University of Calgary : Marine Science MRSC

Marine Science MRSC

MRSC 321 420 430 440 450 451 500 501 502 503 505 507 509 511 515 525 537 540 544 546 572 574 582 600 601 602

Most 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, Plant Biology (Botany) and/or Zoology are prerequisite to these courses.

Each six unit (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 Term. 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 321

Introduction to Marine Science

Exploring the ocean environment, marine organisms, marine ecosystems and the impact of humans on the sea.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s): Any two of Biology 231, 233, 241 and 243.
Notes: This course is offered on the main campus and not at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.

Marine Science 420

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.
Course Hours: 6 units; F(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Marine Science 430

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.
Course Hours: 6 units; F(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Marine Science 440

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.
Course Hours: 6 units; F(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Also known as: (Marine Science 411†)

Marine Science 450

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.
Course Hours: 6 units; F(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Also known as: (Marine Science 435†)

Marine Science 451

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.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Biology 243 and consent of the Department.
Also known as: (Marine Science 450†)

Marine Science 500

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.
Course Hours: 6 units; F(0-6)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Also known as: (Marine Science 400†)

Marine Science 501

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.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Also known as: (Marine Science 402†)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Marine Science 502

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.
Course Hours: 6 units; F(300 hours)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Also known as: (Marine Science 401†)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Marine Science 503

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.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Marine Science 451 and consent of the Department.
Also known as: (Marine Science 454†)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Marine Science 505

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.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Marine Science 451 and consent of the Department.
Also known as: (Marine Science 460†)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

Marine Science 507

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.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(0-6)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.

Marine Science 509

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.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(0-6)
Prerequisite(s): Marine Science 451 and consent of the Department.
Also known as: (Marine Science 470†)

Marine Science 511

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.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department. Students are expected to have completed at least 54 units (9 full-course equivalents) of a Biology program. Others may be admitted by permission of the instructor in consultation with the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
Also known as: (Marine Science 480†)

Marine Science 515

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. Field work will be integrated with the laboratory exercises.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department. Students are expected to have completed at least 54 units (9 full-course equivalents) of 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.
Also known as: (Marine Science 415†)

Marine Science 525

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.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department. Students are expected to have completed at least 54 units (9 full-course equivalents) of 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.
Also known as: (Marine Science 425†)

Marine Science 537

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.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department. Students are expected to have completed at least 54 units (9 full-course equivalents) of a Biology program. Statistics is recommended. Others may be admitted by permission of the instructor in consultation with the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
Also known as: (Marine Science 437†)

Marine Science 540

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, morphology, plumage and moult will be examined in the laboratory.
Course Hours: 6 units; F(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Zoology 377 and consent of the Department.
Also known as: (Marine Science 440†)

Marine Science 544

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.
Course Hours: 6 units; F(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Zoology 377 and consent of the Department.
Also known as: (Marine Science 445†)

Marine Science 546

Comparative Ethology

A comparative study of marine animals (vertebrate and invertebrate) emphasizing behavioural description, underlying physiological mechanisms, the biological significance of behaviour and behavioural evolution. The course will include independent laboratory and field studies.
Course Hours: 6 units; F(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Zoology 375, 377, Biology 313, and consent of the Department.
Antirequisite(s): Credit for Zoology 567 and Marine Science 546 will not be allowed.
Notes: Completion of Zoology 461 and either 463 or 465 prior to this course will be of definite advantage.
Also known as: (Marine Science 446†)

Marine Science 572

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.
Course Hours: 6 units; F(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Also known as: (Marine Science 410†)

Marine Science 574

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.
Course Hours: 6 units; F(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Also known as: (Marine Science 412†)

Marine Science 582

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.
Course Hours: 6 units; F(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Marine Science 572/410 and consent of the Department.
Also known as: (Marine Science 413†)

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

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.
Course Hours: 6 units; F(0-6)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Also known as: (Marine Science 500†)

Marine Science 601

Special Topics (3 weeks)

Courses of a specialized nature offered, as opportunities arise, by distinguished scientists visiting the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
Course Hours: 3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Also known as: (Marine Science 502†)

Marine Science 602

Special Topics (6 weeks)

Courses of a specialized nature offered, as opportunities arise, by distinguished scientists visiting the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
Course Hours: 6 units; F(3-3)
Prerequisite(s): Consent of the Department.
Also known as: (Marine Science 501†)

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