INTRODUCTION TO OCEANOGRAPHY
& MARINE BIOLOGY
FALL 2009
OVERVIEW
This course will provide you with a general overview of oceanographic processes and ecology of various
marine animal groups. The class will be stimulating and fun, but also a lot of work. The following
strategies will greatly enhance your performance:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Attend class regularly.
Ask questions.
Read the book.
Study!
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this course, students should:
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

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
Describe major types and characteristics of ocean waves and where applicable, calculate key
attributes.
Identify bathometric features of the ocean bottom and the major habitats they support.
Define the relationships between marine and terrestrial environments and their importance to
humankind.
Describe key groups of marine animals and common features of each group.
Describe the propriety, need and benefits of basic and applied marine research.
Explain the economic and ecological value of the oceans and describe ways in which they can be
conserved and protected.
IMPORTANT DETAILS AND GENERAL INFORMATION
INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Wayne A. Bennett, Professor of Vertebrate Physiology
Office hours: Office hours: MW 8:00-10:00, T TR by appointment
UWF office: 58/62-H
Phone:
474-3362
E-mail:
wbennett@uwf.edu
MEETING TIME: Monday and Wednesday 10:00 to 11:15
TEXT BOOK: Introduction to Marine Biology and Oceanography
ATTENDANCE:
You should attend class regularly if you hope to do well. I do not take attendance but will give
unannounced quizzes during the semester that cannot be made up.
CLASSROOM MATERIALS AND HANDOUTS:
I have provided notes to facilitate your study efforts in the course; however, handouts alone are
not sufficient to pass the class, so be prepared to take notes each day. I DO NOT have handout
copies; if you forget to bring the study guides, please share with a classmate.
Cell phones and other electronic devices used for calls or texting must be turned off during class.
Laptop computers and tape recorders are allowed; however, if it is discovered that laptops are
being used for purposes other than taking notes, their use will no longer be allowed.
READING ASSIGNMENTS:
Reading assignments complement lecture material but are not identical to it. Reading the
material will help you grasp concepts and fill in areas that we did not cover in depth.
ONLINE EXAMS, TEAM PROJECTS & UNANNOUNCED QUIZZES
ONLINE EXAMS (50% of your total course grade):
1.
2.
3.
4.
We will have four online exams comprised of 50 questions each.
THERE ARE NO MAKE-UP opportunities and missing an exam will result in an
automatic grade of zero, so plan accordingly. If you have planned events where you
know that you will need to miss an exam let me know and we will work out an alternate
test date.
Exams last only the duration of the class period, i.e., you have approximately one hour
and 15 minutes to complete the test.
Exam material will be taken from the lecture notes (although it can’t hurt to have read the
related materials in your text book) and will comprise 70% of your total grade.
UNANNOUNCED QUIZZES (30% of your total course grade):
1.
2.
3.
4.
There will be several unannounced quizzes in class during the term.
There are NO make-up opportunities for quizzes.
Quiz questions will come directly from previous lecture materials.
Quiz grades will be combined to make up 30% of your total class grade.
GRADING SYSTEM:
4 online exams (12.5% each)
Unannounced quizzes
Total:
70%
30%
100%
GRADING SCALE:
Exams will be will be adjusted to the following scale:
90 - 100:
80 - 89:
70 - 79:
60 - 69:
< 60:
A
B
C
D
F
EXPECTED TEST DATES:
Test #1
Test #2
Test #3
Test #4
September 16
October 12
November 4
December 9
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:
If you require any special in-class accommodations or test-taking arrangements due to physical or
perceptual limitations, please contact the UWF Disabilities Office at your earliest convenience.
CLASS LECTURE TOPICS
1. THE NATURE OF SCIENCE
2. GEOLOGY AND GEOGRAPHY OF THE OCEAN BASINS
3. TIDES, WAVES AND CURRENTS
4. THE NATURE OF LIFE
5. CONCEPTS IN MARINE ECOLOGY
6. THE EVOLUTION REVOLUTION
7. CLASSIFICATION OF ANIMALS
8. MARINE PRIMARY PRODUCERS
9. THE MARINE PROTISTS
10. SPONGES
11. CNIDARIANS
12. FLATWORMS
13. MOLLUSCANS
14. ANNELIDS
15. THE CRUSTACEANS
16. ECHINODERMS
17. VERTEBRATES
18. THE JAWLESS FISHES
19. ELASMOBRANCHS
20. BONY FISHES
21. THE MARINE AMPHIBIANS
22. MARINE REPTILES
23. SEA BIRDS
24. SEA OTTERS AND POLAR BEARS
25. SEALS
26. WALRUSES AND SIRENS
27. BALEEN WHALES
28. TOOTHED WHALES
29. NEAR-SHORE HABITATS
30. OFFSHORE HABITATS