Courses
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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 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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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/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 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
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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.