St. Petersburg College
OCB 1000C – The Biology of Marine Life
INSTRUCTOR:
Ana M. Hoare
Email: Hoare.AnaMaria@spcollege.edu
Cell Phone: (727) 422-9355 (During Virtual Hours/ Text Anytime)
Fax: (727) 499-4635
Office Location: TL Building Learning Commons
Contact Policy:
Email - Please use class email; I will answer within 24 hours M-Th. On weekend days (F-Su) I may take longer, but I do
check them from home.
Office Hours: My office hours are posted below and I will return all calls during these hours. If you wish me to
call you please include a contact number in your email or message. I have included a cell phone for you to call me during
my virtual office hours only. This is time where you can call/contact me with any problems you may have. You may
text me anytime, I’ll return your message ASAP.
Office Hours/Calling Hours
Instructor
Schedule
Monday
1:00-3:45
Wednesday
Virtual Office
Call/Text
10:00-11:30
11:45-12:45
Tuesday
Office Hours
TL Building
Learning
Commons
OCB1000C
LAB
UP307
Thursday
Virtual Office
Call/Text
Office Hours
TL Building
Learning
Commons
Virtual Office
Email or Text
Only
OCB 1000C
Lecture
PW704
Virtual Office
Email or Text
Only
N.B Other face to face office hour sessions can be made by appointment.
ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT:
Dean: Dr. John Chapin
Office Location: SE-LI 2nd Floor
Office Number: (727) 394-6995
Academic Chair: Dr. Amanda Gilleland
Office Location: UP 337
Office Number: (727) 394-6024
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COURSE INFORMATION:
Course Description:
The Biology of Marine Life will merge traditional biology and the local ecology of Florida's Gulf Coast. This is a "C" class so it counts as
your Gen. Ed. lab. This class will include lecture, hands-on activities, labs and field trips.
The Biology of Marine Life is designed to provide the non-science major student with an understanding of basic biological principles using
marine organisms as examples. The focus is on functional interactions at the cellular, organismal and community levels. The laboratory
component will apply concepts through direct observations and experiments using the diversity of organisms in and from our local marine
environment.
Course Goals:
Student will attain at least 70% knowledge demonstrated by Unit tests, assignments, projects and final exam.
Course Objectives:
1) The student will understand the unity among all life forms in their cellular structure, chemical and energy requirements and their ability
to reproduce, develop and respond.
2) The student will design and analyze experiments using scientific methods.
3) The student will understand the basic energy processes within organisms.
4) The student will compare and contrast energy flow within the individual organism with energy flow in the ecosystem.
5) The student will compare the influences of genetics and environment on population growth and survival.
6) The student will outline the evolution of diversity in marine life and how it parallels changes in time and environment.
7) The student will identify and describe major marine groups in the sea and correlate each with its specific niche.
8) The student will assess human impact on the marine environment and its inhabitants.
Prerequisites:
This course may not be taken for credit subsequent to receiving a grade of "C" or better in any course with a BSC prefix. Must have basic
computer skills and access.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK & OTHER RESOURCE INFORMATION:
Required:
Florida’s Living Beaches
Author: Witherington
Publisher: Pineapple Press ISBN: 9781561643868
Optional:
Field Guide to Coastal Fishes
Author: Kells
Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University ISBN: 9780801898389
Field Work Fees/Transportation: You are responsible for transportation to and from all field experiences.
Library:
http://www.spcollege.edu/central/libonline/.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Drop/Add: 8/22/2015
Drop Add Policy: http://www.spcollege.edu/central/asa/addendum.htm
Withdrawal Date: 10/22/2015
Financial Aid: http://www.spcollege.edu/central/SSFA/HomePage/calendar.htm
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ATTENDANCE:
The college-wide attendance policy is included in the Syllabus Addendum
http://www.spcollege.edu/central/asa/addendum.htm. The policy notes that each instructor is to exercise professional
judgment and define “active participation” in class (and therefore “attendance”), and publish that definition in each
syllabus.
Actively participating in this class will be a maximum of 6 absences. If a student misses more than 6 classes they will be
withdrawn from class and lose credit or receive an “F” if after the 60% mark. Exceptions can’t be made because if you’ve
missed that much class…whatever the reason you simply haven’t earned credit.
Punctuality is important and consistent tardiness is rude...if you miss attendance then you are absent even if you
show up late. There are no exceptions to this as well. 6 absence/tardies is simply not acceptable.
I will consider issuing an “I” incomplete only in extenuating circumstances AFTER the 60% mark of the class.
STUDENT SURVEY OF INSTRUCTION:
The student survey of instruction is administered in courses each semester. It is designed to improve the quality of
instruction at St. Petersburg College. All student responses are confidential and anonymous and will be used solely for
the purpose of performance improvement.
STUDENTS’ EXPECTATIONS AND INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS:
Each student’s behavior in the classroom or Web course is expected to contribute to a positive learning/teaching
environment, respecting the rights of others and their opportunity to learn. No student has the right to interfere with the
teaching/learning process, including the posting of inappropriate materials in discussion forums or Web page sites.
