Marine Science MRSC
Formal courses in Marine Science are offered at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre that is owned by the Western Canadian Universities Marine Sciences Society. The Centre is situated in Bamfield on the Pacific Coast of Vancouver Island, B.C. Instructors are drawn generally from the staffs of the participating universities (University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Victoria).
Appropriate courses at the 300 level (or higher) in Biology, Botany and/or Zoology are prerequisite to these courses.
Each full course will last six weeks (plus four days travelling time) with an average of 50 hours weekly of lectures, laboratories, tutorials and field trips.
Fall Program: The Western Canadian Universities Marine Sciences Society offers an integrated program of courses in Marine Biology at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. Attendance at the program requires residence at Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre for an entire Fall Session. Details are available from the Department of Biological Sciences.
University of Calgary students must apply to and be accepted by the Centre before they are permitted to register for the Marine Science courses at the University of Calgary. For further information students should consult the Department of Biological Sciences.
†Numbers in parentheses are the course numbers listed by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. In many cases these courses have been renumbered to fulfill University of Calgary requirements. The courses listed below are not necessarily offered every year. Other courses and specific titles in special topics courses will be offered yearly. Students are requested to check current listings in the Department of Biological Sciences.
Senior Courses
Marine Science 420 F(3-3)
Marine Phycology
A survey of the marine algae, with emphasis on the benthic forms in the vicinity of the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. Lectures, laboratory work, field collecting, identification and observation. The study of living specimens is emphasized both in the laboratory and in the field.
Marine Science 430 F(3-3)
Marine Ecology
An analytical approach to biotic associations in the marine environment. Opportunities will be provided for study of the intertidal realm in exposed and protected areas and of beaches and estuaries in the vicinity of the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre; plankton studies and investigations of the subtidal and benthic environments by diving and dredging are envisaged.
Marine Science 440 F(3-3)
(Marine Science 411†)
Comparative Invertebrate Embryology
A study of developmental patterns in marine representatives of most major and minor invertebrate phyla. Lecture topics will include fertilization and embryonic development as well as larval structure, behaviour and metamorphosis. Laboratory work will include methods and techniques of obtaining and handling of gametes, preparation and maintenance of larval cultures and observations on development. Various pelagic larvae collected from the plankton will be studied and some experimental work will be included.
Marine Science 450 F(3-3)
(Marine Science 435†)
Introduction to Biological Oceanography
The biology of the oceans; supporting coverage of relevant physics and chemistry; plankton biology, community structure and life histories and influencing environmental factors. Collections will be made from sheltered inlets through Barkley Sound to offshore waters; field and laboratory studies of plankton organisms.
Marine Science 451 H(3-3)
(Marine Science 450†)
Principles of Aquaculture
Interdisciplinary introduction to the principles underlying the commercial cultivation of aquatic plants and animals emphasizing marine systems. The course will include working site-visits to a range of commercial farms and Research and Development facilities.
Prerequisites: Biology 233.
Marine Science 500 F(0-6)
(Marine Science 400†)
Directed Studies
Directed studies under the supervision of a member of the faculty. Involves a research project approved by the supervisor in the field of interest of the student, and will be designed to take maximum advantage of the laboratory and/or field opportunities offered by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
Marine Science 501 H(3-3)
(Marine Science 402†)
Special Topics in Marine Biology
This course will be offered, as opportunities arise, by distinguished scientists visiting at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre who are prepared to offer a course extending over a 3 week period.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
Marine Science 502
(Marine Science 401†)
Special Topics in Marine Biology
This course will be offered, as opportunities arise, by distinguished scientists visiting at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre who are prepared to offer a course extending over a 6-week period.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
Marine Science 503 H(3-3)
(Marine Science 454†)
Special Topics in Aquaculture
Examination of the culture techniques for selected groups of aquatic plants, animals or microorganisms. Participants will be expected to complete a project which examines some aspect of applied science relevant to commercial culture.
Prerequisites: Marine Science 451.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
Marine Science 505 H(3-3)
(Marine Science 460†)
Special Topics in Aquacultural Applied Science
Examination of the principles underlying the application of selected areas of scientific information to commercial aquaculture. Participants will be expected to complete a written project.
Prerequisites: Marine Science 451.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
Marine Science 507 H(0-6)
Directed Studies
Directed studies under the supervision of a member of the faculty. Involves a research project approved by the supervisor in the field of interest of the student, and will be designed to take maximum advantage of the laboratory and/or field opportunities offered by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
Marine Science 509 H(0-6)
(Marine Science 470†)
Directed Research in Aquaculture
Design and execution of a research project in the field of aquaculture under the supervision of a scientist working in association with the Bamfield Sciences Centre. A written report is a requirement.
Prerequisites: Marine Science 451.
Marine Science 511 H(3S-0)
(Marine Science 480†)
Papers and Seminar in Marine Science
The purpose of this course is to provide a forum for students to integrate the knowledge they are obtaining from the other courses in this program. It will be a combination of presentations by resident and visiting researchers followed by discussion, discussion of original papers selected by the instructor(s), and short critiques of original papers by each student.
