Course Overview:

This course is will cover marine biology, the study of the living organisms in our ocean.  We will study marine algae, invertebrates, fish, and mammals.  Students will learn about the biology of these organisms and how they are adapted to their marine environment.  Human impact on the marine life will be a theme throughout the course and we will specifically focus on overfishing and whaling in the second half of the semester.  The course will include many dissections and other activities in class. 

Prerequisite: 85 or better in Biology

The units we will cover throughout the semester are:

I.     Plankton & Producers                                      IV.  Fish & Fisheries

               Phytoplankton                                                            Bony Fish

               Zooplankton                                                               Cartilaginous fish

               Harmful algal blooms                                                Commercial Fisheries

               Seaweeds                                                                   Overfishing

II.    Simple Invertebrates                                         V.    Marine Mammals        

               Sponges                                                                      Pinnipeds

               Cnidarians                                                                   Cetaceans

               Mollusks                                                                     Whale biology

III.  Arthropods & Echinoderms                                             Human impacts on cetaceans

               Crustaceans                                                                

               Echinoderms                                                              

Tests and Quizzes:

There will be about 3 tests per term.  Missed tests MUST made up within 3 days of the absence. Quizzes are given once or twice during a unit to make sure you all are learning and understanding the material as we go.

Grading:

Homework and class activities will always be collected & graded or marked off for completion. 
In all cases, you get credit for trying, so I expect you to give everything a good shot! The point of homework is to help YOU understand the material and do better! All work is due neatly and completely at the beginning of class.  Late work is accepted one day late for half credit.    

Absences & Make-up Work:
It is your responsibility to get any work you have missed due to an absence!  If you have been absent, please first check your class’ tray for any handouts or assignments and then come check in with me.  You need to make up any work within 3 class periods or it will be a zero. 

Notebook:

You are strongly recommended to keep a three-ring binder for this class!  I will give you a lot of handouts in this class and they will not fit well in a folder.  It will help you do better to have a binder!

Class Expectations:

RESPECT,  RESPONSIBINILTY,  INTEGRITY

INVOLVEMENT,  ACHIEVEMENT

What you can expect of me:

-        Respect for every one of you   

-        Being prepared and ready to roll every day! 

-        Appropriate help whenever you need it 

-        Understanding and flexibility when you need it

-        Thorough and timely evaluation of your work   

-        Hard work and always striving to be a better teacher

What I will expect of you:

-        Respect for me, your classmates, and this classroom, and the class policies

-        Being prepared every day and working efficiently  

-        Being an active learner in class 

-        Doing your best work and your own work

-        Working hard, trying your best and challenging yourself!  

And I expect to have a lot of FUN with you all! 

This subject is my passion and I’m excited to share my knowledge and enthusiasm!