The instructor has the authority to ask a disruptive student to leave the classroom, lab, or Web course and to file
disciplinary charges if disruptive behavior continues.
There is no tolerance for cheating and academic dishonesty. Discipline can range from a zero on a specific assignment
(first offence) to expulsion from the class with a grade of F (subsequent offences). Note that copy/pasting published
information, whether it's from your textbook or the Internet, without citing your source is plagiarism and violates this policy.
Any instance of cheating will be reported to the Associate Provost and you will receive a copy in writing for your signature.
Please review http://www.spcollege.edu/central/asa/addendum.htm for the college’s policy on the following:
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Drop/add and audit
Grading and repeat course policies
Grading and repeat course policies
Attendance/active participation/withdrawal policies
Federal guidelines financial aid/total withdrawal
CLAST changes
Dual enrollment, Early admissions/college
Academic honesty
Student expectations
Online student participation/conduct guidelines
Emergency preparedness
Campus safety & security
Sexual predator information
Special accommodations
ASSIGNMENTS:
Lab/Trip Reports (25% Total) – This class has a lab/field component that you will be required to complete assignments
for. Each activity will relate to that week’s activities. You’re not eligible to complete this assignment unless you
attend that week’s particular activity. You will be required to complete each assignment outside of class time. The
highest 10 grades will be counted toward your final grade.
Lab/Field Practical Exams (25% Total) - As a requirement of this class there are a number of hands-on activities and
field trips associated with it to improve both understanding and critical thinking skills. These activities will be assessed by
a lab practical. They will be live and you will have no resources. You will be required to identify and answer questions
regarding and all of the living things we discuss in class. The highest 4 practical grades will be counted toward your
final grade.
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Final Project (10% of grade) – This project has 2 components, a written project (50 points) and a class presentation (50
points). You may work alone or in small groups up to 3 members.
Written Project - For this section you will be creating a local field guide describing a particular taxa or group of
organisms. You may choose a topic from the list provided or come up with your own. To avoid repeated topics your
group must email me your chosen topic and they will be assigned on a first come/first serve basis.
CATEGORY OF ORGANISM REPORT
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A Cover
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A Table of Contents (complete w/ page numbers)
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An introduction describing your chosen organismal group. Here you should describe evolution and
characteristics of your given taxa. Its general life history and place on the food web should be discussed. At
least 10 points should be made in this discussion.
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10 organisms properly identified with both scientific and common name. Each organism should have its own
page with an image or illustration, taxonomy, place on the food chain and 1 paragraph (6 sentences) describing
it. Please do not use groups of organisms (i.e. diatoms) but specific organisms (i.e. turtle grass).
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An APA citation page.
Presentation - You or your group will be presenting your chosen topic to the class. You should describe your organismal
group (.ppt is recommended) and your 10 organisms you highlighted in your project. You may display these organisms
anyway you like… actual specimens or photographs you’ve taken (.ppt format) are recommended. If you have chosen an
organism such as a specific phytoplankter, you may search the internet for a high quality picture but use real pictures that
you have taken yourself wherever possible.
Midterm (20% of grade) – The midterm exam covers the first half of the class covering both lecture and activities. It
includes multiple choice/true false sections and essays.
Final Exam (20% of grade) - The final exam is a cumulative test and is administered in class during the assigned exam
time. It includes multiple choice/true false sections and essays covering both lecture and activities from entire semester.
No late work will be accepted. I will not issue an incomplete without a documented medical excuse or a death in the
immediate family. There will be no exceptions. Computer problems ARE NOT an acceptable excuse.
Extra Credit – Hands on training is the best way to immerse oneself in science so I will allow each student to earn up to
5 points extra credit added directly to your final grade.
The requirements for extra credit are as follows:
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Science Internships – 5 points: Generally an internship is a once a week commitment to an agency related to
science. I’ve had interns at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Tampa Bay Watch in
the past. You do not need to limit your search to these agencies…but your work should be science related (a
cashier at a nature preserve is not credit worthy. If you’re an intern, please have your supervisor forward me a
letter with your responsibilities.
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Attend a Lecture – 1 point per event: You may receive 1 point extra credit for attending a lecture or symposium
relating to SUBJECT MATTER. There are several lecture series available in our area including Boyd Hill
Nature Preserve’s Natural History Series and The Clearwater Marine Aquarium Speaker Series. USF, Eckerd
and other Nature Centers often have guest lectures…you may have to search a website or two to locate all of
the opportunities available in your area (open to non-Pinellas students as well). To earn extra credit you must
provide a letter of participation provided by the agency you are working for or lecture you are attending.
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Attend the SP Gibbs Planetarium Show – 1 point: There is a weekly show at the St. Petersburg College’s
planetarium on the Gibbs Campus. If attending SPC’s planetarium show you must pre-type a letter and have
Dr. Joseph sign it after the program. Please visit the SP Gibbs website for more details.
