BIOL 551
Marine and Environmental Biology I
Instructors:
Dr. Quenton Fontenot
116 Gouaux Hall
449-7160 or 448 4700
Email: biol-qcf@nicholls.edu
Web Page: www.nicholls.edu/biol-qcf
Dr. Allyse Ferrara
223 Gouaux Hall
448-4736 or 448-4700
biol-amf@nicholls.edu
Office Hours Fontenot: Mon, Tue, Wed 1:00 – 4:00 or by appointment
Office Hours Ferrara: Mon 9:40 – 12:00; Wed 7:30-8:30, 9:40-12:00, 2:00-4:30 or by
appointment.
Course Description: BIOL. 551. Marine and Environmental Biology I. 3-3-0. A
comprehensive introduction to the field of environmental and marine sciences, including
an overview of evolution, habitation, and interactions within a diverse set of ecosystems.
The course will be offered at a graduate level providing fundamental concepts with case
studies.
Prerequisites: 12 hours of 400 level biology or chemistry courses and permission of
course director.
Course Text:
- None required
- A collection of up-to-date primary literature as assigned by the instructor.
Course Goals:
Provide students with an understanding of the area of marine and environmental
biology, environmental quality, and restoration.
Discuss nature of ecosystems, energy flow, biogeochemical cycles, and human
ecology.
Emphasize the importance of quantitative ecology, biostatistics, and geological
information system.
Student Learning Outcome Objectives:
1. The student will identify prokaryotic and eukaryotic biology from
environmental science perspective.
2. Students will discuss the concepts of ecology, conservation, and
environmental health.
3. Students will discuss an overview of anthropogenic influence on various
ecosystems.
4. Students will evaluate the application and interpretation of statistics.
5. Students will discuss about human ecology and anthropogenic impact on
various ecosystems.
1
6. The students will demonstrate science writing and communication skills.
7. The student will recognize environmental problems at the local, state, national
and global levels.
8. The student will discuss the role of biotechnology in environmental quality
and restoration.
9. The student will evaluate the biological treatment of industrial and agricultural
wastewaters.
10. The student will identify various bioremediation technologies and their
strength and weaknesses.
11. The student will recognize environmental laws and regulations.
Course Requirements:
1. Notebook for notes, and binder for handouts.
2. Four exams will be given.
3. A relaxed but mature academic behavior expected.
4. Review four journal articles every month listed in the bibliography.
Method of Evaluation:
1. Four tests worth 100 each will be given. This includes the final test.
2. The schedule of tests will be handed out for each semester. The final test will
be given according to the university final exam schedule. The tests are not
comprehensive.
3. Two tests will be given in the classroom. The third test will be take home.
The tests’ format is discussion type. The take home exam constitutes writing
a review paper on an assigned topic. Each student will write a paper on
different topics related to marine and environmental biology. All take home
exam papers will be discussed in the class.
4. The grading scale for 4 tests worth 100 points each is as follows:.
400 – 360 = A
359 – 320 = B
319 – 280 = C
279 – 240 = D
<240 = F
Makeup Procedure:
No makeup tests will be given during the regular semester. Make-ups can only be
taken immediately following the final exam, and only with a medical excuse.
Cheating Policy:
Cheating will be swiftly dealt with according to the rules in the Nicholls State
University student handbook.
Attendance policy:
Students are expected to attend classes at all times. A medical excuse for
absences will be accepted.
2
Tentative Course Calendar (calendar will change as needed)
Week
Aug. 25
Topics ______________________________
Discussion of syllabus and outcome of the course
Ecology and Ecosystems
- The nature of ecosystems
- The abiotic environment
Sept. 1.
Labor Day – No class
Sept. 8.
Nature of Micro-environment
- Insolation, precipitation, and climate
- Soils, nutrients, and other factors
Sept. 15.
Energy Flow in Ecosystems
- Energy Fixation by autotrophs
- Energy flow beyond the producers
Sept. 22.
Energy Flow Continued
- Decomposition
- Ecosystems and thermodynamics
Sept. 29.
Biogeochemical Cycles and Ecosystems
- Gaseous and sedimentary nutrient cycles
- Nutrient Budget and ecosystems
Oct. 6.
Exam I
Major Ecosystems of the World
- Biomes
- Terrestrial ecosystems
Major Ecosystems Continued
- Aquatic ecosystems
- Oceans and seas
- Wetlands
Oct. 13
Oct. 20
Population Ecology
- Population growth and structure
- Population regulation
- The structure and function of communities
Oct. 27.
Mid-Term Exam
3
Nov. 3.
Human Ecology
- The nature of human ecology
- The human population
Take Home Exam (write paper on special topics)
Nov.10.
Anthropogenic Impact on Ecosystems - Chemical
Nov. 17.
Anthropogenic Impact on Ecosystems - Physical
Nov. 24.
Biological Treatment of Wastewater
Landscape and Restoration Ecology
Dec 1.
Take Home Exam Paper Due (Exam III)
Discussion of student papers
Quantitative Ecology
- The statistics of Biology
Finals Week Final Exam – date TBA
Bibliography:
1. Miller, G.T. 2002. Living in the Environment: Principles, Connections, and Solutions
12th edition. Brooks/Cole Thompson Learning, New York.
2. Hickey, R.F. and Smith, G. 1996. Biotechnology in Industrial Waste Treatment and
Bioremediation., CRC Lewis Publishers, New York.
3. Odom, E. 1995. Principles of Ecology, Plenum Press, New York.
4. Kaufman, D.G. and C.M. Franz. 2000. Biosphere. 3rd Edition. Kendall/hunt
Publishing. Dubuque, Iowa
5. Nyer, E. K. 1996. In Situ Treatment Technology. , CRC Lewis Publishers, New
York.
6. Stoner, D. L. 1993. Biotechnology for the Treatment of Hazardous Waste., CRC
Lewis Publishers, New York.
7. King, B. 1992. Practical Environmental Bioremediation., CRC Lewis Publishers,
New York.
8. Journal of Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
9. Journal of Environmental Science and Technology
10. Journal of Bioresource Technology
11. Water Environment Research Journal.
4