17 January - 11 May 2012
COURSE SYLLABUS: COASTAL and MARINE BOTANY
(COA 690/790)
Meets Tues 9a-12noon in Hopkins A.
PREREQUISITES: General biology (BSC110/111), general botany (BSC226); or
consent of instructor.
DESCRIPTION: An overview, including local examples, of the principal groups of
marine microalgae, macroalgae, and submerged aquatic and emergent marine flowering
plants, with a primary focus on their identification and ecology. The lecture and field
work for this course are interlaced so that, following the lecture material, field
examination of the algae and plants are made. Field trips in the vicinity of Mississippi
Sound and to the barrier islands are made to observe algae and aquatic/emergent
vegetation, the ecological relationships of these flora, and for collecting material for
study in the laboratory. Students will present and write a selected research paper, in
addition a short presentation of 12-15 minutes is required.
LECTURE TEXTBOOK: None required. Supplemental reading material will be
available in the Botany Reference Library and the following book:
Marine Botany, by Clinton J. Dawes, 2nd ed, 496 pp., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., ISBN:
0471192082, January 1998. Price on Amazon starts at $40.00 for used paperback
COURSE OBJECTIVES: To familiarize students with the diversity of marine and
estuarine microalgae, macroalgae, and submerged and emergent vascular plants, and their
distribution, classification, identification, and ecology. In addition, students will learn
about the ecological roles of locally occurring marine and estuarine microalgae,
macroalgae, submerged aquatic vegetation, and common marsh and dune angiosperms.
This course is designed for students interested in the fields of marine biology, marine
botany, and for students pursuing a marine biology degree or a degree in a related field
with an emphasis in coastal sciences, marine science or marine biology.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION AND GRADING: Students will be graded on the
basis of their performance on two examinations (30% for in class mid-term and 30% for
take-home final examination), class participation (10%), and a short research paper to be
accompanied by a 10-15 min presentation at the end of semester (30%).
ADA COMPLIANCE : If a student has a disability that qualifies under the Americans
with Disabilities Act and requires accommodation, he/she should contact the Office of
Support Services for Students with Disabilities(OSS) for information on appropriate
policies and procedures at The University of Southern Mississippi, Box 8586,
Hattiesburg, MS 39406; Telephone:601-266-5024; TTY:601-266-6837; Fax:601-2666035.
17 January - 11 May 2012
COURSE OUTLINE – COASTAL and MARINE BOTANY
COURSE TOPICS: The primary subject areas to be covered in this course are listed
below. Other current topics may be added at the instructor's discretion. Marine and
estuarine microalgae, macroalgae, submerged aquatic vascular plants, and emergent salt
marsh and dune vegetation will be examined with respect to identification, distribution,
classification, and ecological relationships, plus other key features.
Lecture material may be presented earlier or later than scheduled to accommodate
any field trips that can be arranged throughout the semester. These are weatherand boat dependent; your cooperation and understanding with schedule changes is
appreciated!
Website with lecture notes and readings:
http://ocean.st.usm.edu/~w546990/MarBot/index.html
Date
Topic(s)/Activities For Lecture and/or Laboratory
17 January
History of classification and classificatory units. Criteria for distinguishing
botanical divisions and classes; dichotomous keys, their preparation and
use
Laboratory component: dichotomous keys, their preparation and use;
distinguishing botanical divisions and classes
24 January
Saltmarshes I (rushes, sedges, and grasses; other common plants)
Field Trip: examination of local samples of saltmarsh plants near GCRL
31 January
Saltmarshes II: ecology and physiological adaptations
INSTRUCTOR: Dr Heather Joesting
7 February
Barrier Islands and Dune Vegetation
INSTRUCTOR: Dr Heather Joesting
Laboratory component: field trip to local beach dunes
14 February Student discussion of research papers
INSTRUCTOR: Dr Heather Joesting
21 February Mardi Gras Holiday – no class
28 February Marine and estuarine submerged aquatic vascular plants (Helobiae)
Seagrasses and SAV: morphology, occurrence, and importance
Laboratory component: morphological measurements of Turtlegrass.
6 March
MID-TERM EXAM – in class
13 March
Spring Break (12-16 March)
20 March
Marine and estuarine macroalgae: Green algae (Chlorophyta), Coral Reef
macroalgae and eutrophication processes.
27 March
Macroalgae: Marine and estuarine macroalgae: Red algae (Rhodophyta),
Brown algae (Heterokontophyta; Phaeophyceae)
Laboratory component: Examination and identification of common marine
and estuarine macroalgae
3 April
Marine and estuarine microalgae: Blue-green algae
(Cyanophyta)/Flagellates(Chlorophyta). Harmful algal blooms (HABs)
10 April
Marine and estuarine microalgae: Dinoflagellates (Dinophyta) and
Diatoms (Bacillariophyceae). Oceanic food webs and deep sea sediments.
Laboratory component: Examination and identification of common marine
and estuarine phytoplankton
17 April
Photosynthesis of marine plants, underwater light field and water quality.
Laboratory component: introduction to aquatic photosynthesis methods.
24 April
Student Presentations (if not previously scheduled), Take Home Exam
1 May
No class
8 May
FINAL EXAM due