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BIOL 423
Marine Ecological Processes
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: either BIOL 180 and BIOL 356, or BIOL 180 and FISH 250, or a minimum grade of 3.4 in BIOL 180 or BIOL 240
Instructor(s): Emily Carrington
Studies the ecology of the oceans and coastal regions, emphasizing benthic communities common to the Pacific Northwest.
BIOL 423
Marine Ecological Processes
Credits: 3
General Education: NW
Prerequisites: either BIOL 180 and BIOL 356, or BIOL 180 and FISH 250/BIOL 250/OCEAN 250, or a minimum grade of 3.4 in either BIOL 180 or BIOL 240
Instructor(s): Emily Carrington
Studies the ecology of the oceans and coastal regions, emphasizing benthic communities common to the Pacific Northwest.
BIOL 434
Invertebrate Zoology
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: either BIOL 220, BIOL 250, B BIO 220, or T BIOL 140
Instructor(s): Kenneth Sebens
Comparative biology and morphology of invertebrates. Laboratory work emphasizes structures and functions. Emphasizes annelids and related worms, mollusks, and arthropods. Not open to students who have taken BIOL 430 or BIOL 432.
BIOL 434
Invertebrate Zoology
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: either BIOL 220, BIOL 250, B BIO 220, or T BIOL 140
Instructor(s): Kenneth Sebens
Comparative biology and morphology of invertebrates. Laboratory work emphasizes structures and functions. Emphasizes annelids and related worms, mollusks, and arthropods. Not open to students who have taken BIOL 430 or BIOL 432.
BIOL 434
Invertebrate Zoology
Credits: 5
General Education: NW
Prerequisites: either BIOL 220, BIOL 240, B BIO 220, or T BIOL 140
Instructor(s): Kenneth Sebens
Comparative biology and morphology of invertebrates. Laboratory work emphasizes structures and functions. Emphasizes annelids and related worms, mollusks, and arthropods. Not open to students who have taken BIOL 430 or BIOL 432.
FHL 250
Marine Biology
Prerequisites: FHL application
Physical, biological, and social aspects of the marine environments. Topics include oceanography, ecology, physiology, behavior, conservation, fisheries, exploration, and activism. Field and laboratory exercises expose students to common marine biological techniques and the diverse marine ecosystems of the San Juan Islands, WA, and to service-learning with local schools. Recommended: at least one quarter of introductory biology (more preferable).
FHL 333
Science Writing for Diverse Audiences
Credits: 3/5
Prerequisites: FHL application
This course examines the effective communication of scientific ideas in writing for both scientific and public audiences. Students read, analyze, and write diverse materials, learning to identify and practice concise, effective communication about marine science for a variety of audiences. The close-knit, hands-on FHL community creates and environment where students work together both inside and outside of class to build their skills.
FHL 333
Science Writing for Diverse Audiences
Credits: 3/5
Prerequisites: FHL application
This course examines the effective communication of scientific ideas in writing for both scientific and public audiences. Students read, analyze, and write diverse materials, learning to identify and practice concise, effective communication about marine science for a variety of audiences. The close-knit, hands-on FHL community creates and environment where students work together both inside and outside of class to build their skills.
FHL 333
Science Writing for Diverse Audiences
Credits: 3/5
General Education: W
Prerequisites: None
Instructor(s): Carolyn Friedman
This course will help students read peer-reviewed and public science writing, and understand and analyze those genres with respect to message, structure and target audience. Content will be focused on marine science and emerging issues in marine biology and ecology. Students will also engage in writing, learning to build effective science communication pieces targeted to specific audiences. Peer review, iterative editing, and both individual and team-based writing will be featured.
FHL 350
Introduction to Research in Marine Biology
Credits: 6
Prerequisites: FHL application; Recommended: any 100- or 200-level laboratory-based science course, ideally basic biology or marine biology.
Learn skills important to research scientists while participating in a mentored, hands-on project. Includes gathering, manipulating, and presenting data, plus group discussions on research ethics and the role of research in career options and graduate programs. Focuses on research activities in collaboration with a mentor. Research fields and topics vary. Recommended: any 100- or 200-level laboratory-based science course, ideally basic biology or marine biology.