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Campus Science Events – 1 point per event: Dr. Nichol sometimes invites guest speakers to campus several
times in both the fall and spring terms. The environmental and sustainability programs also sanction events and
invite speakers. At these events there are sign in sheets used for credit. I will try to email these events to the
entire class as they change from semester to semester.
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Participate in a guided hike or a naturalist class – 1 point per event: Weedon Island, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
and Brooker Creek Nature Preserve are part of Pinellas County Extension and have weekly events that pertain
to both natural and physical science. Again, you’ll need to visit a website or two to find scheduled events…but
the points are worth it. If you’re out of the area locate a Nature Center near you.
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Volunteer Activities – 1 point with instructor approval: I try to support local environmental agencies such as
Tampa Bay Watch by providing much need volunteers to make our community a better place. Building Oyster
Domes, planting seagrasses and other activities are available for you to participate in. Check the Tampa Bay
Watch website for many opportunities, and get prior approval from me…Please.
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GRADING:
Your Final Grade will be determined as follows:
Category
Percent of grade
Lab/Trip Reports
25
Lab/Field Practical Exams
25
Midterm Exam
20
Final Project
10
Final Exam
20
Letter grades will be assigned according to college policy:
Letter Grade
Percentages
A
90 - 100
B
80 - 89
C
70 - 79
D
60 – 69
F
Below 60
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Marine Biology (Tentative Schedule)
Date
Activity
Meeting Time/Place
M– Aug 17
Lecture
Lab Activity
M – Aug 24
Syllabus
What is Biology?
Introduction to Biological Taxonomy
The Animal Kingdom
Introduction to Biological Taxonomy; General Biology
for the Marine Scientist
The Animal Kingdom
Phylum Mollusca
W – Aug 26
Introduction to the Ocean Habitats
Lecture
M – Aug31
Seagrasses of Tampa Bay
W – Sept 2
Overview of the Tampa Bay Habitat
Ft. De Soto – Arrowhead Picnic Area
3500 Pinellas Bayway S • Tierra Verde at
1:30PM
Lecture
M – Sept 7
LABOR DAY = NO LAB/CLASS
W – Aug 20
W – Sept 9
Lecture
Lab Activity
Lab Activity
Lecture
M – Sept 14
World Ecosystems
The Beaches of Tampa Bay
W – Sept 16
Marine Ecology
Lecture
M – Sept 21
Salt Marsh, Mud Flats and Group Work
Ft. De Soto – Arrowhead Picnic Area
3500 Pinellas Bayway S • Tierra Verde at
10AM
W – Sept 23
Practical #1 Common Names/Phyla of Local Animals
M – Sept 28
Barrier Islands
W – Sept 30
Marine Photosynthesis
TL Learning Center Lab Activity
M – Oct 5
W – Oct 7
Marine Microorganisms
The Biology of Fish
Lab Activity
Lecture
M – Oct 12
The Biology of Fish
Lab Activity
W – Oct 14
Midterm Exam
M-Oct 19
Seabirds of Tampa Bay
W– Oct 21
Marine Microorganisms and Photosynthesizers
Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary
18328 Gulf Blvd • Indian Shores
(727) 391-6211 at 1:30PM
Lectures
M – Oct 26
Practical #2 – Microbes, Anatomy of Squid and
Shark and General Organism ID.
Coral Reef Ecosystems
Lecture
W - Oct 28
M – Nov 2
Ft. De Soto – North Beach Shelter #9
3500 Pinellas Bayway S • Tierra Verde at
1:30PM
Honeymoon Island – Osprey Nature Trail
#1 Causeway Boulevard • Dunedin, Florida
(727) 469-5942 at 10AM
Fort De Soto; 1:30PM
W – Nov 4
Mangrove Swamps
Marine Invertebrates
Lecture
M – Nov 11
W- Nov 13
M– Nov 18
Veterans Day = NO LAB
Marine Fish
Projects – Group
Lecture
Meet in Lab
W – Nov 20
M – Nov 23
W-Nov 25
Presentations/Projects
Marine Arthropods
No Class - Thanksgiving Break starts
Group Work Presentations
Lab
M-Nov30
Final Practicals:
#3 Barrier Islands – Arrowhead Trail
#4 Beach Community – North Beach
Ft. De Soto – North Beach Shelter #9
3500 Pinellas Bayway S · Tierra Verde at
10AM
W – Dec 2
Marine Vertebrates
Extra Credit Due
Lecture
M – Dec 7
Practical #5…Field Trip Photos
Final Exam
Practical and Test
Lectures in plain font, Work due in bold font, Trips in red font, Labs in blue font and Project work
in purple font.
ALWAYS check D2L mail before leaving for a field trip, if trip is postponed an announcement will
be emailed to you and we will meet in lab. Emergency phone is (727) 422-9355.
This schedule is subject to change.
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