BI 474/574 Marine Ecology (5 quarter hour credits) (5 quarter hour credits)
Instructor: Aaron Galloway

Marine Ecology is an interdisciplinary field covering the interaction of organisms with each other and their environment. In this course, we approach the discipline by focusing on the strengths of our program’s unfettered access to the flora and fauna of the local shore, emphasizing concepts and practice of rocky intertidal community ecology. Each week, we will be in the field, getting wet, making observations, and learning how to link these observations to developing and testing hypotheses that connect to fundamental ecological theory. Meets Mondays 8:30 – 3:30pm

BI 451/551 Invertebrate Zoology (10 quarter hour credits)
Instructor: Amy Moran and Maya Watts

Introduction to the diversity of marine invertebrates. What they look like, how they work, where they live, and their natural history and behavior. Lectures will introduce organisms, explain their form and function, and include current views of evolutionary origins and phylogenetic relationships. Field trips will explore animals in their natural habitats and laboratory sessions will allow careful study of living invertebrates, emphasizing form and function. Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30-5:00.

BI 457/557 Marine Biology: Comparative Embryology and Larval Biology (5 quarter hour credits)
Instructor: Svetlana Maslakova

A comparative survey of embryonic development and larval forms across marine invertebrate phyla, including but not limited to: Cnidaria, Ctenophora, Platyhelminthes, Annelida, Mollusca, Nemertea, Phoronida, Echinodermata, Bryozoa and Chordata (Tunicates). Students explore the rich and colorful diversity of marine embryos and larvae by culturing dozens of representative species in the laboratory. Field trips will be dedicated to collecting live material for use in class. This course is a great opportunity to improve microscopy, observation and scientific illustration skills. Course limited to 12 students. Meets Fridays days 8:30 – 5:00pm.
Check out the Embryology Class Blog

BI 457/557 Marine Biology: Biology of Fishes (5 quarter hour credits)
Instructor: Rowan McLachlan

Ichthyology is the study of fishes. In this course, we will explore the diversity of biological adaptations of fishes with an emphasis on local fish species of commercial and recreational importance in the Pacific Northwest. Specific topics include physiological, morphological, and behavioral adaptations; classification and identification; reproduction; ecology; evolution; and resilience to disease and anthropogenic stressors. By the end of this course, students will be able to identify major species of Pacific Northwest fish species, distinguish the major external and internal anatomical features of fishes, demonstrate a working knowledge of major fish physiological systems, and be adept in various laboratory and field research methods. Field excursions may include trips to the CMLC, offshore cruises, and trips to local sites. Meets Wednesdays 8:30 – 5:00.