FHL 375
Marine Mammals of the Salish Sea
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: FHL application; BIOL 180, FISH 250, ENVIR 100, OCEAN 101, or OCEAN 200
Instructor(s): Deborah Giles
An overview of the marine mammals found in the Salish Sea: their biology, habitats and conservation. Field trips throughout the San Juan Archipelago allow observation of common species, involving identification and recording of behavior in nature.
FHL 375
Marine Mammals of the Salish Sea
Credits: 5
General Education: NW
Prerequisites: BIOL 180, FISH 250, ENVIR 100, OCEAN 101, or OCEAN 200
The Salish Sea provides the ideal backdrop to study marine mammals. This course will provide students new to the biological sciences an opportunity to learn about the wide variety of marine mammals found here and the ecosystems that support them. This course focuses on the biology and conservation of marine mammals and their habitats and the key processes that created them. Discussions will include various topics of marine mammal science and conservation including: taxonomy, morphology including adaptations for marine realm, behavior (feeding strategies, social interactions, reproduction, etc.), habitat use and range, acoustics, anthropogenic impacts, and management of threatened or endangered animals. Students will be taught how to collect marine mammal data such as behavior and population estimates, and may also participate in necropsies. There will be several field trips, both land based and boat based, focused on observing marine mammals in their natural habitats. Students should be prepared to conduct field observations in inclement weather.
FHL 440/BIOL 445
Marine Botany
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: FHL application; either BIOL 220, B BIO 220, or TESC 140; BIOL 430, which must be taken concurrently.
Instructor(s): Tom Mumford
Survey of plants represented in marine environments; natural history; ecology, distribution, habitat, adaptation, and trophic interrelationships. Taken at Friday Harbor laboratories.
FHL 446
Marine Botany: Diversity and Ecology
Credits: 9
Prerequisites: FHL application
Introduces marine plants – the diversity, life histories, physiology, and ecology of seaweeds, seagrasses, and marsh plants in the Salish Sea. Emphasizes field and laboratory work, including the application of molecular techniques to explore algal diversity and evolution.
FHL 470
Research in Marine Biology
Credits: 6
Prerequisites: FHL application
A hands-on introduction of “doing science” in close collaboration with a faculty member. Students engage in research in marine biology; credits vary with the scale of the project with may include lab experiments and field work. Students gather, analyze, write up, and present their own data.
FHL 470
Research in Marine Biology
Credits: 6
General Education: NW
Prerequisites: Admission to FHL "Zoo/Bot" Program
Research in Marine Biology will enable students to engage in a practical research experience in close collaboration with supervisors.
The Research in Marine Biology (RMB) course has three primary goals: (1) give undergraduates insight into how to conduct exciting research relating to topics in marine biology; (2) explore some practical aspects of how to approach science as a career; and (3) learn about the natural history, evolution & ecology of Salish Sea fishes.
FHL 471
Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of Marine Organisms
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: FHL application; either BIOL 220, BIOL 240, or FISH 270/MARBIO 270/OCEAN 270; recommended: Q SCI 381 or equivalent.
Instructor(s): Adam Summers
Challenges and opportunities presented by the marine environment. Relationship between organismal form and physiological function in marine animals and plants. Field trips for collection of live local organisms. Physiology experiments and CT scanning. Offered at Friday Harbor Laboratories.
FHL 490
Marine Sciences Seminar
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: FHL application
Students attend seminars by marine scientists each week and ask questions about their seminars.
FHL/BIOL 430
Marine Zoology
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: FHL application
Instructor(s): Megan Dethier
Survey of groups of invertebrate animals represented in the San Juan Archipelago; natural history, functional morphology, ecology, distribution, habitat, adaptation, trophic interrelationships, and evolution. Prerequisite: BIOL 445, which must be taken concurrently; permission of Friday Harbor director.
FHL/BIOL 432
Marine Invertebrate Zoology
Credits: 9
Prerequisites: FHL application
Comparative morphology and biology of marine invertebrates with emphasis on field and laboratory studies. Representatives of all major and most minor phyla are collected, observed live, and studied in detail. Taken at Friday Harbor Laboratories. Not open for credit to students who have taken BIOL 434.
