INTRODUCTION TO OCEANOGRAPHY
& MARINE BIOLOGY
SPRING 2012
OVERVIEW
This course will provide you with a general overview of oceanographic processes and biology of various
marine animal groups and their respective habitats. 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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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: MWF 8:00-10:00, T TR 12:00-2:00, or 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 Oceanography and Marine Biology
ATTENDANCE: You should make every effort to attend class regularly.
CLASSROOM MATERIALS AND HANDOUTS:
I will e-mail you outlines to facilitate your study efforts; 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 print the study guide, please see if you can share with a classmate.
READING ASSIGNMENTS:
Reading assignments complement lecture material but are not be identical to it. Reading the
material will help you grasp concepts and fill in areas that we did not cover in depth.
IN-CLASS TESTS
OPPORTUNITIES:
You should consider in-class assessments as an opportunity to show off what you have learned.
1)
2)
We will have 3 tests comprised of 45 to 50 questions.
NO MAKE-UP EXAMINATIONS
TESTING SCHEDULE:
Test #1
Test #2
Final Exam
Monday February 13th
Wednesday, March 28th
Wednesday, May 2nd from 8:00 to 9:00 am!!!
Exam material will be taken from lecture notes and related readings.
POP QUIZZES:
We will have a total of 6 surprise quizzes
If you miss a quiz there is no make-up (unless excused)
If the quiz has been handed out by the time you get to class you MAY NOT take the quiz
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:
If you require any special in-class accommodations or test-taking arrangements due to physical or
perceptual limitations, please contact me at your earliest convenience. Alternatively, leave your
name and phone number with the department office (Ext. 2748) and I will contact you.
GRADING SYSTEM:
3 in-class exams 25% (each)
6 surprise quizzes 25% (total)
Total (100%)
GRADING SCALE:
Exams will be will be adjusted to the following scale:
90 - 100:
80 - 89:
70 - 79:
60 - 69:
< 60:
CLASS LECTURE TOPICS
SCIENCE & THE STUDY OF OCEANOGRAPHY & MARINE BIOLOGY
OCEAN GEOGRAPHY & GEOLOGY
THE OCEAN IN MOTION
PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY THE OCEAN AS HABITAT
WHAT IS LIFE?
EVOLUTION & THE VALUE OF SYSTEMATICS
BACTERIA & MULTICELLULAR PRODUCERS
MARINE INVERTEBRATES: SPONGES
JELLYFISHES & COMB JELLIES
A WORLD OF WORMS
SOFT-BODIED DOMINATION: MOLLUSKS
CRUSTACEANS: MARINE HARD-BODIES
A PARADOX WRAPPED IN AN ENIGMA: ECHINODERMS
A
B
C
D
F
MARINE VERTEBRATES: THE JAWLESS FISHES
SHARKS, RAYS AND SKATES
VARIATION WITHOUT BOUNDS: BONY FISHES
MARINE REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS
MARINE BIRDS
SEA LIONS, OTTERS & BEARS…. OH MY!
OF GIANTS & MERMAIDS: WHALES & SIRENS
Introduction to Oceanography and Marine Biology is
designated as
a General Studies course. The General Studies curriculum at the
University of West Florida is designed to provide a cohesive
program of study that promotes the development of a broadly
educated person and provides the knowledge and skills needed to
succeed in university studies. This course has been approved as
meeting the requirement in the Science area.
The General Studies
learning outcomes for this course are Analysis/Evaluation and
Problem solving.