MONTCLAIR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Department of Instruction
Course Syllabus
NAME OF COURSE: Marine Biology
GRADE(S): 11 - 12
LENGTH OF COURSE: Semester
CREDITS: 2.5
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Marine Biology is a lab-oriented, one semester elective that explores the largest biome on Earth
– the ocean, and the organisms that co-exist in it. The course takes an ecological approach and
focuses on the inter-relationships among the myriad creatures found living in the salt water.
While the ocean is vast and, in many places quite deep, it is still vulnerable to the effects of
human exploitation and pollution. During the course, students will study preserved specimens of
marine life, from the tiny floating inhabitants of the plankton and bottom-dwelling invertebrates,
up to the larger, free-swimming fishes and mammals. Optional field trips are offered, when
possible. Students will be exposed to a variety of resources and references that may include
newspaper/journal articles, internet sites, guest speakers and videos. The course can be
contracted for Honor’s level credit.
Level Contracting Requirements: Contracting for Honor’s level credit is permitted as per the
MHS Program Planning Guide. Interested students will meet with the instructor to agree on the
terms which include but are not limited to a comprehensive semester project. Details of the
project will be listed in a binding contract to be signed by the student, parent and instructor
TEXTBOOK: Marine Biology, 5th Ed., Peter Castro and Michael Huber, McGraw-Hill Pub.
SUPPLEMENTARY INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL:
Laboratory manuals, educational videos, internet activities, articles from journals, other textbooks,
magazines and newspapers. Supplies/materials students should come to class prepared with include:
notebook, pens/pencils, calculator. It is recommended that students bring a pair of kitchen gloves for lab
UNITS OF STUDY:
• The Science of Marine Biology
• The Sea Floor
• Chemical and Physical Features of Seawater and the World Ocean
• Basics of Biology
• Laboratory Safety
• Microbial World
• Multi-cellular Primary Producers: Seaweeds and Plants
• Marine Animals without a Backbone
• Marine Fishes
• Marine Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals
• Marine Ecology
Department of Instruction
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MONTCLAIR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Department of Instruction
Course Syllabus
PROFICIENCIES: Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:
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Identify representatives of major groups of marine organisms
Outline a brief history of the scientific exploration of the sea
Identify the principal techniques and equipment used in the study of the oceans and its
inhabitants
Understand the flow of food energy through the different trophic levels of the marine
environment
Identify major limiting factors in representative marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, sandy
beaches and mud flats
Explain the Continental Drift theory and its effect upon the current size and location of the
principal oceans and continents of the earth
Identify major pollutants that are detrimental to the ocean environment and its inhabitants
Identify the effects of global climate change as it relates to the marine biome as well as the
those marine effects on the land biomes
Demonstrate safety when working in the laboratory setting, including handling of materials and
solutions, microscopes, dissection tools and glassware, and proper disposal of wastes
FIELD TRIPS & GUEST SPEAKERS:
Field trips and guest speaks may be used to enhance instruction and provide students with
broader curricular experiences. This may include field trips/outreach programs with
Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Bronx Zoo, Mystic Seaport or Camden Aquarium.
EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT:
• Tests: 30%
• Quizzes:15%
• Homework; 15%
• Labwork /Class Participation: 25%
• Projects: 15%
Prior to beginning any lab activities, all students must have submitted a Safety Contract
which has been duly signed by both the student and their parent/guardian. This contract will
be kept on file by the teacher for the duration of the course.
NEW JERSEY CORE CURRICULUM CONTENT STANDARD ALIGNMENT:
The Marine Biology curriculum is aligned with the NJCCCS:
5.1 A (1-3), 5.1 B (1-3), 5.1 C (1-3), 5.1 D (1-4), 5.3 A (1-2), 5.3 B (1-2), 5.3 C (1-3), 5.3 D
(1-3), 5.3 E (1-2)
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