FISH 310
Biology of Shellfishes
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Instructor(s): Jacqueline Padilla-Gamiño
Aquatic invertebrates with emphasis on taxa with economic and cultural significance. Dramatic diversity, adaptation to environment, and evolutionary forces highlighted. Laboratories, field trips. Details
FISH 310
Biology of Shellfishes
Credits: 5
General Education: NW
Prerequisites: None
Instructor(s): Jacqueline Padilla-Gamiño
Aquatic invertebrates with emphasis on taxa with economic and cultural significance. Dramatic diversity, adaptation to environment, and evolutionary forces highlighted. Laboratories, field trips.
FISH 312
Fisheries Ecology
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: BIOL 220 or FISH 270
Instructor(s): Chelsea Wood
Ecologists study the abundance and distribution of species. In FISH 312, we will learn the basic principles of ecology, with a focus on the ecological processes that produce observable patterns in diversity and abundance. We will proceed from lower levels of biological organization to higher levels: from physiology and behavior to populations, communities, and ecosystems. Although the objective of the course is to teach students fundamental ecological principles that apply across all ecosystems, we will focus on the themes most relevant to marine and aquatic ecosystems, especially fisheries. Details
FISH 312
Fisheries Ecology
Credits: 5
General Education: NW, W
Prerequisites: BIOL 220 or FISH 270
Instructor(s): Chelsea Wood
Ecologists study the abundance and distribution of species. In FISH 312, we will learn the basic principles of ecology, with a focus on the ecological processes that produce observable patterns in diversity and abundance. We will proceed from lower levels of biological organization to higher levels: from physiology and behavior to populations, communities, and ecosystems. Although the objective of the course is to teach students fundamental ecological principles that apply across all ecosystems, we will focus on the themes most relevant to marine and aquatic ecosystems, especially fisheries.
FISH 323
Conservation and Management of Aquatic Resources
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Instructor(s): Tim Essington
Topics include population dynamics, extinction risk, meta-populations, marine reserves, bioeconomics, protection of endangered species, sustainable harvesting, and management institutions. Examines case studies such as salmon, albatross, and whales as representative of conservation issues in aquatic sciences. Sampling, experimental design, computer skills, and research writing.
FISH 324
Aquatic Animal Physiology and Reproduction
Credits: 3/5
Prerequisites: BIOL 220 or FISH 270
Instructor(s): Graham Young
Adaptations of aquatic animals to environmental challenges. Energy pathways from feeding and digestion through maintenance (metabolism, movement, repair), homeostasis (respiration, osmoregulation, thermoregulation), growth and reproduction (sex determination, manipulation, sex change). Roles of sensory, nervous, and endocrine systems in mediating environmental information. Hands-on laboratory. Details
FISH 324
Aquatic Animal Physiology and Reproduction
Credits: 3/5
General Education: NW, W
Prerequisites: BIOL 220 or FISH 270
Instructor(s): Graham Young
Adaptations of aquatic animals to environmental challenges. Energy pathways from feeding and digestion through maintenance (metabolism, movement, repair), homeostasis (respiration, osmoregulation, thermoregulation), growth and reproduction (sex determination, manipulation, sex change). Roles of sensory, nervous, and endocrine systems in mediating environmental information. Hands-on laboratory.
FISH 404
Diseases of Aquatic Organisms
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Instructor(s): Carolyn Friedman
Overview of communicable and noncommunicable diseases that affect fish and shellfish. Major pathogens of free-ranging as well as captive animals discussed. Students learn to recognize, prevent, and control economically and ecologically important disease syndromes. Details
FISH 404
Diseases of Aquatic Organisms
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Instructor(s): Carolyn Friedman
Overview of communicable and noncommunicable diseases that affect fish and shellfish. Major pathogens of free-ranging as well as captive animals discussed. Students learn to recognize, prevent, and control economically and ecologically important disease syndromes.
FISH 406
Parasite Ecology
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: BIOL 180
Instructor(s): Chelsea Wood
Introduces students to disease ecology theory, with emphasis placed on the ecological processes that govern parasite transmission. Topics include parasite diversity, evolution, and taxonomy, distribution, ecology, and physiological effects of parasites on human and wildlife hosts, and parasites as players in food webs.
FISH 424
Biology and Culture of Aquatic Organisms
Credits: 5
General Education: NW
Instructor(s): Carolyn Friedman
Explores the concept of sustainability and the interrelationship between environment, aquatic species, and culture of aquatic animal and plant species globally. Current practices, animal biology and health, near-shore ecosystem conservation, water quality, and strategies to improve the sustainability of aquaculture for food production and species conservation.
