Course descriptions for Marine Science

Introduction to the major physical, chemical, biological, and geological features and processes of the Earth's ocean. 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. (Credit/No Credit Available)

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).

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.

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)

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.

(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)

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.