Marine Biology
Professor J.W. Rachlin
Davis 233, 718-960-8239
joseph.rachlin@lehman.cuny.edu
Bio 336, 3 hours, 3 credits, Code 12197
Tuesday 2:00 – 4:40 Davis 335
Fall 2012
Syllabus
Required Text: Marine Biology by Castro and Huber, 8th edition, Pub. By McGraw Hill,
2010.
Book cost is approximately $180.00 at the College Book Store
There will be two scheduled examinations during the course of the semester, and a formal
final examination given during final examination week. That makes a total of three
examinations. All examinations will be of an essay type. The final exam will not be
cumulative. Each exam will be worth 20% of the final grade.
Written two page essays on assigned topics are required and due on the date of the next
class meeting following its assignment. These essays are to be typed, double spaced and
appropriately referenced. Late essays will not be accepted. The essays will be worth
30% of the final grade.
Attendance and class participation count for 10% of your final grade.
Normally no make-up examinations are given. However, under extenuating circumstances,
where appropriate documentation is provided, and at the discretion of the Instructor, a
make-up examination may be given and will be administered immediately following the
final examination.
Please note that the last day to withdraw from this course is Friday 9 November 2012.
Important: Each student needs to acquire a free on-line Yahoo email account
(http://www.yahoo.com) in order to be able to log onto the class’ Marine Biology Group
Site, where class notes and other information will be posted. Once you have established
this account please let me know your yahoo address, as I have to formally invite you to
have access to this Group Site.
***Please note Cell Phones are to be turned off & put away when you enter this class***
The learning goals for this course include: Understanding what is meant by the expression “The
Ocean is Motion” and what factors determine the movement of seawater. Developing an appreciation
of the basic chemistry and physics of the marine environment, and how this environment varies both
vertically and horizontally. Developing an understanding of the biodiversity of the various realms of
the marine world, and how living in a marine environment affects their life histories. There will be a
strong ecological and biogeographical component to the material of the course. Students, through
their essays will have the opportunity to explore various topics and learn how to communicate their
understanding in written form.
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***Schedule***
Day
Date
Tuesday
28 August
Introduction & The Sea Floor
Tuesday
04 September
The Sea Floor, Chemical and
Physical Properties of Seawater
Tuesday
11 September
Wave Action, Currents and Tides
*Tuesday
18 September
No Class*
*Tuesday
25 September
No Class*
Tuesday
02 October
First Examination
Tuesday
09 October
The Microbial World
Tuesday
16 October
Seaweeds, Aquatic Plants,
Marine Invertebrates
Tuesday
23 October
Marine Invertebrates, Marine Fishes
Tuesday
30 October
Marine Ecology
Tuesday
06 November
Marine Ecology
Tuesday
13 November
Second Examination
Tuesday
20 November
Between the Tides (Littoral Zone)
Tuesday
27 November
Estuaries
Tuesday
04 December
The Coral Reef
Tuesday
11 December
Resources from the Sea
Friday 14 December – Thursday 20 December
Topic
Final Exam Week
I will announce the actual date and time of the Final Exam as soon as the schedule is
posted.
Professor Joseph W. Rachlin
Office: Davis Hall Room 233
Laboratory for Marine and Estuarine Research, Davis Hall Room 231 Telephone (718) 960-8239
Email: joseph.rachlin@lehman.cuny.edu Email: joerachlin@yahoo.com
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Academic Integrity:
Academic Dishonesty is prohibited in The City University of New York and is
punishable by penalties, including failing grades, suspension, and expulsion. The
Lehman Web page http://www.lehman.edu/undergraduatebulletin/academicintegrity.htm discusses academic integrity and provides some
examples.
Accommodating Disabilities:
Lehman College is committed to providing access to all programs and curricula to all
students. Students with disabilities who may need classroom accommodations are
encouraged to register with the Office of Student Disability Services. For more info,
please contact the Office of Student Disability Services, Shuster Hall, Room 238, phone
number, 718-960-8441.
Finis
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