Fall semester courses provide students with a strong foundation for subsequent portions of the program. The curriculum provides a broad understanding of important biological, ecological, and experimental principles, illustrated with the marine plants, animals, and ecosystems found in New England. Field trips to Cape Cod and the Maine coast provide students with the opportunity to observe the variation in New England marine habitats along a latitudinal gradient. The Marine Science Center’s proximity to Boston-area universities and Woods Hole allows students to take advantage of some of the East Coast’s leading research centers.
Click on course name to download course syllabus in pdf format.
Marine Botany
BIOL 5501/5502, 5 cr
Structure, evolution, and ecology of marine algae and plants. Lectures include unique features of the major taxonomic groups and their ecological roles, relationships to other plants, and economic importance of marine algae and plants. Field trips are habitat oriented (e.g. exposed and protected intertidal, subtidal, coastal, salt marsh). In lab, structure and identification will be emphasized.
Instructor: Dr. Don Cheney | TA: Kylla Benes
Marine Invertebrate Zoology
BIOL 5503/5504, 5 cr
Introduction to the morphology, systematics, life history, ecology, and physiology of marine invertebrates. Includes lectures, field trips to a variety of habitats, and local dredging trips to obtain invertebrates. In lab, functional morphology and identification will be emphasized.
Instructor: Dr. Robert Haney | TA: Christopher Marks
Marine Ecology
BIOL 5515/5516, 5 cr
Examines processes and interactions in ocean ecosystems. Topics will include (1) an introduction to major ocean ecosystems; (2) the biotic and abiotic factors influencing the ecology of marine organisms; and (3) the transformation and flux of energy and matter in marine systems. Local coastal habitats will be used to demonstrate quantitative field research methods.
Instructor: Dr. Matt Bracken | TA: Valerie Perini
Experimental Design in Marine Ecology
BIOL 5521/5522, 5 cr
Provides the ecological theory and tools necessary for the proper design of ecological experiments and their analysis, using the rocky intertidal zone as a model system. Focuses on experimental design tailored for analysis of variance (ANOVA). Principles of design and analysis will be illustrated with several short and long term class experiments conducted in the rocky intertidal zone.
Instructor: Catherine Matassa | TA: Stephanie June
Diving Research Methods
BIOL 5289, 2 cr
A field oriented course designed to introduce students, who are certified SCUBA divers, to current underwater research techniques used in the study of the biology, ecology, and physiology of subtidal marine organisms. Upon successful completion of course students are certified as Scientific Divers by the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS).
Instructor: Ted Lyman | TA: Christopher Marks
Marine Biology Careers Seminar
BIOL 5103, 1 cr
Provides graduate students with information needed to pursue career opportunities in marine biology. Students will construct resumés, contact potential employers for their internships. Invited speakers from academia, government agencies, and private consulting firms will present talks on their work and career track.
Instructor: Dr. Sal Genovese