Biology of Marine Plankton

Catalog description

A grade of C or better in MSCI 302 and MSCI 302L Corequisite(s): MSCI 476L This course explores the structure and function of planktonic communities. The role of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and bacteria are examined in detail. Concepts such as: mineral cycling, energy flow, predator/prey relationships, tropic interactions, and spatial and temporal dynamics are investigated in lecture, discussion, and an integrated laboratory setting. The laboratory consists of field studies conducted in estuarine and marine environments, and may require weekend commitments. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week. Semester(s) Offered: Spring