Course code:

ES5045

Level:

A - Advanced

Class size limit:

12

Meets the following requirements:

  • ES - Environmental Science

Lab fee:

50

Typically offered:

Upon occasion

This course focuses on current and classical research in marine ecology worldwide, with a strong focus on understanding the primary literature, and then conducting field studies that apply these ideas to current questions in Maine intertidal marine ecology. The first half of the term we will be reading and discussing both primary literature and review papers covering the ecology and evolution of marine organisms. Students will read papers, provide short written responses before class, and have two small synthetic problem sets or essays over this portion of the term. The second half of the term students will divide their time between a large class project and small-group projects, with projects largely based in the local intertidal community. Much of this fieldwork will be tide-dependent and occur outside of the listed classroom time. Projects may include the population biology and ecology of introduced species, intraspecific variation in morphology and behavior, using eDNA or individual barcoding to help determine local species composition, and estimates of biodiversity in local habitats. Students will also take part in an applied class project aimed at assisting with the management and monitoring of locally co-managed species, clams and alewives.

Prerequisites:

One class in marine biology and at least two additional courses in ecology, evolution, or statistics and research design, and permission of instructor.

Always visit the Registrar's Office for the official course catalog and schedules.