COURSE SYLLABUS
Welcome to Introduction to Oceanography and
Marine Biology
The following syllabus is our contract that describes the
requirements and responsibilities for the class. Please read this
document carefully before or during the first week of class so that
you clearly understand these requirements and responsibilities.
Course Prefix/Number: BSC 2311 (Online Internet Course)
Course Title: Introduction to Oceanography and Marine Biology
Course Credit Hours: 3
Instructor Name and Contact Information: Theresa Dabruzzi tfd2@students.uwf.edu
Prerequisites or Co-Requisites: None. A separate, optional laboratory section is available.
Course Description: An introduction to the chemical, physical and geological features of the
world ocean and the major groups of living marine organisms that inhabit it. Physical,
chemical, and biological interrelationships will be emphasized. Credit not granted toward a
major in Biology or Marine Biology. (General Studies Course: NS/LEC)
Goals: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply basic biological and
oceanographic theories and principals to identify and describe the function, organization
and ecology of major marine habitats. Students will also be able to use taxonomic
characteristics to identify and describe interactions between the floral (bacterial, protist,
fungal and plant) and faunal residents found in these habitats. This course will introduce and
familiarize students with the use of modern techniques to solve practical oceanographic and
marine biological problems.
Module Lecture Topics Covered / Reading Assignments / Student Learning Outcomes:
Program Overview & Online Course Introduction
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Outline necessary technical requirements to participate in this
on-line course.
-Download and install all necessary components to participate
in distance learning environment
-Establish online learning environment to facilitate student
interaction and engagement
-Participate in asynchronous and synchronous communication
learning environments.
Module 1:
Reading:
Chapters 1-10 in “Essentials of Oceanography” (EOO) & Chapter 1 in
“Introduction to Marine Biology” (IMB). Please note that while 10 chapters
are covered in the EOO section of your text book, only a relatively few
sections apply directly to the lecture material. The following guide will
help you navigate the EOO chapters:
Chapter 1- Section 1.3
Chapter 3- Sections 3.3, 3.4, 3.7, 3.9, & 3.10 - 3.13
Chapter 4- Sections 4.2, 4.6, 4.8, 4.9, & 4.11 - 4.17
Chapter 5- Sections 5.2 - 5.7, 5.9, 5.10,
& 5.11
Chapters 2 and 7- 10 all discuss many fascinating topics and I
encourage you to read them; however, pay particular attention
to the text that relate to topics covered in the lecture.
Lecture Topics and Student Learning Outcomes:
The Nature of Science
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Define science, its goals, domain and assumptions
-Identify major differences between Oceanography and Marine Biology
-Describe the historical development of Oceanography and Marine Biology
Geology and Geography of the Ocean Basins
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Identify processes that led to the formation of the World Ocean
-Describe the structure of the Earth’s crust and interior
-Explain the theory and mechanisms behind Plate Tectonics
-Describe how continental and oceanic crusts are formed
-Identify inorganic and organic sediment types that make up the ocean
bottom
Waves, Tides and Currents
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Explain the mechanisms driving atmospheric circulation
-Identify major oceanic current types
-Identify and describe the tidal types and mechanisms
-Describe basic wave mechanics and their effects
Module 2:
Reading: Chapter 2 in IMB
Lecture Topics and Student Learning Outcomes:
The Nature of Life
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Identify the chemical and biological properties of life
-Explain the importance and differing opinions on Spontaneous Generation
-Reiterate hypotheses explaining the origin of life
Concepts in Marine Ecology
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Identify the five major habitat types
-Explain the Condition-Resource Concept
-Define and give the importance of Fry's major ecological entities
Evolution Revolution
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Explain the history of Evolutionary thought
-Identify and describe specific lines of evidence for Evolution
-Explain the types and importance of reproduction
Module 3:
Reading: Chapters 6 and 7 in IMB
Lecture Topics and Student Learning Outcomes:
Classification of Animals
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Identify and describe major historical figures that contributed to modern classification
-Define and identify the five kingdoms of life
-Define the phylogenetic hierarchy of life
Marine Primary Producers
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Define primary production
-Reiterate the relationship between the Kingdoms Monera, Plantae and Fungi
-List major organismal characteristics of these kingdoms
-Identify the major sub-groups within each kingdom and list important details of each
The Marine Protists
Student Learning Outcomes:
-List major characteristics and ecological importance of protists
-Identify and describe characteristics of the major protist groups
-Identify and describe major alga types
Module 4:
Reading: Chapter 8 in IMB
Lecture Topics and Student Learning Outcomes:
The Sponges
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Define key characteristics of the phylum Porifera
-Explain the overall morphology of sponges
-Identify the ecological role of sponges
The Cnidarians
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Define the major unique characteristics of the phylum Cnideria
-Identify the general morphology and diversity of the Cnidarians
-Identify the two body forms of Cnidarians
-List the ecological role and importance of cniderians
The Flatworms
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Define the major characteristics unique to the phylum Platyhelminthyes
-Describe the general morphology of flatworms
-List the ecological role of flatworms
-Identify the symbiotic relationships of flatworms and other organisms
Module 5:
Reading: Chapter 9 in IMB
