Special Topics Course Proposal Form
SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
SPECIAL TOPICS COURSE PROPOSAL FORM
ORIGINATING CAMPUS: (X ) Ammerman ( ) Eastern
( ) Grant
Date Submitted to Campus Dean: _____03/05/08_____
To meet the ideals of Suffolk County Community College, new courses should, if appropriate, consider issues arising
from elements of cultural diversity in areas of textbook choice, selection of library and audio-visual materials, and
teaching methodology.
CAMPUS DEAN E-MAILS ENTIRE PROPOSAL PACKET TO THE COLLEGE CURRICULUM
COMMITTEE CHAIR AS A WORD DOCUMENT UPON ITS APPROVAL.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PROCEDURES
1. Instructor downloads and drafts proposal and syllabus from Special Topics link on the Curriculum Website
2. Proposer sends the files (proposal and syllabus) electronically to the Academic Chair for distribution and support
from Academic Department.
3. Academic Chair initials the proposal upon approval and electronically forwards file and syllabus to the Campus
Dean.
4. Upon approval, the Campus Dean initials the proposal and electronically forwards file and syllabus to the College
Curriculum Committee Chair for posting on the Curriculum Website.
5. The College Curriculum Chair will electronically forward the files (including syllabus) to the College Associate Dean
for Curriculum and Assessment.
___________________________________________________________________________
Proposed by: Pamela Lynch
Date of Proposal: 2/5/08
Department/Discipline: Biology/Marine Biology
Course #: MAR-295
I.
Course Title: Marine Habitat Ecology
RELATIONSHIP TO STUDENTS
A.
*Credit Hours__4__
Contact Hours_5__
Lecture Hours__3___ Lab/Studio Hours_2____
*See Curriculum Website for Credit/Contact Hours Formula.
II.
B.
Class Size: Double Lecture (24 per/2 sections = 48)
C.
Course Fees
Lab Fees $50
Course Fees_n/a__
RELATIONSHIP TO MASTER SCHEDULE
A.
**Proposed Semesters Course will run:
Fall__(yr.)___
Winter_(yr.)____ Spring ‘09/’10____ Summer_(yr.)____
B.
**Projected Termination Date
Fall_(yr.)____
Winter_(yr.)____
Spring_2010___ Summer_(yr.)____
**Special Topics courses may run for only two semesters. Upon the completion of the second semester, the
course must be withdrawn from the schedule unless it has been re-approved as a Special Topics course or
approved as a permanent course. Under no circumstances may a Special Topics course run for more than four
semesters.
ALL FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY
9/2006
Special Topics Course Proposal Form
III.
Rationale for Course:
The basic understanding of habitats, including those found within the marine environment, is
critical for also comprehending global ecology. It is becoming increasingly more important for us to
understand mans interdependence on marine habitats/ecosystems and that direct effect on larger
environmental issues such as sustainability and biodiversity. This course focuses on both natural
and anthropogenic links between humanity and the marine environment, with a particular
emphasis on global ramifications.
For the students, we currently offer two “regularly” held “environmentally-based” courses (MB20
and OC15). These always fill and multiple past students have requested another course (similar
interest) within series thus I believe this course will fill that need. Accordingly, this course can be
taken alone or as a second semester to either MB 20 (Marine Biology) or OC 15 (oceanography).
IV.
Description of Course:
This course focuses on the origin, development, structure, function and ecology of marine habitats
and ecosystems. The course covers the anthropogenic effects of human use and abuse on these
systems. This course is designed for non-science students and can be a stand-alone or follow up
course to MB 20 (Marine Biology) or OC 15 (Oceanography). This course requires a series of offsite classes to be held outside thus students should consider their ability to complete field work
before registering for this course. Please note that these off-site classes will be held during
regularly-scheduled class/lab time(s) and approximately 4 Saturday dates.
V.
Approvals
Department Approval: B. J. Boyer
Academic Chair
Campus Dean Approval__William F. Connors, Jr.