FISH 427
Tropical Marine Biology
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: FISH 270 or BIOL 220; FISH 290, FHL 333 or MARBIO 305; STAT 311 or Q SCI 381
Instructor(s): Jacqueline Padilla-Gamiño
By examining the biogeography, evolution, and ecology of coral reefs, mangroves, and sea grass beds, provides an integrated overview of tropical-systems biology. Integrates ecological and physiological concepts in order to show how anthropogenic stressors such as increased temperature, pollution, and ocean acidification can impact the resilience of tropical marine ecosystems. Laboratory research project. Details
FISH 427
Tropical Marine Biology
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: FISH 270 or BIOL 220; FISH 290, FHL 333 or MARBIO 305; STAT 311 or Q SCI 381
Instructor(s): Jacqueline Padilla-Gamiño
By examining the biogeography, evolution, and ecology of coral reefs, mangroves, and sea grass beds, provides an integrated overview of tropical-systems biology. Integrates ecological and physiological concepts in order to show how anthropogenic stressors such as increased temperature, pollution, and ocean acidification can impact the resilience of tropical marine ecosystems. Laboratory research project.
FISH 437
Fisheries Oceanography
Credits: 4
Prerequisites: Recommended: OCEAN 210
Instructor(s): John Horne
Investigates how the environment influences distributions and abundances of marine vertebrate and invertebrate species. Uses studies to understand fish and zooplankton life histories, predict trends in populations, reduce uncertainty in resource management, and to decouple anthropogenic from natural effects on aquatic populations. Details
FISH 441
Integrative Environmental Physiology
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Instructor(s): Steven Roberts
Comparative advanced aquatic physiology focusing on the functional response of organisms to natural and human-associated environmental stress.
FISH 450
Salmonid Behavior and Life History
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: Recommended: FISH 290
Instructor(s): Thomas P. Quinn
Behavior, ecology, life history, and conservation of salmon and trout, including their distribution, homing migration, reproduction, ecology of juveniles in different freshwater habitats, seaward migration, and the ecological and evolutionary factors affecting them.
FISH 464
Arctic Marine Vertebrate Ecology
Credits: 4
Prerequisites: BIOL 180
Instructor(s): Kristin Laidre
Explores the structure and function of Arctic ecosystems, life history, and adaptations of vertebrates, and how species are affected by climate warming. Emphasizes upper-level trophic interactions, evolutionary drivers, food chains, energy transport paths, and influence of sea ice. Case studies provide background on Arctic conservation and management.
FISH 478
Topics in Sustainable Fisheries
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Seminar series featuring local, national, and internationally known speakers in fisheries management and conservation. Conservation/restoration in practice. Pre-seminar discussion section focusing on select readings. Topics may include harvest management, whaling, by-catch, salmon, marine protected areas, introduced species, citizen action, co-management, and marine ethics. Details
FISH 478
Topics in Sustainable Fisheries
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Instructor(s): Daniel Schindler
Seminar series featuring local, national, and internationally known speakers in fisheries management and conservation. Conservation/restoration in practice. Pre-seminar discussion section focusing on select readings. Topics may include harvest management, whaling, by-catch, salmon, marine protected areas, introduced species, citizen action, co-management, and marine ethics.
FISH 497 (B)
Hot Topics in Marine Biology
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: None
Instructor(s): José Guzmán
NOTE: course initially offered as a SAFS special topics section – only section B for winter 2021
Hot Topics in Marine Biology is a seminar-based course that explores the diversity of marine life, the processes that influence them, and the key issues that impact their ongoing sustainability. The series is regionally and globally responsive, allowing students to gain core knowledge in current topics, but also to learn about discovery and solution-driven science. Every week we will host a speaker at the forefront of marine biology, working across a range of sectors, such as academia, federal and local government, aquaria and museums, science communication, consulting firms, research laboratories and industry.
