COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Title:
Coral Reefs, Zoo 3558 (Online Internet course)
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.
Course Description:
Coral Reefs is a non-biology major course designed to provide a general overview of
tropical and sub-tropical coral reefs to students with an interest in these fascinating
ecosystems, but who lack a strong theoretical background in the biological sciences.
The course will cover basic concepts dealing with the structure, formation, biology and
ecology of Atlantic and Pacific coral reefs. Students will be presented with interactive
exercises, projects, and module-assessments throughout the course that will reinforce
major biological concepts and promote critical thinking. Credit not granted toward a
major in Biology. (General Studies Course: NS/LEC)
Goals:
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Identify general geographical locations, bathymetric features, current, and water
quality parameters amenable to coral reef formation in tropical and temperate
seas.
Recognize various coral reef residents and describe their contribution to the
reef.
Identify and classify the symbiotic relationships among reef residents and their
importance to reef building and ecology.
Understand basic ecological processes that contribute to, and govern coral reef
secession and equilibrium.
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Describe fundamental characteristics of vertebrate & invertebrate reef fauna and
their relationships with each other and the reef.
Detail energy flow and nutrient cycling in reefs.
Describe the effects and importance of human impacts on coral reefs.
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 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.
Topics:
Basic coral reef geography and major characteristics, Reef biodiversidy, Symbiotic
relationships, Reef fish ecology, Conservation of coral reefs, Energy flow and nutrient
cycling, Coral disease, Progression of coral reef formation. Invertebrate coral reef
fauna, Reproduction and dispersal, Importance of coral reefs to man, Human impacts
on coral reefs and their mitigation.
Topic Week 1:
Power Plants and Farms
Student Learning Outcomes:
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Understand energy sources and primary production in coral reefs
Understand interactions and mutual dependence of reef residents
Relate how coral reefs resemble cities
Topic Week 2:
Waste Management and Recycling
Student Learning Outcomes:
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Understand reef recycling and its importance to overall reef health
Appreciate the overall efficiency of the waste management design
Understand how reef residents utilize and recycle limited resources
Topic Week 3:
Construction and Public Housing (part 1)
Student Learning Outcomes:
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Understand reef building dynamics
Understand how reef construction benefits residents
Realize the interdependence of the reef residents with regards to housing
Topic Week 4:
Construction and Public Housing (part 2)
Student Learning Outcomes:
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Understand the "dynamic equilibrium" concept of reef remodeling
Understand how reef construction benefits reef residents
Identify the internal and external processes that shape reef communities
Topic Week 5:
Public Health
Student Learning Outcomes:
 Understand symbiotic relationships that impact the health of the reef and its
residents
 Understand the large and small scale effects of disease and plagues
Topic Week 6:
Conflict and Cooperation (part 1)
Student Learning Outcomes:
 Identify major survival strategies used by reef organisms
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Become familiar with different protective symbiotic alliances
Understand how different chemical deterrents are used by reef residents
Topic Week 7:
Conflict and Cooperation (part 2)
Student Learning Outcomes:
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Identify major survival strategies used by reef organisms
Become familiar with specific unique strategies used for protection
Understand the "species survival plan" concept
Topic Week 8:
Advertising
Student Learning Outcomes:
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Understand the benefits reef advertising for residents using or interpreting it
Appreciate how coloration and behavior indicate an organism's purpose
Understand the health benefits of advertising
Topic Week 9:
Personal Lives (part 1)
Student Learning Outcomes:
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Learn the major ways coloration is used by reef fishes
Describe the various reproductive strategies seen in coral reef residents
Topic Week 10:
Personal Lives (part 2)
Student Learning Outcomes:
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Understand the overall importance & diversity of reproductive processes on coral
reefs
Understand the two major forms of reproduction used by reef animals
Topic Week 11:
Social Security (part 1)
Student Learning Outcomes:
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Understand the importance of biodiversity to the survival of species
Recognize ecologically redundant organisms and how they benefit the reef
Realize the impact that humans have on the reef environment and
biodiversity
Topic Week 12:
Social Security (part 2)
Student Learning Outcomes:
 Understand the idea that everything in the reef community is connected
 Recognize the importance of the individual to the larger picture
Required text:
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Coral Reefs: Cities Under the Sea by Richard C. Murphy
ISBN:
o Hardbound: 0-87850-138-X
o Paperback: 0-87850-139-8
o The text is available from the UWF Bookstore, or Amazon.com
Required Materials:
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Internet Access
E-mail Account
Grading / Evaluation: Testing, weekly assignments, weekly chapter quizzes, and weekly
participation activities demonstrate student proficiency and expertise in the topics listed
above. Students will complete activities related to the student learning outcomes.
Please note:
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:
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Weekly Participation (Study Guides and Threaded Discussions)
Weekly Assignments (Thought Questions)
Weekly Quizzes (given at the end of each section)
Midterm
Final Exam
30%
15%
10%
20%
25%
Special Technology Utilized by Students:
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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 Format) | (PDF Format) | (RTF Format)
Plagiarism Policy: (Word Format) | (PDF Format) | (RTF Format)
Student Handbook: (PDF Format)
ASSISTANCE:
Students with special needs who require specific examination-related or other courserelated accommodations should contact Barbara Fitzpatrick, Director of 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.