Prerequisites: Students are expected to have completed 2 years of a Biology program. Others may be admitted by permission of the instructor in consultation with the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
Marine Science 515 H(3-3)
(Marine Science 415†)
Structure and Function in Marine Animals
This course will use marine invertebrates and vertebrates to explore the structural plans of animals in a functional framework. Rather than providing a comprehensive survey of diversity in the animal kingdom, specific taxa will be chosen that exemplify specific systems (e.g., respiratory, skeletal, nervous, etc.). The major taxa will be discussed together with minor groups that have peculiarities that are of general biological importance. This course will combine the disciplines of classification, evolution, morphology, biomechanics, physiology and biochemistry. The emphasis placed on each discipline will depend on the interests of the instructor. Fieldwork will be integrated with the laboratory exercises.
Prerequisites: Students are expected to have completed 2 years in a Biology program and to have successfully completed introductory courses in organismal diversity, physiology, cell biology and/or biochemistry. Others may be admitted by permission of the instructor in consultation with the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
Marine Science 525 H(3-3)
(Marine Science 425†)
Ecological Adaptations of Seaweeds
An exploration of morphological, physiological, genetic and reproductive adaptations of seaweeds to their natural and man-altered environments. Daily lectures and laboratory exercises will complement frequent field observations.
Prerequisites: Students are expected to have completed 2 years in a Biology program and to have successfully completed courses in organismal diversity, introductory genetics, cell biology and/or biochemistry. Statistics is recommended. Others may be admitted by permission of the instructor in consultation with the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
Marine Science 537 H(3-3)
(Marine Science 437†)
Population and Community Ecology of Marine Organisms
An introduction to the concepts of marine plant, animal and community ecology. Emphasis will be on organism/physical and chemical environmental interactions, organismal interactions, and concepts of biological diversity. Daily lectures and laboratory exercises will be complemented by frequent field excursions.
Prerequisites: Students are expected to have completed 2 years in a Biology program. Statistics is recommended. Others may be admitted by permission of the instructor in consultation with the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
Marine Science 540 F(3-3)
(Marine Science 440†)
Biology of Marine Birds
A study of the interrelationship of birds and the marine environment. Lectures will emphasize the systematics and ecological relationships, behaviour, life histories, movements and conservation of marine birds. Census techniques and methods of study of marine birds in the field will be considered. Seabird identification, classification, orphology, plumage and molt will be examined in the laboratory.
Prerequisites: Zoology 377.
Marine Science 544 F(3-3)
(Marine Science 445†)
Biology of Marine Mammals
A survey course covering systematics and distribution of marine mammals, their sensory capabilities and physiology, with special emphasis on the Cetacea. The course will include field work in the vicinity of Barkley Sound and will include an independent field study.
Prerequisites: Zoology 377.
Marine Science 546 F(3-3)
(Marine Science 446†)
Comparative Ethology
A comparative study of marine animals (vertebrate and invertebrate) emphasizing behavioural description, underlying physiological mechanisms, the biological significance of behaviour and behavioral evolution. The course will include independent laboratory and field studies.
Prerequisites: Zoology 375, 377 and Biology 313. Note: Completion of Zoology 461 and either 463 or 465 prior to this course will be of definite advantage.
Note: Credit for both Zoology 567 and Marine Science 546 will not be allowed.
Marine Science 572 F(3-3)
(Marine Science 410†)
Marine Invertebrate Zoology
A survey of the marine phyla emphasizing natural history, morphology and systematics of the local invertebrate fauna. The course will include lectures, laboratory work, field collection, identification and observation. The study of living specimens is emphasized both in the laboratory and in the field.
Marine Science 574 F(3-3)
(Marine Science 412†)
Biology of Fishes
Classification, physiology, ecology, behaviour and zoogeography of fishes with particular emphasis on those in the marine environment of the British Columbia coast. Involves some field projects.
Marine Science 582 F(3-3)
(Marine Science 413†)
Biology of Marine Molluscs
An advanced course of selected topics emphasizing functional morphology, ecology and evolution. Field trips will be undertaken to survey the representative molluscs of the Bamfield region. Students will be expected to complete an independent field or laboratory study of selected molluscs.
Prerequisites: Marine Science 572(410) or equivalent.
Graduate Courses
Enrolment in any graduate course requires consent of the Department.
600-level courses are available with permission to undergraduate students in the final year of their programs.
Special Graduate Courses: Each year the Western Canadian Universities Marine Biological Society offers short (one-week) intensive courses especially for graduate students interested in Marine Biology. Topics vary from year to year. Details are available from the Department of Biological Sciences.
Marine Science 600 F(0-6)
(Marine Science 500†)
Directed Studies
A course of directed studies under the supervision of a member of faculty, involving a research project approved by the supervisor. Each study will be designed to take maximum advantage of laboratory and/or field opportunities offered by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
Marine Science 601 H(3-3)
(Marine Science 502†)
Special Topics (3 weeks)
Courses of a specialized nature offered, as opportunities arise, by distinguished scientists visiting the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.