FISH 497 B
Ecology and Conservation of Marine Top Predators
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: Biology (FISH 250, BIOL 220, FISH 311, or equiv); Ecology (FISH 270, FISH 312, ESRM 350, OCEAN 330, or equiv); Statistics (Q SCI 381 or equiv)
Instructor(s): Erica Escajeda
FISH 497 B is an advanced course on the ecology of marine predators, the environments they inhabit, and the important biotic and physical processes that govern the structure and function of the ocean ecosystems they occupy. We will explore a range of complex concepts in marine ecology, including trophic ecology, habitat selection, drivers of movement and migrations, and conservation. The course will also give a broad overview of the methods used to study marine top predators.
FISH/BIOL 311
Biology of Fishes
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Instructor(s): Luke Tornabene
Covers morphological, physiological, behavioral, and ecological diversity of fishes of the world; designed to provide a basic foundation for advanced courses in all areas of aquatic sciences.
FISH/BIOL 340
Genetics and Molecular Ecology
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: BIOL 200
Instructor(s): Lorenz Hauser
Application of molecular markers to ecology, evolution, and the management of living resources. Emphasis on understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the approach based on case studies. Details
FISH/BIOL 340
Genetics and Molecular Ecology
Credits: 5
General Education: NW
Prerequisites: BIOL 200
Instructor(s): Lorenz Hauser
Application of molecular markers to ecology, evolution, and the management of living resources. Emphasis on understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the approach based on case studies.
FISH/MARBIO/OCEAN 270
Aquatic Ecophysiology
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: BIOL 200
Instructor(s): José Guzmán
Focuses on fundamental physiology, with an emphasis on processes relevant to living in a variety of aquatic environments. Includes a broad survey of taxa, from prokaryotes to mammals, and a variety of aquatic habitats. Details
FISH/MARBIO/OCEAN 270
Aquatic Ecophysiology
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: BIOL 200
Instructor(s): José Guzmán
Focuses on fundamental physiology, with an emphasis on processes relevant to living in a variety of aquatic environments. Includes a broad survey of taxa, from prokaryotes to mammals, and a variety of aquatic habitats.
FISH/MARBIO/OCEAN 370
Marine Evolutionary Biology
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: FISH 270 or BIOL 220
Instructor(s): Kerry NaishJosé Guzmán
Emphasizes geobiological patterns of marine evolutionary biology environment; processes of evolution; marine prokaryote and eukaryote diversity; and applications of evolutionary principles to ocean change, and conservation and management of marine biodiversity.
FISH/OCEAN/BIOL 250
Marine Biology
Credits: 3/5
Prerequisites: None
Instructor(s): José Guzmán
Lecture-laboratory course in marine biology focusing on physical, biological, and social aspects of the marine environment. Topics include oceanography, ecology, physiology, behavior, conservation, fisheries, exploration, and activism. Weekend field trip. Honors section research project.
FISH/Q SCI 454
Ecological Modeling
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: None
Instructor(s): Tim Essington
Examines concepts in ecological modeling focusing on the rationale, interpretation, and motivation for modeling in ecological sciences. Explores individual, population, and ecosystem-based models. Excel-based computer exercises, model building and interpretation, readings. Details
FISH/Q SCI 454
Ecological Modeling
Credits: 5
Instructor(s): Tim Essington
Examines concepts in ecological modeling focusing on the rationale, interpretation, and motivation for modeling in ecological sciences. Explores individual, population, and ecosystem-based models. Excel-based computer exercises, model building and interpretation, readings.
FISH/Q SCI 458
Modeling and Estimation In Conservation and Resource Management
Credits: 4
Prerequisites: Recommended: FISH 454, Q SCI 482, or FISH 552/553
Instructor(s): Trevor Branch
Explores the use of models in the evaluation of alternative management policies for natural resources, including modeling approaches, fitting models to data, and evaluating alternative management policies. Emphasizes calculating risk of extinction, and design of biological reserves. Details
FISH/Q SCI 458
Advanced Ecological Modeling
Credits: 5
General Education: NW
Prerequisites: Recommended: FISH 454, Q SCI 482, or FISH 552/553
Instructor(s): Trevor Branch
Explores the use of models in the evaluation of alternative management policies for natural resources, including modeling approaches, fitting models to data, and evaluating alternative management policies. Emphasizes calculating risk of extinction, and design of biological reserves.
MARBIO 305
Scientific Writing in Marine Biology
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Either C LIT 240, ENGL 109 and ENGL 110, ENGL 111, ENGL 121, ENGL 131, ENGL 197, ENGL 198, ENGL 199, ENGL 281, ENGL 297, ENGL 298, or ENGL 299.
