Syllabus Marine Science
Ms. Stripling
Aug
1. Introduction: Why Study the Oceans?
Overview of the course. Importance of the oceans and marine science.The origin of the earth, the
oceans and life. Could there be life elsewhere?
Aug
2. A History of Marine Science
History of ocean exploration and the beginnings of ocean science. A discussion of a few of the
major breakthroughs and discoveries that have expanded our knowledge of the oceans.
Aug
3. Basic Structure of the Earth
Dimensions and make-up; latitude and longitude; geophysical descriptions; geochemical
descriptions
Aug
4. Plate Tectonics
Features of the sea floor; Plate theory; Sea floor spreading and continental drift; Evidence of
these processes.
Sept
5. Consequences of Change
Geologic time; time scales of change; tectonics, climate, biogeography; Records in stone, mud,
ice, sea and air.
Sept
6. Ocean Chemistry
Elements in seawater; residence times; conservative and nonconservative properties;
biogeochemical cycles; tracers of circulation.
Sept
7. Ocean Physics
The physical structure of the oceans: temperature/salinity/density...Light and sound in the ocean
Sept
8. Climate System
Climate... cost to society, insurance companies, future changes in climate...Weather and the
ocean...links to the atmosphere...
Sept
9. Ocean Currents
Currents: what are they, how do they form, and what is their role in the global scheme of things?
Oct
10. The Wind and The Waves
Oct
11. Tides
Oct
12. Coastal Environments
The physical environment of the SE United States coastline...coasts, estuaries, beaches, waves,
tides... trends in population development along the Florida coast...Resources of the nearshore
environment: why are estuaries so important?...South Florida, the links between the land and the
sea
Oct
13. A View of Life in the Oceans
Definition of life and its role in nature. Distribution of light and nutrients. Biogeochemical
cycles. Adaptations for living in the marine enviroment. Zonation of life in the ocean.
Oct
14. Marine Ecology
Primary productivity of the oceans. Different types of primary producers -- bacteria; diatoms,
dinoflagellates, coccolithophores and plants; Measuring primary production.
Oct
15. Zooplankton
Types of zooplankton; Ways of feeding, vertical migration, bioluminescence, life histories holoplankton vs meroplankton; lifestages.
Nov
16. Models of Life in the Plankton
Food chains and food webs. Modeling a plankton bloom.
Nov
17. Ecosystems in the Sea
Oligotrophic central gyres - the ocean deserts; Nutrient-rich subpolar regions; Upwelling
regions; Coastal regions; Estuaries.
Nov
18. Life on the Sea Floor
The benthos - in /on the sediments; Vents, Reefs and Hard Bottoms
Nov
19. Coral Reefs
Nov
20. Nekton, the free swimmers
Fish - variety of forms, some examples: demersal forms (cod), pelagic forms (tuna, swordfish),
small pelagics (sardines, anchovies)
Nov
21. Marine Mammals and Cod
Types of marine mammals; migration patterns, tracking endangered species. Understanding
behavior.
Dec
22. Oceanic Resources
Marine life, food chains, productivity, reliance on the physical and chemical environment...
Fisheries, economic values, trends in fish stocks... the future of fisheries...Aquaculture: how is it
done?...what is it worth to society?...Whales and marine mammals: their past and future.
Dec
23. Marine Pollution
Emphasis is on the physical environment, and influence of human population, exploitation.
Red Tides and Harmful Algal Blooms