Date: 4 March 2008
Approved:
14 – 0 - 0
Date: March 6, 2008
ALL FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY
9/2006
Special Topics Course Proposal Form
SPECIAL TOPICS • COURSE SYLLABUS
I.
Course Number and Title: Marine Habitat Ecology (MAR 295)
II.
Description of Course:
This course focuses on the origin, development, structure, function and ecology of marine habitats
and ecosystems. The course covers the anthropogenic effects of human use and abuse on these
systems. This course is designed for non-science students and can be a stand-alone or follow up
course to MB 20 (Marine Biology) or OC 15 (Oceanography). This course requires a series of offsite classes to be held outside thus students should consider their ability to complete field work
before registering for this course. Please note that these off-site classes will be held during
regularly-scheduled class/lab time(s) and approximately 4 Saturday dates.
III.
Course Objectives:
(What should students learn as a result of taking this course and how will they demonstrate that
learning?)
By the end of the course, students will be able to…
1. Apply the Scientific Method in the laboratory/field experiences. Students will employ
critical analysis and synthesis of concepts. Students will conduct research in individual
and group projects.
2. Define ecological diversity and construct an argument to show that it is a unifying
theme in biology. Interpret the major characteristics of marine habitats and ecosystems
in the context of their origin, development, structure and function. Clearly identify and
research 1 marine habitat (“Marine Habitat Field Guide” project).
3. Identify the primary coastal, estuarine and oceanic marine habitats within their larger
ecosystems (including, but not limited to: Intertidal (salt marsh, “beach,” rocky and
sandy intertidal, mud flat, mangrove forest); Subtidal (kelp forest, SAV (eelgrass) beds,
coral reef, open ocean, hydrothermal vents, the abyssal plain).
4. Briefly cover the major organismal phyla likely to inhabit these regions and explain
the strategies that have enabled their adaptation to their specific marine environment.
5. Interpret the distribution of life in the oceans and other marine environments (see
marine habitats) in the context of their adaptations; i.e. examine why specific habitats
are found in specific geologic regions and why the associated phyla and organismal
distribution varies accordingly.
6. Provide examples of environmental problems facing marine habitats. Evaluate steps
that can be taken to improve these conditions and create competing possible solutions.
7. Utilize the library (and other research sources) to complete a “Marine Habitat Field
Guide Project.”
8. Discover and understand the vast array of marine habitats found in our local Long
Island Region (selected locations will be visited and field assessments will be
completed).
ALL FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY
9/2006
Special Topics Course Proposal Form
IV.
Required Texts and Materials:
(List textbooks, newspapers, journals, Internet resources, CD-ROMS, Videos, other teaching materials
to be used in the course.)
Required Text:
(1) Marine Biology, 7th Edition, Peter Castro and Michael E. Huber. McGraw-Hill Higher
Education. 2008. (note: This is also the Mb20 required text, thus students can use same text to
continue with this course)
(2) Field Guide (TBD) – I will select a Long-Island/Northeastern U.S. based guide
Materials I will use/provide:
(a) CD’s, DVD’s
(1) American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) - The “Ocean System:” an integrated science
resource CD from “Seminars on Science” section. Topics:
(1)
Ocean Formation
(2)
What does the Ocean Floor look like?
(3)
What is water?
(4)
How is human activity effecting the ocean system?
(2) National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – “Ocean Explorer” CD
(1) Exploration (through images and mini-movies) of various marine
habitats and locations
(3) NOAA “Discovery Center” CD
(1) Case studies in Coastal and Oceanic sciences with classroom-based
inquiry lesson plans
(4) “Blue Planet” (DVD, 10-part series) focusing on marine habitats
(5) “Planet Earth” (DVD, multi-part series) w/ emphasis on both terrestrial and marine habitats
(6) “Catalina Island: Land and Sea” (DVD) covering “Rocky Intertidal” and “Kelp Forest”
ecosystems
(7) “Coral Reef Adventure” (IMAX DVD) covering Coral Reef ecosystems and loss
prevention/education
(8) “An Inconvenient Truth” (DVD) covering Global Warming and the inter-connectedness
between Ocean Systems and Global Implications for an increased atmospheric temperature
change.