Instructor(s): Julia Parrish
MARBIO 305
Scientific Writing in Marine Biology
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Either C LIT 240, ENGL 109 and ENGL 110, ENGL 111, ENGL 121, ENGL 131, ENGL 197, ENGL 198, ENGL 199, ENGL 281, ENGL 297, ENGL 298, or ENGL 299.
Instructor(s): Julia Parrish
Introduces the fundamentals of scientific writing about research in marine biology: content, organization, critical thinking, structure, and the mechanics of grammar, wording and formatting. Students critically evaluate scientific writing in this discipline, and practice developing, writing, and revising concise arguments supported by scientific evidence.
MARBIO/BIOL 433
Marine Ecology
Credits: 5
General Education: NW
Prerequisites: either FISH 270/OCEAN 270/MARBIO 270, BIOL 356, BIOL 472, or a minimum grade of 3.4 in either BIOL 180, BIOL 240, B BIO 180, or T BIOL 120
Instructor(s): Jennifer Ruesink
Study of marine ecological processes such as recruitment, disturbance, competition, and predation, and their effects on the structure and diversity of marine communities. Weekend field trips to local intertidal habitats required.
MARBIO/FISH/OCEAN 370
Marine Evolutionary Biology
Credits: 5
General Education: NW
Prerequisites: FISH 270/OCEAN 270/MARBIO 270 or BIOL 220
Instructor(s): Kerry NaishJosé Guzmán
Emphasizes geobiological patterns of marine evolutionary biology environment; processes of evolution; marine prokaryote and eukaryote diversity; and applications of evolutionary principles to ocean change, and conservation and management of marine biodiversity.
OCEAN 200
Introduction to Oceanography
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Instructor(s): Paul QuayMikelle Nuwer
Focuses on importance of ocean processes for the functioning of our planet. Interdisciplinary case studies are used to examine relationships and interactions at macro-, meso-, and microscales in the ocean. Case studies build upon previous topics and examines human influence on these systems. Intended for science majors.
OCEAN 201
Introduction to Oceanography Lab
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Instructor(s): Paul QuayMikelle Nuwer
Provides opportunities to experiment with oceanographic concepts through laboratory and field experiences. Students apply the scientific method of inquiry as it applies to the study of geology, physics, chemistry, and biology of the ocean. Emphasizes topics that explore current challenges faced by the ocean and its ecosystem.
OCEAN 210
Integrative Oceans
Credits: 4
Prerequisites: either OCEAN 200, or OCEAN 250/BIOL 250/FISH 250.
Instructor(s): Curtis DeutschPaul Quay
Presents fundamentals of ocean science through regional case studies that illustrate the relationship between interdependent physical, chemical, biological, and geological process. Students apply tools from these scientific disciplines to understand major changes predicted for future oceanic environments.
OCEAN 210
Integrative Oceans
Credits: 4
General Education: NW
Prerequisites: either OCEAN 200, or OCEAN 250/BIOL 250/FISH 250
Instructor(s): Curtis Deutsch
Presents fundamentals of ocean science through regional case studies that illustrate the relationship between interdependent physical, chemical, biological, and geological process. Students apply tools from these scientific disciplines to understand major changes predicted for future oceanic environments.
Note: Will offer a satellite section with in-person lab and remote-instruction lecture at Friday Harbor Labs in Spring 2021 as an option for the ‘Spring Marine Studies’ program. More information at: https://fhl.uw.edu/courses/course-descriptions/spring-2021/.
OCEAN 285
Physics Across Oceanography: Fluid Mechanics and Waves
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: either MATH 125 or Q SCI 292, which may be taken concurrently; either PHYS 114 or PHYS 121; recommended: OCEAN 210 concurrently.
Instructor(s): Susan Hautala
In the context of oceanography applications, explores fluid mechanics, waves, light, acoustics, and heat transfer.
OCEAN 286
Physics Across Oceanography: Fluid Mechanics and Waves Laboratory
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: OCEAN 285, which must be taken concurrently; either MATH 125 or Q SCI 292, either of which may be taken concurrently; either PHYS 114 or PHYS 121.
