BIO 206: Marine Megafauna This course explores the biology of large marine animals, including giant squid, sharks, sea turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals. We will consider the role that marine megafauna play in ocean ecosystems and the impacts of human activities on these organisms. This includes exploration of the social, economic, and policy considerations that are critical in the protection of threatened species. By the end of this course, students will be able to: Describe the scientific method Communicate an understanding of the importance of the marine megafauna in the world’s oceans. Describe how marine megafauna are studied. Describe the unique biological properties of marine megafauna that allow them to live in dynamic marine ecosystems. Demonstrate informed judgments about the effects of human activities on marine megafauna. Be able to read, interpret, synthesize, and evaluate scientific reports containing qualitative and quantitative information. This is a team taught course with the amazing Dr. Amanda Williard (check out her lab website here). I generally teach BIO 206 in the Fall semester, and cover the first half of the class, including the basics of marine habitats, oceanography, marine megainverts, bony fishes, and sharks. You can check out more about the course here: Course Link

BIO 206: Marine Megafauna

This course explores the biology of large marine animals, including giant squid, sharks, sea turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals. We will consider the role that marine megafauna play in ocean ecosystems and the impacts of human activities on these organisms. This includes exploration of the social, economic, and policy considerations that are critical in the protection of threatened species.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Describe the scientific method
  • Communicate an understanding of the importance of the marine megafauna in the world’s oceans.
  • Describe how marine megafauna are studied.
  • Describe the unique biological properties of marine megafauna that allow them to live in dynamic marine ecosystems.
  • Demonstrate informed judgments about the effects of human activities on marine megafauna.
  • Be able to read, interpret, synthesize, and evaluate scientific reports containing qualitative and quantitative information.
BIO206_cover

This is a team taught course with the amazing Dr. Amanda Williard (check out her lab website here). I generally teach BIO 206 in the Fall semester, and cover the first half of the class, including the basics of marine habitats, oceanography, marine megainverts, bony fishes, and sharks. You can check out more about the course here: Course Link