|
MARINE BIOLOGY |
45
CONTACT HOURS IN CLASS + 15 CONTACT HOURS
IN LAB
= 60 TOTAL CONTACT HOURS |
| 19-111
(Taught in English) |
|
|
DESCRIPTION OF THE
COURSE |
Studies
of marine biological processes have greatly
expanded our understanding of the factors
that control the productivity of the ocean.
This course integrates several important
factors of such processes involving physical
and chemical as well as biological oceanography.
Each one of the units has been written to
provide a holistic approach to address more
closely important problems such as the pollution
on the marine ecosystems and their socioeconomic
impact. Students must enroll in both the
lecture and laboratory. Field trips are
mandatory. |
|
COURSE
OBJECTIVES |
•
Students will have a general comprehension
of the concepts and issues addressed in
marine biology.
• Students will understand current
methodologies in this discipline as well
as their importance in the management of
natural marine resources.
• Learn about Costa Rican marine ecosystems,
biodiversity and environmental issues through
field trips
• Understand the importance of integrated
Coastal Management. |
|
CONTENTS |
UNIT
1. Coral Reefs
1.1 Formation of coral reefs
1.2 Distribution
1.3 Ecology of Coral reefs
1.4 Biodiversity
1.5 Socioeconomic importance of coral reefs:
tourism, fisheries, conservation, marine
education and research
1.6 Pollution and impact of coastal development
on coral reefs: The case of Cahuita National
Park Reefs.
*Suggested Field Trip: Cahuita National
Park
UNIT 2. Mangrove forests
2.1 Ecology and mangrove forests
2.2 Distribution
2.3 Socioeconomic importance of mangrove
forests
2.4 Biodiversity in mangrove zones
2.5 Mangroves: Nursery zones
2.6 Tourism, marine education and mangrove
forest
2.7 Pollution
UNIT 3. Estuaries
3.1 Ecology of Estuaries
3.2 Biodiversity
3.3.Estuarine resources
3.4 Marineculture and aquaculture
3.5 Tourism
3.6 Transport
3.7 Pollution
* Suggested Field trip: Mangroves of
Central Pacific
UNIT 4. Pelagic zones
4.1Economic Exclusive Zone
4.2 Ecology of pelagic environments
4.3 Pelagic biodiversity
4.4 Economic importance of pelagic zones
4.5 Shark fisheries: a case of study
4.6 Pelagic pollution
UNIT 5. Integrated Coastal Management:
Gulf of Nicoya a case of study
5.1 Marine resources and socioecoeconomic
development
5.2 Management of coastal marine resources
5.3 Marine education
5.4 Coastal developments: Tourism, agriculture,
urban development, fisheries, port development
etc.
* Possible Field Trip: Gulf of Nicoya |
| Evaluation |
Participation
(both
in classroom and field trips)
|
40% |
| Readings and discussions |
10% |
| Term paper |
30% |
| One Quiz |
5% |
| Final exam |
15% |
|
|
TERM
PAPER |
The
term paper is a research product based on
interviews, field and bibliographic information.
On topics related to marine biology.
1) The number of groups and students by
group will depend on the final number of
registered students.
2) Groups will choose one of the following
topics:
a) Marine resources and development
of Costa Rica coastal zones
b) Marine pollution and socioeconomic
impact
c) Marine biodiversity of Costa Rica
d) How to improve marine education
in Costa Rica?
e) Development of marine culture in
Costa Rica
f) Sharks fisheries in Costa Rica
3) Students can propose other topics.
|
