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MR-254 Marine Biology Field Studies

Course Description: The Marine Biology Field Study class is a 3- credit course that emphasizes field aspects of Marine Biology, providing students the opportunity to practice many of the concepts they have learned about in the classroom.  The emphasis on field work means that this course has evolved into being heavily dependent on weekend field trips required to provide opportunities for students to work on small field projects. 

  • This course also meets PLO #(s) 3.1 and 3.2 of the General Education program.
  • Prerequisite Courses:  MR 120

A.  PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES (PLOs): 
The student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of geological, geographical, physical, chemical, astrological, and biological oceanography.
  2. Apply fundamental knowledge of marine sciences towards identifying and solving regional and global problems relating to marine systems.
  3. Apply the scientific process to formulate hypotheses, design experiments, and collect and analyze data from which valid scientific conclusions are drawn.
  4. Communicate effectively, in written and oral forms, utilizing the language and concepts of marine science.

B.  STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs) – GENERAL:
The student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate practical knowledge of the scientific method. 
  2. Learn from hands-on involvement in field research with instructor. 
  3. Recognize and use scientific data collection techniques.
  4. Analyze scientific data.
  5.  (independently or with their research mentor) Interpret and report data they participated in collecting.
  6. Apply learned classroom knowledge to research activities.
  7. Demonstrate knowledge of the diversity of marine life.

SLO

PLO 1

PLO 2

PLO 3

PLO 4

1

 

 

DM

DM

2

D

 

 

 

3

 

 

DM

 

4

 

 

DM

 

5

 

 

DM

 

6

D

D

 

D

7

D

D

 

DM

I = Introduced
D = Demonstrated
M = Mastered

C.  STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs): - SPECIFIC
The student will be able to:

General SLO 1.  Demonstrate practical knowledge of the scientific method.          


Student Learning Outcomes

Assessment Strategies

1.1 Conduct background research on a biological question being investigated.

Rubric evaluation of ‘Introduction’ sections of projects

1.2 Construct a hypothesis to be tested.

Rubric evaluation of ‘Introduction’ sections of projects

1.3 Experiment and/or collect data.

Evaluation of Field Notes

1.4 Analyze the results data.

Rubric evaluation of ‘Results’ sections of projects

1.5 Report the conclusions they discern.

Rubric evaluation of ‘Discussion’ sections of projects

General SLO 2.  Learn from hands-on involvement in field research with instructor


Student Learning Outcomes

Assessment Strategies

2.1  Complete and submit (electronically) 3 separate field research projects

Each project will be individually evaluated by a rubric which scores the various components

General SLO 3.  Recognize and use scientific data collection techniques.


Student Learning Outcomes

Assessment Strategies

3.1 Collect data by visually observing and recording some aspect of study interest.

This will be assessed though classroom discussion and the review of field notes

3.2 Collect data through the quantitative measurement of some or many environmental components.

This aspect can be assessed by review of field notes and scoring of ‘Results’ sections of project rubrics

3.3 Collect data using digital media (such as photography, satellite imagery, and or GIS).

This aspect can be assessed by review of field notes and scoring of ‘Results’ sections of project rubrics

General SLO 4.  Analyze scientific data.   


Student Learning Outcomes

Assessment Strategies

4.1 Analyze data collected from observation.

This will be assessed by scoring the ‘Discussion’ section using a prescribed rubric

4.2 Analyze data collected through quantitative measurements.

This will be assessed by scoring the ‘Discussion’ section using a prescribed rubric

4.3 Analyze data collected by digital media.

This will be assessed by scoring the ‘Discussion’ section using a prescribed rubric

General SLO 5.  (independently or with their research mentor) interpret and report data they participated in collecting.


Student Learning Outcomes

Assessment Strategies

5.1 Report data and conclusions in written format.

This will be assessed by scoring the ‘Discussion’ section of a written survey report using a prescribed rubric

5.2 Report data and conclusions in PowerPoint format.

This will be assessed by scoring the ‘Conclusions’ section of a PowerPoint presentation report using a prescribed rubric

General SLO 6.  Apply learned classroom knowledge to research activities.


Student Learning Outcomes

Assessment Strategies

6.1  Incorporate sound biological and ecological principles into their methodology and planning prior to the start of all research projects

This will be assessed through classroom discussions and written project proposals submitted to the instructor

6.2  Incorporate biological and ecological principles into their research discussions/conclusions

 

General SLO 7.  Demonstrate knowledge of taxonomy and methods of classification.


Student Learning Outcomes

Assessment Strategies

7.1 Make general classification designations in the field.

Assessment of this outcome may involve review of field notes in addition to field assistance from the instructor

7.2 Use a dichotomous key or appropriate field guides to identify marine organisms.

This outcome will assessed as a component of all three projects (scored in the ‘Results’ sections of the project rubrics)

 

D.  COURSE CONTENT
1.  Scientific method
2.  Field Data and Specimen Collections
3.  Taxonomy & Classification
4.  Diversity of Marine Life

E.  METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Lectures, laboratory exercises, field trips, and observations.

F.  REQURIED TEXT(S) AND COURSE MATERIALS
English, S., C Wilkinson and V Baker.  Survey Manual for Tropical Marine Resources.      Australia: Australian institute of marine science, 1997. (or most recent edition).

  • Composition Notebook

G. REFERENCE MATERIALS
Current publications and periodicals of relevance and appropriate regional Field Guides

H.  INSTRUCTIONAL COSTS
Replacement of laboratory equipment approximately $200 per year, transportation and supplies associated with field trips approximately $1000 per year.

I.   EVALUATION
None

J.   CREDIT BY EXAMINATION
None

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