COURSE SYLLABUS
Welcome!!
Please read before or during the first week of class.
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: Dr. Wayne A. Bennett;
wbennett@uwf.edu; 474-3362; building 58, room 62-H
Prerequisites or Co-Requisites: None. A separate, optional laboratory
section is available, but is not accessible until the second week of classes.
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.
(General Studies Course: NS/LEC)
Goals: Upon completion of the course, students will be able to apply basic
oceanographic principals as well as understand the ecology, biodiversity and
organization of major marine habitat types. Students will also be able to
identify and describe a variety of marine habitats and the plant and animal
groups that are found in each. This course will begin the process of teaching
students to use modern techniques to solve practical oceanographic and
marine biological problems.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Topic 1: Program Overview & Online Specific Learning Outcomes
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 community to facilitate student interaction and
motivation in new web-based learning environment.
- Participate and collaborate in asynchronous and synchronous
communication environments to help establish the learning community.
Topic 2: Course Specific Learning Outcomes
Course Mission Statement:
This course is designated as a General Studies course. The General Studies
curriculum at the University of West Florida is designed to provide a cohesive
program of study that promotes the development of a broadly educated
person and provides the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in
university studies. This course has been approved as meeting your
requirement in the Natural Sciences area. The two major General Studies
learning outcomes for this course are:
- Describe key physical and biological elements and processes of the World
Ocean, and identify the impacts of each on the biotic, abiotic and social
environment.
- Explain the economic and ecological value of the oceans and describe ways
in which they can be conserved and protected.
If you are interested in a major in Biology you should contact the
Department of Biology at 850-474-2077 or 2014. If you are undecided
about you major you should contact your academic advisor or the Career
Center at 850-474-2254.
Modules Covered:
Module 1:
Chapters 1-10 in “Essentials of Oceanography” (EOO) & Chapter 1
in “Introduction to Marine Biology” (IMB)
Chapter 1- Section 1.3
Chapter 2- All
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
Chapter 7- All
Chapter 8- All
Chapter 9- All
Chapter 10- All
The Nature of Science
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Explain what science is as well as the goal of science
-Learn the major differences between Oceanography and Marine Biology
-Identify the historicity of Oceanography and Marine Biology
Geology and Geography of the Ocean Basins
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Describe how the oceans were formed
-Describe the structure of the Earth’s crust and interior
-Explain the mechanisms/theory of Plate Tectonics
-Describe how ocean floors 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
-Explain tides and their effect on waves
Module 2:
Chapter 2 in IMB
The Nature of Life
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Identify the chemical components of life
-Explain the differing opinions on Spontaneous Generation
-Explain the origin of life
Concepts in Marine Ecology
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Identify the major habitat types
-Explain the Condition-Resource Concept
-Explain the major Ecological entities
Evolution Revolution
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Explain the history of Evolutionary thought
- Explain the evidence of Evolution
- Explain the importance of reproduction
Module 3:
Chapters 6 and 7 in IMB
Classification of Animals
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Explain the history of classification
- Explain the phylogenetic hierarchy of life
Marine Primary Producers
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Explain the Kingdoms Monera, Plantae and Fungi
-List major characteristics of these kingdoms
-Know the major sub-groups of these within each kingdom and give
important details of each
The Marine Protists
Student Learning Outcomes:
-List major characteristics of the protists
-Identify the major types of protists
-Identify major alga types
Module 4:
Chapter 8 in IMB
The Sponges
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Explain the divergence of the family Porifera
- Explain the overall morphology of sponges
-Identify the ecological role of sponges
The Cnidarians
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Identify the general morphology of the Cnidarians
-Identify the two body forms of Cnidarians
The Flatworms
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Explain the general morphology of flatworms
-Identify the symbiotic relationships of flatworms and other organisms
Module 5:
Chapter 9 in IMB
The Molluscans
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Explain the diversity of this group
-Identify general morphology of molluscs
-List the major characteristics of molluscs
-Identify the different types of molluscans
The Annelids
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Identify the major characteristics of Annelids
-Explain the general morphology of Annelids
Module 6:
Chapter 9 in IMB
The Crustaceans
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Identify the major crustacean characteristics
-Identify the importance of crustaceans to humans
-Identify the major types of crustaceans
The Echinoderms
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Explain the general characteristics of echinoderms
-Identify characteristics unique to this group
-Identify members of this group
The Vertebrates
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Identify the major characteristics of a vertebrate
-List the eight major vertebrate groups
Module 7:
Chapter 10 in IMB
The Jawless Fishes
Student Learning Outcomes:
-List some general characteristics of the jawless fishes
-List some economic uses of these fish
-Explain the reproductive tactics of this group
The Elasmobranchs
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Identify general characteristics of the elasmobranchs
-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
-Explain the economic importance of bony fishes
Module 8:
Chapter 11 and 12 in IMB
Marine Amphibians and Reptiles
Student Learning Outcomes:
-List the three types of marine frog
-List the adaptations of marine reptiles
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 of sea otters
-Identify how polar bears remain warm
Module 9:
Chapter 12 in IMB
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:
Chapter 12-18 in IMB
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
This course is designated as General Studies course. The General Studies curriculum
at the University of West Florida is designed to provide a cohesive program of study that
promotes the development of a broadly educated person and provides the knowledge
and skills needed to succeed in university studies. This course has been approved as
meeting your requirement in the Science area. The major General Studies learning
outcomes for this course are Critical Thinking- Analysis and Evaluation, and
Teamwork Skills.
If you are interested in a major in Biology you should contact The Department of Biology
at 850-474-2885. If you are undecided about you major you should contact your
academic advisor or the Career Center at 850-474-2254.
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:
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 e-mails, 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, social security 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) 474-2075.
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 examination-related
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.