Instructor(s): Susan Hautala
Laboratory and tutorial further exploring the oceanography applications of fluid mechanics, waves, light, acoustics, and heat transfer.
OCEAN 295
Chemistry of Marine Organic Carbon
Credits: 5
General Education: NW
Prerequisites: either CHEM 152 or CHEM 120
Instructor(s): Anitra Ingalls
This class will develop students understanding of the chemistry of carbon in natural systems. Concepts of organic carbon structure, functional groups, reactivity, biomolecules, enzyme catalysis and basic biochemical pathways will be introduced. The course will use examples of environmentally relevant biomarkers to teach some of these basic principles and metabolism will be taught through examples of environmentally relevant microorganisms.
This course is a bridge between introductory level chemistry and upper level marine science courses in which students are expected to have a background in the chemistry of organic carbon relevant to living or once living systems.
OCEAN 295
Chemistry of Marine Organic Carbon
Credits: 5
General Education: NW
Prerequisites: either CHEM 152 or CHEM 120
Instructor(s): Julian Sachs
This class will develop students understanding of the chemistry of carbon in natural systems. Concepts of organic carbon structure, functional groups, reactivity, biomolecules, enzyme catalysis and basic biochemical pathways will be introduced. The course will use examples of environmentally relevant biomarkers to teach some of these basic principles and metabolism will be taught through examples of environmentally relevant microorganisms.
This course is a bridge between introductory level chemistry and upper level marine science courses in which students are expected to have a background in the chemistry of organic carbon relevant to living or once living systems.
OCEAN 330
Biogeochemical Cycles
Credits: 5
Prerequisites: OCEAN 210; OCEAN 295; BIOL 200.
Instructor(s): Gabrielle RocapAlex Gagnon
Covers the distribution of life and chemical elements in the ocean; the relationship between them; and the physical processes affecting these patterns. Emphasizes how marine organisms and the structure of marine ecosystems influence the fate of carbon and other elements in the ocean.
OCEAN 330
Marine Biogeochemical Cycles
Credits: 5
General Education: NW
Prerequisites: OCEAN 210; OCEAN 295; BIOL 200
Instructor(s): Gabrielle RocapAlex Gagnon
The oceans play a key role in the biogeochemical cycling of elements on our planet. This course will follow the flow of elements and energy through the open ocean from production to export, with a focus on understanding the key mechanisms that result in the patterns we observe.
Students that will finish the course will be able to:
- the distribution of life and chemical elements in the ocean, understand the relationships between these patterns and the physical processes affecting these patterns.
- Describe how organisms and the structure of marine ecosystems influence the fate of carbon and other elements in the ocean, the role humans play in the modern carbon cycle, and how the carbon cycle has changed through time.
- Identify the processes affecting the distribution and cycling of an element through the ocean.
- Distinguish the implications of the rates of biological processes from those of the abundance of the organisms driving those processes
- Interpret graphical data for a wide range of physical, chemical and biological patterns and activities in the ocean, in advance of generating your own data in future courses and endeavors
- Describe and compare the advantages and disadvantages of the basic sampling strategies and experimental methodologies used to study biogeochemical cycles in the oceans, and generate a crucial experiment and describe necessary control experiments when provided with a hypothesis.
OCEAN 409
Marine Pollution
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: OCEAN 101, OCEAN 102, OCEAN 200, OCEAN 250 or permission of instructor
Instructor(s): Randie Bundy
Explores anthropogenic impacts on the oceans and marine organisms. Examines how scientific understanding informs environmental management, thereby linking science and society. Students develop a detailed understanding of the major categories of anthropogenic pollutants on marine systems,how they impact the environment, their sources, and fates.
OCEAN 409
Marine Pollution
Credits: 3
General Education: I&S/NW
Prerequisites: OCEAN 101, OCEAN 102, OCEAN 200, OCEAN 250, or permission of instructor
Instructor(s): Randie Bundy
Marine Pollution explores anthropogenic impacts on the oceans and marine organisms. Marine pollution occurs when harmful effects result from the entry into the ocean of chemicals, particles, industrial or residential waste, noise, or the spread of invasive organisms. In this course students examine how scientific understanding of marine pollution informs environmental management, thereby linking science and society. Students will develop a detailed understanding of five major categories of anthropogenic impacts on marine systems. Each theme will be explored from a variety of angles including pollution source(s), mechanisms of action, deleterious effects and mitigation thereof, management of the issue, and some likely futures for the issue/theme.
