What This Document Is
This document outlines the organization and key components of Stony Brook University’s BIO 353: Marine Ecology course, as presented in the 2014 iteration. It serves as a foundational guide for students embarking on this exploration of marine ecosystems, detailing the course structure, assessment methods, and overarching themes. It’s designed to provide a clear roadmap for success within the course.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is essential for any student enrolled in or considering enrollment in BIO 353. It’s particularly valuable at the beginning of the semester to understand expectations, plan for assignments, and grasp the breadth of topics covered. Students can refer back to it throughout the course to stay on track with readings, field trip requirements, and exam schedules. Understanding the course’s organization upfront can significantly improve your learning experience.
Topics Covered
* Foundational ecological principles relevant to marine environments
* Adaptations of marine organisms to unique physical conditions
* Life in the open ocean, including plankton and productivity
* Characteristics and dynamics of various marine habitats (intertidal zones, coral reefs, polar regions, and more)
* The impact of human activities on marine ecosystems, including fisheries, pollution, and climate change
* The scientific process, including hypothesis formation and testing within a marine context
* Components of marine biology, including functional biology, ecology, and biodiversity
What This Document Provides
* A detailed breakdown of the course grading scheme, including the weight of exams, quizzes, papers, and exercises.
* Information regarding required field trip logistics.
* An overview of the course’s four main thematic sections.
* Insight into the types of questions and issues driving current research in marine ecology.
* A glimpse into the tools and technologies used in marine ecological research, including research vessels and satellite imagery.
* A discussion of the importance of testable hypotheses in marine ecological studies.