(9) “Into the Deep” (IMAX/DVD) covering epipelagic subtidal habitats
(10) “Ocean Origins” (IMAX/DVD) covering ocean body (and habitat) formation
ALL FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY
9/2006
Special Topics Course Proposal Form
(11) “Project Iceberg: Andrill – A Real World Geoscience Adventure” (CD-Rom) covering the
Arctic/Antarctic
Materials I will use/provide cont.
(12) “Ocean Adventures” by Jean-Michael Cousteau (Season 1 + add., CD) covering both
biological and ecological marine information
(13) “The 11th Hour” directed by Leonardo DiCaprio (DVD) highlighting global warming
(14) “Volcanos of the Deep” (IMAX/DVD) covering hydrothermal vents and deep sea ocean
communities
(b) Web Pages:
www.oceanexplorer.noaa.gov
www.amnh.org (especially their “ology” program)
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/
pbs.org/oceanadventures
(c) Please note that this course contains selected field trips and material obtained
during these trips will also be “required” course material. Examples of Field Trip
options include, but are not limited to:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
AMNH (Hall of Biodiversity, Great Ocean Hall, Formation of Earth, new “Water” exhibit
etc.);
Cradle of Aviation IMAX Theater;
Jones Beach “Nature Center” (for Piping Plover Lecture, Seal Lecture, Sea Turtle
Stranding Lecture etc.);
Fire Island Lighthouse (Lecture and Tour);
Atlantis Marine World (for both the “Explorer Boat” Lecture/Tour/Salt Marsh walk and
Aquarium);
Atlantis “Riverhead Marine Mammal Stranding Foundation” Lecture;
South Street Seaport, “Pioneer” Boat Tour and Lecture;
Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program (eelgrass habitats);
Smiths Point “Otis Pike” National Parks Service” Lecture;
Flax Pond Nature Center (Salt Marsh Ecology);
Marine Nature Study Area: Town of Hempstead (salt marsh ecology).
V.
Assessment of Student Learning:
(Describe assessment measures, i.e., instruments that measure the attainment of course objectives.)
GRADING
Lecture:
One Lecture Exam will be given. This exam, offered ½ way through the semester, will
constitute 20% of your total course grade.
Laboratory:
Your laboratory grade will constitute 30% of your course grade. It will be based selected field
trips, lab exercise(s) and library/computer research.
ALL FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY
9/2006
Special Topics Course Proposal Form
Final Exam:
A cumulative final exam will constitute 25% of your course grade. It will be given on the last day
of scheduled class and will include materials from BOTH lecture and laboratory.
“Field Guide” Project: Student groups will select (1) marine habitat to complete a field guide project. This will
constitute 25% of your final grade and will be in both written and verbal formats.
VI.
Weekly Outline of Topics and Assignments:
Week 1: Introduction to “Marine Ecosystems” and the Ocean Environment
Week 2: (cont.) the Ocean Environment (including ocean geography, marine
zones and habitat location)
Week 3: Ocean Origins and Development
Week 4: Introduction to Marine Habitats
Week 5: Long Island Marine Habitats
Week 6-7: Intertidal Marine Habitats (salt marsh, “beach,” sandy intertidal, mud
flat)
Week 8: Intertidal Marine Habitats (cont. - mangrove forest, rocky intertidal)
Week 9: Subtidal Marine Habitats (kelp forest, SAV beds)
Week 10: Subtidal Marine Habitats (cont. - coral reef)
Week 11: Subtidal Marine Habitats (cont. - open ocean, cont. shelf, hydrothermal
vents, the abyssal plain)
Week 12: Organismal Communities and Global Distribution (e.g. Temperate vs.
Tropical vs. Arctic Systems)
Week 13: Marine Habitat (and Organismal) Adaptations
Week 14-15: Environmental Problems and Solutions
ALL FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY
9/2006