OCEAN 431
Special Topics in Biological Oceanography
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: OCEAN 330
Instructor(s): Robert Morris
Reviews current research. Topics include global change effects on marine organisms, marine pathogens and emerging diseases, introduced species, marine viruses, astrobiology, hydrothermal vents, symbiosis, animal physiology, larval forms and dispersal, biogeography, and environmental ethics.
OCEAN 431
Special Topics in Biological Oceanography
Credits: 3
General Education: NW
Prerequisites: OCEAN 330
Instructor(s): Robert Morris
Microbes dominate every major ecosystem on Earth, including the oceans. They are essential components of marine food webs and are responsible for maintaining the chemical reservoirs that enable life’s processes to proceed. This course will focus on the roles of marine bacteria, archaea and the viruses that infect them. Students will read papers from the primary literature, perform computational analyses relevant to the study of microbes and microbial communities, and learn about the diversity of single celled organisms, their roles in different ecosystems, and about how they catalyze the breadth of chemical transformations that make life possible. Much of the focus is on model microorganisms from marine systems, but the course will also include topics covering other extreme environments, evolution and some elements of astrobiology.
OCEAN 431
Special Topics in Biological Oceanography
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Recommended: BIOL 200, OCEAN 295 and OCEAN 210
Instructor(s): Evelyn Lessard
Topic for Spring 2021: Marine Protist Ecology
Reviews current research. Topics include global change effects on marine organisms, marine pathogens and emerging diseases, introduced species, marine viruses, astrobiology, hydrothermal vents, symbiosis, animal physiology, larval forms and dispersal, biogeography, and environmental ethics.
OCEAN 450
Climatic Extremes
Credits: 4
Prerequisites: None
Instructor(s): Harlan HohnsonAlex Gagnon
Course examines Earth history for extreme climatic conditions to predict future climate changes. Numerical climate models use PC-based computer programs to identify processes and feedbacks that control climate.
OCEAN 450
Climatic Extremes
Credits: 4
General Education: NW
Prerequisites: None
Instructor(s): Alex GagnonH. Paul Johnson
Course examines Earth history for extreme climatic conditions to predict future climate changes. Numerical climate models use PC-based computer programs to identify processes and feedbacks that control climate.
OCEAN 480
Global Ocean – Human Culture: Past, Present, and Future
Credits: 3
General Education: I&S/NW
Prerequisites: recommended: Capability to conduct upper-division academic inquiry into selected themes, including an ability to conceive of, and implement an engaging project that will be presented and graded at the end of the class. Well established writing ability.
Instructor(s): John Delaney
Theme and project-based exploration of the role of the ocean basins in human history, poetry, music and the arts related to the seas, the evolution of ships, development of trade routes, modern marine commerce and communications, living and non-living resources, hazards, projection of sea power, entertainment and recreation, ocean science-modulation of climate, exploration of exotic submarine hydrothermal systems, and oceans beyond earth.
OCEAN 481
Puget Sound and Estuarine Oceanography
Credits: 3
Instructor(s): Julie Keister
This course will examine the oceanography and ecology of Puget Sound and other estuaries around the world, focusing on topics of current research. There are two primary goals of the course. One is for you to gain an understanding of the factors that structure the ecology and marine environment of Puget Sound, the organisms that make up the trophic web, their function and important challenges they face in light of anthropogenic change. Another goal is to introduce you to current research being conducted around Puget Sound through reading and discussing the primary literature, and guest lecturers from agencies conducting research in Puget Sound.
OCEAN 492
Friday Harbor Research Apprenticeship
Credits: 15
Prerequisites: FHL application
Instructor(s): Jan NewtonAndrea Ogston
The Pelagic Ecosystem Function (PEF) apprenticeship gives you the unique opportunity to do independent scientific research. The PEF apprenticeship takes place in the natural laboratory that is the San Juan Archipelago, where Friday Harbor Laboratories is located. Using the Labs’ research vessels, we work together to explore the habitats and organisms of this pelagic (open water) ecosystem. Our research focus is broad covering everything from oceanography and plankton to fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. Each year we make new discoveries and build on the work of our previous apprentices.