Lecture Topics and Student Learning Outcomes:
The Molluscans
Student Learning Outcomes:
-List the major unique characteristics of molluscs
-Identify general morphological features of molluscs
-Describe key features of molluscan diversity between families
-Explain the ecological role of molluscs and their importance to humankind
The Annelids
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Identify the major unique characteristics of the phylum Annelida
-Explain the general morphology of Annelids
-Describe the basic lifestyles used by marine annelids
-List the major ecological roles of marine annelids
Module 6:
Reading: Chapter 9 in MB
Lecture Topics and Student Learning Outcomes:
The Crustaceans
Student Learning Outcomes:
-List the major unique crustacean characteristics
-Identify the major sub-types of crustaceans and their
attributes
-Describe the ecological importance of crustaceans
-Identify the importance of crustaceans to humans
The Echinoderms
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Identify characteristics unique to the phylum Echinodermata
-Explain the general characteristics of the echinoderm subtypes
-Describe how echinoderms are important to humankind
-Define the ecological importance of echinoderms
The Vertebrates
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Identify the major characteristics of a vertebrate
-List the eight major vertebrate groups
-Describe the major features that have made vertebrates so successful
Module 7:
Reading: Chapter 10 in IMB
Lecture Topics and Student Learning Outcomes
The Jawless Fishes
Student Learning Outcomes:
-List the unique and general characteristics of the jawless
fishes
-List the economic and ecological importance jawless fish
-Explain the reproductive tactics in this group
The Elasmobranchs
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Identify general characteristics of the elasmobranchs
-Describe the ecological role of sharks, rays and skates
-Explain ways in which elasmobranchs differ from other fish
groups
-List 5 possible reasons for shark attacks
The Bony Fishes
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Identify the general characteristics of the Bony fishes
-Explain the general morphology of bony fishes
-Give specific example of the great diversity of bony fishes
-Explain the ecological and economic importance of bony fishes
Module 8:
Reading: Chapters 11 and 12 in IMB
Lecture Topics and Student Learning Outcomes
Marine Amphibians and Reptiles
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Identify the major, unique amphibian and reptile traits
-List the three salt-tolerant frogs and describe their ecology
-List the three types of marine reptiles and describe the major
characteristics of each
-Describe the adaptations of marine reptiles that make them suites for
marine environments
-Describe the ecological role of each marine reptile group and their
relationship to humankind
Marine Birds
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Identify the major characteristics of all marine birds
-Identify the general characteristics of shore birds
-List several characteristics of gulls and their relatives
-List several characteristics of pelicans and their relatives
-List several characteristics of tube-nosed birds
Otters and Polar Bears
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Identify the general characteristics of mammals
-List the defining characteristics and ecology of sea otters
-Identify the major attributes of polar bears and describe how they
remain warm
Module 9:
Reading: Chapter 12 in IMB
Lecture Topics and Student Learning Outcomes:
Seals and Walrus
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Identify the distribution and characteristics of the pinnipeds
-List characteristics of the otarid and phocid seals
-List characteristics of the Walrus
-List characteristics of the Sirens
Baleen Whales
Student Learning Outcomes:
-List the major trends in cetacean development
-Explain the adaptations for diving in this group
-Explain how this group feeds
-Distinguish between the two types of Baleen whale
Module 10:
Reading: Chapters 12-18
Lecture Topics and Student Learning Outcomes:
Toothed Whales
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Identify the major toothed whale characteristics
-Explain echolocation
-List the major characteristics of the Dolphin families
-List the major characteristics of the Porpoise family
-List the major characteristics of the Sperm whale
-List the major characteristics of the Narwhal family
Near-shore Habitats
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Describe the characteristics and organisms found in the Intertidal Environment
-Describe the characteristics and organisms found in the Estuarine Environment
Off-shore Habitats
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Describe the characteristics and organisms found in the Coral Reef Environment
-Describe the characteristics and organisms found in the Continental Shelf Environment
-Describe the characteristics and organisms found in the Open Ocean Environment
-Describe the characteristics and organisms found in the Deep Sea Environment
Required texts:
Introduction to Marine Biology and Oceanography, A Custom Edition for the University of
West Florida by Garrison, Karleskint, Turner and Small.
If you have questions about the textbook, contact:
Pensacola Campus Bookstore
850.474.2150
Toll-free 1.800.605.2259
Required Materials:
Reliable and Consistent Internet Access
E-mail Account
Grading / Evaluation: Testing, weekly assignments, weekly chapter quizzes, three group
power point presentations and weekly participation activities demonstrate student proficiency
and expertise in the topics listed above. Students will complete activities related to the
student learning outcomes.
Midterm and Final Exam: The midterm and final exam in this course will be
proctored. The times and location for taking the proctored exam will be announced during
the first two weeks of class. Students within driving range of the University will be provided
with locations and times they may take the proctored exam without additional costs. Students
who cannot meet during the times or at the locations given will need to secure their own
proctor. Please see the "Proctored Exam Requirement" document under the "Important
Course Information" section.
