Course descriptions for Marine Science

Lecture/Activity course meets Scientific Boating Safety Association (SBSA) and Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC) guidelines. Students are trained in the safe use of 1) CSUMBÀs small trailerable vessels for diving, and marine and fresh water class and research activities, and 2) boat-based environmental sampling techniques. This course is required as part of the certification for boat use by CSUMB students. A course fee may be required. Credit/ No Credit Available.

Introduction to the major physical, chemical, biological, and geological features and processes of the Earth's oceans and atmosphere. Special emphasis is placed on developing an integrated understanding of physical and biological processes and the interactions of people with the marine environment. (Offered fall and spring semesters.)

Culminates in a summatively-assessed research poster presentation session. Advances college-level reading, writing, speaking, listening, evaluating, and decision-making skills while refining writing and speaking skills with a focus on purpose and clarity to meet the needs of diverse audiences. Emphasizes the writing process to develop clear and appropriate texts, visuals, presentations, and a research paper for a poster session. Advances critical listening skills.

MSCI 310 is a lecture and field lab class meeting Scientific Boating Safety Association (SBSA) and Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC) guidelines. Students are trained in the safe use of 1) CSUMBÀs small trailerable vessels for diving, and marine and fresh water class and research activities, and 2) boat-based environmental sampling techniques. This course is required as part of the certification for boat use by CSUMB students. A course fee may be required. Credit/ No Credit Available.

The course provides an introduction to the design and analysis of studies conducted in marine systems. Students will acquire training in the use of multiple statistical techniques and appropriate statistical packages that can be used to analyze data from the marine environment.

Marine Science in the Community, a service learning course, introduces students to human and community social justice (and injustice) issues related to local and global ocean interfaces. Thirty hours of direct service with organizations involved in protecting marine environments will be the basis for class discussions on how class, ethnicity, language, economic and educational status relate to ocean health. Besides service, this class will require journaling, readings, and panel discussion.

This course will provide an introduction to the techniques for conducting scientific research underwater using SCUBA, including transects, quadrats, behavioral observations, videography and photography, and many others. In addition to lectures and pool training sessions, there will be a significant number of open water dives. The course will provide the 100 hours of required training for scientific divers as prescribed by the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS).

Studies a particular topic in Marine Science. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Offered only as interest warrants.) (Credit/No Credit Available)

Assists students enrolled in a capstone project course in preparing their final written report, poster, and/or oral presentation for their Senior Capstone Project. Students must enroll concurrently in an approved Capstone Project Course.

Approaches to scientific research on environmental physiology of marine and estuarine organisms, with focus on metabolic processes. Emphasis on scientific writing and communication. Fulfills group capstone requirement. Cross listed with BIO 430. Course fee may be required.

Approaches to scientific research on environmental physiology of marine and estuarine organisms, with focus on metabolic processes. Emphasis on scientific writing and communication. Fulfills group capstone requirement. Cross listed with BIO 430. Course fee may be required.

Project-based course applies advanced technologies for data acquisition, analysis, and display to current marine research initiatives and environmental issues. Hands-on application of sidescan and multibeam sonar, geographic information systems (GIS), quantitative video habitat mapping, computer modeling, remote sensing, image processing, hydrographic mapping, and Global Positioning System (GPS). (There may be a course fee associated with this course)

This is a project-based course requiring previous experience with electronics and microcontroller programming. Students work in groups to evaluate and improve the performance of subsea sensors, ROVs, or other instrumentation used to collect data for applied marine science research. Grading is based primarily on written reports. Course project may be used as a course-based capstone project.

Marine Ecology 445 is a lecture and field-based exploration of marine ecological concepts and theory using the diverse ecosystems of Monterey Bay as a living laboratory. Students witness and learn how organisms interact with one another and their environments, and see how these factors govern the distribution and abundance of species within marine systems. This group project-based course can fulfill the Marine Science major capstone requirement with co-enrollment in MSCI 410.

Course explores the ecology of marine fishes and associated conservation and management efforts. Focuses upon fish distribution and the environmental drivers underlying that distribution in California and other locales. Students complete a semester-long project involving field sampling along the central coast using a suite of tools, including remotely operated vehicles, towed camera sleds, and SCUBA. Course project may be used as a course-based capstone project. (Cross listed with MSCI 555)

This course draws from multiple disciplines to address first hand issues of science and science policy management integration in the marine environment.

Student works with advisor(s) to complete a Marine Science Honors Capstone project, including a written product and some form of presentation (including an oral presentation and/or a poster presentation). The precise structure of the course will vary among advisors. Students must have an approved research project prior to enrolling in this course. Credit/ No Credit Available.

(Formerly titled Applied Remote Sensing for Coastal & Marine Systems) Seafloor Mapping: Applies current hydrographic survey techniques to marine habitat mapping. Utilizes the CSUMB Seafloor Mapping Lab seafloor mapping system and vessel for survey design, data acquisition, analysis, and display. Technologies include sidescan sonar, multibeam bathymetry, hydrographic survey design, ROV, acoustic tracking, motion correction, GIS, GPS and vessel navigation.

Examines the fundamentals of marine ecology, emphasizing experimental design and use of technologies that are appropriately scaled to answer management questions. Lectures emphasize the processes contributing to the structure and organization of marine communities, the role of humans as a major source of disturbance, and the efficacy of current management paradigms. Laboratories emphasize current technologies and analytical approaches used in the study of sub-tidal marine communities. (Credit/No Credit Available)

Explores the ecology of marine fishes and associated conservation and management. Focuses upon fish distribution and the environmental drivers underlying that distribution in California and other locales. Students will complete a semester-long project involving field sampling along the central coast using a suite of tools, including remotely operated vehicles, towed camera sleds, and SCUBA. Students must have completed coursework in marine biology and ecology. (Cross-listed with MSCI 455).

Draws on the tenets of marine conservation biology, and related disciplines, to prepare scientists for engagement in policy formulation and management at a variety of levels. Provides a detailed assessment of the field of marine conservation biology, link ecological processes to threats and solutions, and define the human and legal dimensions of marine conservation. Explores specific conservation scenarios with case studies from the Monterey Bay region and beyond.