Marine Ecology Syllabus (BIOL 462/MASC 440)
Fall 2014
Dr. John F Bruno
Professor, Department of Biology, 335 Wilson Hall, jbruno@unc.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday/Thursday ~ 12-2 PM in 335 Wilson Hall (my office) or by appt. I am usually
available after class to meet as well and frequently on other days.
Teaching Assistant: Serena Hackerott, http://serenahackerott.web.unc.edu, 340 Wilson
Hall, shackero@live.unc.edu, office hours: TBA
ECOLOGY MASC 440/BIOL 462THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH Mar
Course content
The class will cover the evolution, ecology, and conservation of marine plants, invertebrates, and
vertebrates and a variety of ecosystems.
Learning objectives
1)
• marine ecology: goals, history, state, progress
2)
• how the science of ecology is done: evidence, experiments, etc.
3)
• factors that control populations and community structure
4)
• natural history of marine communities
5)
• threats to and conservation of marine ecosystems (changes: patterns, causes, remedies)
Goals for the class
1) 1) Sharpen critical thinking skills
2) 2) Students will develop ecology literacy: ability to discuss ecological topics
3)
3) Students will be able to explain the role of science in marine conservation
The course is organized into three modules:
1) Coral Reefs: August 26-September 25
2) Estuaries: September 30-October 30
3) Pelagic ecosystems: November 4-November 25RIn
In each module we will cover core ecological concepts, natural history of the system, current questions
and challenges, and conservation.
Textbook
Marine Community Ecology and Conservation which you can purchase at the UNC
bookstore or as an ebook that you can view on your laptop / iPad here (you can even
rent it for six months for less than $50 here). Roughly half of the chapters in the book
will be required reading for the class.
Exam dates*
September 25, October 30, December 6
Grading
You will receive a grade for each module (a percentage, not a letter grade) and each will count equally
towards your final course grade (30% each). The grade for each module will be based in equal part on
your exam score and class activities and assignments. The final exam will cover material from the
3rd module (Pelagic ecosystems) and also a comprehensive section (worth 10% of the overall course
grade) on the broad concepts and knowledge that will correspond with the course learning objectives.
*There will be no make up exams, no make up assignments, no acceptance of late assignments, no extra
credit. I cannot reschedule the final or your other exams. Come to class, take the exams when they are
scheduled, do your work on time. 