Course Description

In this course, students examine the methods used in order to investigate marine biological issues in the field. Basic knowledge of marine biology is assumed, but can be acquired during the course if necessary.

We will evaluate how scientists develop questions about the marine environment and how research is carried out in order to provide answers. The class consists of one field study (conducted over several weeks), one observational study (at the Seattle aquarium over 2 days) and one case study.

Subjects for study include human activities and our effects on marine species and communities. The course contains multiple field trips, guest lectures by some of the formost marine biologists in the region, lab dissections and necropsys, and discussion of peer-reviewed literature.

There are two fundamental goals for the course:

• To provide a detailed, hands-on examination of how marine biology is investigated, and
• To use knowledge of marine biological issues as a tool for evaluating anthropogenic change.

Class Style

• Weekly lectures by marine biologists active in field research (M, W)
• Case studies
• Weekly class discussion of current world views (news pieces) and research articles (F)
• Labs devoted to
  • marine mammal data analysis
  • necropsy of a marine mammal
  • intertidal zone ecology (wear boots!)
  • elasmobranch anatomy
• All-day and evening shark obervations at the Seattle Aquarium, Wednesday April 28th
• 3-day fieldtrip to the outer coast (we will be based in Forks), May 7-9.

Case Study Themes for 2004

1. Marine mammals, population dynamics, and pollutants: the role of humans in controlling or influencing orca whale life histories and fecundity. Focus on the southern resident Orca community and also on porpoise and harbor seal toxic data.
2. Behavior and activity of elasmobranchs (sharks) and the role of human activity in influencing the behavior patterns of siz gilled sharks in Puget Sound.
3. Influence of habitat and human activity on intertidal community structure. Multiple field trips during low tides to sandy, rocky and mixed intertidal communities. Includes weekiend trip to the Olympic National Park near Forks. Wear boots.