction to oceanography and ocean processes; major marine
ecosystems, with an emphasis on the Pacific Coast of California; marine ecology, emphasizing energy
flow, populations and community structure and formation; and human impacts on the seas by
considering positive and negative human activities that alter or enhance marine resources and
environments.
Course Objectives
After successfully completing this course, students will be able to
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Identify and classify the major classes of marine organisms.
Discuss the physiological adaptations of marine organisms.
Discuss the ecological and economic importance of marine organisms.
Critically read and evaluate primary literature on marine biology topics.
Design and implement scientifically sound experiments.
Analyze and interpret data and draw logical conclusions from that data.
Disseminate data and conclusions in scientifically appropriate manners.
Field Trip
There will be a 4-5 day-long field trip during Spring Break to coastal areas of southern
California. Attendance on this trip is mandatory and will result in the completion of a field
project. The specifics of the field trip and project will be discussed later.
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Grading Policy
You may expect the following grade based on percent of points earned:
A = 93-100%
B = 83-86.9%
C = 73-76.9%
A- = 90-92.9%
B-= 80-82.9%
C- = 70-72.9%
B+=87-89.9%
C+=77-79.9%
D+ = 67-69.9%
D = 63-66.9%
D-= 60-62.9%
F= 0-59.9%
Graded Assignments
Presentation --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 100
Discussion Leading-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 100
In-Class Discussion Participation -------------------------------------------------------------------- 200
On-line Discussion Threads --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 200
Topic Review Paper------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 100
Field Project ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 100
Final (Experiment) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 100
Total-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 900
Presentation
Each student will be responsible for giving one 10-15 minute powerpoint presentation on their
assigned topic. An outline for the topic will be supplied at least one week prior to the
presentation’s scheduled date. Presentations are expected to be concise, clear, and
informative. The first few topics will be covered by Dr. Ciaccio as a model.
Journal Articles and In-Class Discussions
There will be daily primary source readings that each student will be expected to intelligently
discuss during class. A recent experimental paper will be chosen by the student Discussion
Leader. The Discussion Leader is expected to choose an appropriate experimental paper to
discuss, understand the chosen article, and lead the discussion by encouraging participation by
asking others their thoughts, opinions, etc. The Discussion Leader should not monopolize the
discussion, but should ensure that the discussion is not being monopolized by others and
should give everyone a chance to participate. Participation by class members in discussions will
be graded.
On- line Discussion Threads
On the first day of class, each student will be assigned groups of marine organisms to research.
Each week, three topics are discussed in class. The Friday prior to the discussions of these
topics, students will post information to a discussion thread on blackboard pertaining to how
the topics at hand relates to their organism. Information about organism can come from any
credible source (texts, journal articles, college or government websites, etc.) and must be cited.
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In addition, prior to class, students must review all other postings and comment intelligently on
at least two other students’ posting (as well as answering any questions posted to their thread).
Topic Review Paper
Students will be assigned a topic in the beginning of the semester. They will write a 5-7 page
paper (double spaced, 10-12 pt. font, 1 inch margins all around, not including references) on
the topic using only scientific journal articles as source material (at least 10). The paper will
either be an overview of how the topic relates to many different types of fish or a very detailed
review of one type of fish. The paper is due on October 31.
Students needing Accommodations
If you suspect or are aware that you have a disability that may affect your success in the course
you are strongly encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) located in the
North Plaza Building. The disability will be evaluated and eligible students will receive assistance
in obtaining reasonable accommodations. Phone # 435-652-7516
College Withdrawal Policy
Students may drop or audit courses through January 31st without receiving a “W.” Dropping
after this time requires approval from the Academic Appeals Committee (forms available in the
Advisement Office).
Library Services
Students will be oriented during a scheduled class period about the available services. For help,
see assignment guide at: http://library.dixie.edu/courses/subjectguides.html
Writing Center
See the on-line writing center at: http://dsc.dixie.edu/owl/. We will review the citation style to
be used for papers in class.
Students are warned that plagiarism results in a failing grade “F” for the entire course (if you
are unsure what constitutes plagiarism, go to: http://dsc.dixie.edu/owl/ or see:
http://www.utoronto.ca/writing/plagsep.html )
Tutoring Center
Drop-In Tutoring allows students to work on assignments independently while having the
opportunity to have tutor assistance when needed. Peer tutors are available Monday through
Friday during designated hours. Students are encouraged to visit the Tutoring Center to pick up
a Drop-In Tutoring Schedule that lists specific times and subjects. (Check the Drop-In Schedule
regularly because times and subjects offered may change during the course of a semester.)
Each time you come in for Drop-In Tutoring, you must present a valid Dixie State College
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student identification card to the receptionist. The receptionist will sign you in and keep your
card until you leave the Tutoring Center.
Academic integrity
Plagiarism, or claiming the work of others as your own, is considered cheating. Furthermore if
a student is observed looking on another student’s exam, quiz or assignment; talking to another
student during an exam or quiz; using notes or books not authorized for use during an exam or
quiz; or in any other manner not observing the “code of conduct” as written in the Dixie College
catalog, disciplinary action will be undertaken.
For the following course policies, exceptions are subject to the instructor’s discretion:
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If a student is participating in a Dixie State College Official event that conflicts with the
schedule, they must see the instructor IN ADVANCE of their missing the deadlines to
arrange alternative dates.
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You are in college and will be respected as an adult. Disruption or other discipline
problems are not tolerated; any person not respecting the rest of the class will be
removed.
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It is expected that students will attend each class period.
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Tentative Schedule
Date
01/09
01/11
01/13
01/16
01/18
01/20
01/23
01/25
01/27
01/30
02/01
02/03
02/13
02/15
02/17
02/20
02/22
02/24
02/27
02/29
03/02
03/05
03/07
03/09
03/12
03/14
03/16
03/19
03/21
03/23
03/26
03/28
03/30
04/02
04/04
04/06
04/09
04/11
04/13
04/16
04/18
04/20
04/23
04/25
04/30
Topic
Introduction
Library
Library
Martin Luther King Day - off
Form
Locomotion
Respiration
Circulation
Osmoregulation
Buoyancy
Reproduction
Mating Systems
Dispersal
Larval Settlement
Movement and Migration
President’s Day - off
Visual Communication
Chemical Communication
Foraging
Predation
Antipredator Adaptations
Parasitism
Mutualism
Review for Field Trip
Spring Break – Field Trip
Food Webs and Trophic Relationships
Nutrient and Energy Flow
Pelagic Habitat
Benthic Habitat
Coral Reef Habitat
Intertidal Habitat
Estuaries
Abyssal Habitat
Pollution
Global Climate Change
Fisheries and Fisheries Management
Experiment
Final
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