Mrs. Peck's Marine Biology Course Syllabus
Marine biology is the scientific study of the abiotic and biotic characteristics of the ocean and their interactions. The authors of the text, Castro and Huber state “with the global trend of migration to the coast, the growth of such pastimes as scuba diving, recreational fishing, and aquarium keeping, and the increasing accessibility of travel to exotic seaside destinations, more people than ever before are able to experience first hand the sea’s beauty, mystery, and excitement.” This interest in the oceans has made marine biology courses very popular in high schools and universities. Demonstrations, labs, and videos will be used to supplement classroom lecture and discussion. The inquiry approach to learning science will be used through the use of hands-on / minds-on activities. In addition the students will use the internet to conduct research and create web pages which they will present to each other using a Smarboard and to teach a global community. We also take a variety of field trip to conduct studies of the vast marine ecosystems in our backyard and to the Florida Aquarium.

Below is the outline of the major topics that will be covered this year in Marine Biology. Click on each to access class notes, vocabulary sheets, and study guides.

I. Principles of Marine Biology

An Introduction to Marine Biology

Careers in Marine Biology

The Ocean Floor

Chemical & Physical Characteristics of the Ocean

II. Life in the Marine Environment

Microbes

Primary Producers

Invertebrates

Vertebrates

III. Structure & Function of Marine Ecosystems

An Introduction to Ecology	Intertidal Communities	Estuaries	Continental Shelf
Coral Reefs	Upper Pelagic	Ocean Depths

IV. Humans and the Sea

Oceanic Resources

Human Impact on the Marine Environment