MARINE BIOLOGY - BIO 2100 ONLINE
Marine Biology (BIO 2100) is a four credit course suitable for both science and non-science majors, however
some background in biology is required. At the end of the semester, you'll receive one grade based on your
performance in both the lecture and laboratory components of the course.
Prerequisite:
Biology 1010 or equivalent.
Transfer Status:
BIO 2100 has been approved for transfer to the University of Maryland as credit towards
a zoology major (substituting for Zoology 210 or Zoology 212). The credits can also be
used as a laboratory science in the Distributive Studies Category.
Please read through the following basic information about the course and don't hesitate to contact me if I can
provide any additional information of if you just want to "reach out and touch" someone.
Best wishes,
Dr. M. Bres
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT BIO 2100
People have always been fascinated by the creatures of the sea. What's your favorite marine organism? Is it
a dolphin? A whale? A giant squid? A polar bear or penguin? The incredible kelp forest off the California
coast? The ocean is home to an amazing variety of animals, plants, and microorganisms. The ocean gives us
life. It helps regulate the weather and global temperatures, provides food and oxygen, and is the last truly
unexplored habitat on earth.
This combination lecture/lab course surveys the basic biology, behavior, and life history of marine
organisms, and reviews the physical aspects of various marine habitats from the tropics to the poles. During
this semester, you'll also acquire a basic understanding of how the oceans function and why ocean ecosystems
are in danger now. You'll learn how these problems originate and explore various approaches that can be
used to develop solutions. You'll be able to apply this information directly to your life when you make
decisions as a consumer, a citizen, and a voter.
The course consists of reading assignments in the text book and weekly modules in the classroom, weekly
assignments, and discussion board postings. All of these are designed to foster interaction with your classmates
and give you a broad background in the basic principles of ecology and environmental science.
There are no required on-campus meetings for either course, but you must come to campus to complete the
Bio 2110 final exam. Depending on the time of year, you're likely to have the opportunity to participate in
totally cool (but optional) field trips, if your schedule permits.
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COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of Biology 2100, you'll be able to:

demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of marine ecosystems

demonstrate knowledge of the types and adaptations of marine organisms.

explain and give examples of the importance of the world's oceans to human survival.

explain and give examples of how various human activities affect the global and local environments

demonstrate knowledge of recent advances in exploration techniques and technology that are used to
increase our knowledge of the marine environment.
YOUR TIME COMMITMENT FOR THIS COURSE
The time requirement for the online sections is the same as for any on-campus lecture/laboratory
combination. It will require approximately six hours per week of interaction online, performing experiments,
and taking field trips. Also, plan to spend additional time studying independently.
The ease of access of distance education often offers promise of being able to do more in a 24 hour day;
however, each student must acknowledge how much else they have "on their plate" which must be combined
with the requirements of a college level class. Also, I acknowledge that science isn't the easiest subject for
many students. It may require more effort because the subjects and topics of the class are often not
something that individuals expressly address everyday.
The distance learning format is wonderful because of its flexibility, but the price you pay for this
convenience is that the responsibility for learning the course material falls squarely on your shoulders. Even
if you've taken other online courses and have found them easy, expect to work hard in this course!
Don't panic. This doesn't mean you're working alone. I'm here to help you and so are your fellow students.
In on-campus sections, lecture and lab each meet for three hours per week - a total of six hours of time spent in
class, plus your responsibilities for reading, studying, and completing homework assignments. In an online
section, you don't have to drive to campus for class meetings, but otherwise, the workload for this class is no
different than for an on-campus section.
Even though you don't have to come to campus, and thus save on commuting time (and gas money), you'll have
to equal the amount of time you would have spent in class to be successful in this course. You may well find
that even more time is required when you're working in the more independent format of a online course.
Please take this information to heart, so there won't be any misunderstandings about the work load or course
requirements. If you follow the week-by-week schedule I've provided and review on a regular basis, you should
be able to pace yourself to complete the course in the allotted time without undue strain.
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STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
It's your responsibility to check the schedule to determine when an assignment is due and to read all
assignment instructions early enough to allow you enough time to successfully complete each exercise.
Please don't wait until the day before an assignment is due to read it for the first time. All assignments are
posted ahead of time so you should have plenty of time to get in touch with me and get help understanding
the concepts needed to complete your submissions.
It's your responsibility to ask questions when you're unclear about or don't understand a topic, reading or
assignment. I can't tell if you need help unless you ask! You'll be graded on your mastery of the assigned
topics. If you're unclear about a topic and don't seek assistance, your work may not be complete and may not
earn full credit for the assignment.
DUE DATES
If you find that you'll have a problem meeting the deadline for a scheduled assignment, be sure to contact me
immediately. If you have a legitimate reason for missing the scheduled time, I'll try to arrange some form of
accommodation for you. I won't even consider a deadline extension unless I hear from you before the due date
has expired.
QUIZZES
There will be four online quizzes. Each will contain both objective and essay questions. Some individuals may
wish to take more time and others may finish comfortably in less. Quizzes and exams will be based on your
knowledge of the assigned textbook readings, postings in the Weekly Assignment modules, and information
covered in the assignments and class discussions.
In order to be successful in this course, you must be able to demonstrate your comprehension by explaining
course concepts in your own words and apply your knowledge to new situations. It isn't enough to simply
memorize facts and definitions. You'll be expected to explain course concepts in your own words and solve
new problems similar to those covered in class and on homework assignments.

The course material is cumulative in that comprehension of subjects later in the course hinges on your
understanding of earlier, foundation concepts.

If you need clarification on something you missed on a quiz or assignment, or didn't understand during
your studying, please ask me about it.
FINAL EXAM
The final exam will be comprehensive. It will be CLOSED BOOK. The exam will be proctored and
administered at the Testing Center located in Bladen Hall, Room 100.
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ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Academic dishonesty won't be tolerated. Any act of cheating will result in a GRADE OF ZERO for that work.

COPYING DIRECTLY OUT OF A BOOK, CLASS HANDOUT, OFF THE INTERNET, FROM
OTHER REFERENCES, OR FROM OTHER STUDENTS ISN'T ACCEPTABLE! This includes
slightly rearranging the words so that they're a little different than the source.

Academic dishonesty includes putting someone's name on a group assignment when that person hasn't fully
participated in the group work.

No papers turned in by separate students or separate groups should EVER have the exact same essay
answers (or even very similar answers).

Think the material over, then write the answer in your own words!
EXTRA CREDIT
I can't grant requests for extra credit assignments that aren't available to the entire class, so please don't ask.
I'm required by the College to treat all students equally and make sure that all students have the same
opportunities. This policy is undertaken to ensure fairness to all students.