Please note that learning materials and exercises become accessible on Wednesday of each
week, and that all materials due for that section must be received no later than midnight on
the following Tuesday.
No late assignments will be accepted under any circumstances.
Your course grade will be determined as follows:
Weekly Module Reviews: 30%
Weekly Quizzes (given at the end of each section): 30%
Midterm and Final Exams (together): 30%
Three group power-point presentations (together): 10%
Special Technology Utilized by Students: This course is totally online. All instructional
content and interaction takes place over the WWW. See Topic and Student Learning
Outcomes above for additional requirements.
EXPECTATIONS FOR ACADEMIC CONDUCT/PLAGIARISM POLICY:
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Academic Conduct Policy [Web]
Plagiarism Policy [ PDF]
Student Handbook [ PDF]
It is the philosophy of The University of West Florida that academic dishonesty is a
completely unacceptable mode of conduct and will not be tolerated in any form. All
persons involved in academic dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with
University regulations and procedures. Discipline may include suspension or
expulsion from the University. Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to
cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that
are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for
another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt
to commit such acts.
In addition, any behavior that interferes with the conduct of a class is classified as
disruptive behavior and will not be tolerated. Although not exhaustive, examples of
disruptive behavior would include: inappropriate or threatening online postings or emails, etc.
QUALITY ASSURANCE:
This course is reviewed during the semester and in an ongoing basis for quality by
assessment personnel within the School of Allied Health and Life Sciences (SAHLS) to meet
national standards established by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the
Council on Education for Public Health, and/or to address quality enhancement initiatives of
SAHLS. Student feedback is also vital to this process. When reviewing our programs, our
accrediting partners expect to see 100% participation in the State-of-Florida mandated
SUSSAI (State University System Student Assessment of Instruction) evaluations. Thus, at
the end of the semester, we need to hear from the folks that enjoyed the class and from the
folks that have suggestions for improvement (ok, and from the folks that want to fill out the
survey as quickly as possible with no comments to share!). BUT, we do need to hear from
each and every student in this class, and we value your input.
When SUSSAI evaluations are ready for you to complete, you will see a News posting in the
course. Please take a few minutes to complete this anonymous, brief web-based evaluation on
this course, using these directions:
Step 1: Log in to Argus (http://argus.uwf.edu).
Step 2: Click on the "My Info" tab.
Step 3: Click the link under the category "Personal Student Record Access" that says
"Instruction Assessment (Distance Learning).
Need help? Contact Connie Works at (850) 474-3080 or cworks@uwf.edu for assistance!
Please be assured that all evaluations that are completed online are of a confidential matter.
Your name, UWF ID number, and e-mail address will not be revealed to your instructor,
department, or college. Only one evaluation per course per student can be submitted. Please
do not delay completing the evaluation when the time approaches. Due to the significance of
this information, I will not be able to pre-release grades in eLearning if we are not close
to the 100% participation goal before finals week. Thank you!
ONLINE TEST TAKING GUIDELINES:
Please do not begin any timed, online exam in the course that may
overlap with the eLearning maintenance window.
The eLearning maintenance window runs 3:00-6:00 am CST (Central
Standard Time) each day. If you initiate an exam that overlaps with this
time and experience any technical errors, your recorded score is likely to
be close to 0 for such an attempt. There are no exceptions to this
policy.
If you experience any other technical problems or errors during any timed
exam that does not overlap with the eLearning maintenance window, you
are required to notify the Helpdesk immediately at helpdesk@uwf.edu or
(850) 474-2075. Failure to contact the HelpDesk to report the problem
will result in a grade of 0 automatically being assigned. If you are unable
to get immediate assistance from the HelpDesk during the exam, but
have documented the problem in an email or voice mail, you may attempt
to restart the exam using the same browser, or attempt to re-enter the
exam with another browser. If you are still unable to restart the exam
and continue with saving, please note that for your final submitted score
to be recorded, you MUST still prove that you documented the original
technical problem with the HelpDesk via helpdesk@uwf.edu or (850) 4742075. Failure to do so will result in an automatic grade of 0 being
assigned.
Compliance with UWF Policies on Satisfactory Progress:
If you have a question regarding the UWF policies for assignment of
grades of 'W' or 'I', please visit:
UWF Withdrawal Policy: http://uwf.edu/registrar/withdrawal.cfm
UWF Incomplete Grade Policy:
http://uwf.edu/registrar/Incomplete%20Grade%20-%20Assignment%20Report.pdf
Assistance:
Students with special needs who require specific examinationrelated or other course-related accommodations should contact
Disabled Student Services (DSS), dss@uwf.edu, (850) 474-2387.
DSS will provide the student with a letter for the instructor that will
specify any recommended accommodations.
Every effort will be made to accommodate the special needs of
disabled students. Please inform the instructor privately during the
first week of class to indicate your particular needs. All such
accommodations are officially arranged through the Office for
Disabled Student Services and a letter from this office must
accompany your request.