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TENTATIVE COURSE SYLLABUS

COURSE TITLE: COURSE NUMBER:

Marine Biology OCB 1000

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

A course for non-science majors. The natural history of marine organisms, their taxonomic relationships  and their interactions with each other are explored. The evolutionary processes of various marine organisms and the scheme of biological classification are introduced. The fundamentals of marine biological science are provided with special emphasis placed upon observable major marine phyla in the local area and the interrelationships between individual organisms within these phyla and how they relate to world wide marine environments. 

PREREQUISITES:None.

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:

Dr. Sabine AlshuthOffice: D-221A - Mueller CampusPhone: 772-226-2556Email: salshuth@irsc.edu My Faculty Website - click hereOffice hours posted on instructor’s website (incl. virtual office hours)

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS:

Introduction to Marine Biology, Fourth edition by Karleskint/Turner/Small 2013. ISBN: 978-1-133-36446-7Websites: Online Website links for assigned studies and all my course information and handouts are posted on Blackboard LMS at www.irsc.edu (e-learners).

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1 2014 - Prof. Dr. S. Alshuth

*TENTATIVE ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE:

Week Lecture Topic Chapter/Reading1 Science and Marine Biology 12 QUIZ EXAM & Biological Concepts - Evolution and Classification 53 Marine Microbes 64 Taxonomy and Biodiversity BB/WS1 5 EXAM 1 & Field Trip to Vero Beach Marine Institute 19 (pg. 516-519)6 Multicellular Primary Producers & Commercial Use of Seaweeds 7 & BB/WS27 Lower Invertebrates 88 Higher Invertebrates 99 EXAM 2 (Midterm) & Marine Fishes 1010 Marine Reptiles & Birds & NOAA Fisheries Resources 11 & BB/WS311 Marine Mammals & Field Trip to Treasure Coast Corals 1212 Spring Break

13 Exam 3, Coral Reefs & Florida’s Sabellarid Worm Reef 15 & BB/WS414 The Open Sea 1715 Ocean’s Resources & Field Trip to FPL Sea Turtle Research Station 19 & 11 (301-305)16 FINAL EXAM (Exam 4)

GRADING POLICIES:EXAMS: Four exams will be given covering assigned materials. Exam 1 & 3 are worth 20 points, the Midterm and Final Exams (Ex 2 & 4) are 30 points. The lowest point grade prior to the Final will be dropped. NO makeup exams will be given. Contact instructor before exam if you plan to miss it. Report medical and other emergencies* prior to the exam deadline and if you experience any technical problems contact IRSC’s e-Learning department immediately to file a trouble report in order to qualify for a make-up approval.

PRESENTATION: One oral class presentation to a selective topic of marine biology is required for this class. Students have to use powerpoint with visuals and can work individual or in teams of up to three students, each student presenting to class. Presentation is worth 20 points and 20% of your grade (see BB Presentation Guidelines & schedule for more information).

SERVICE LEARNING: Students will have the opportunity to participate in a voluntary Service Learning project activity with an IRSC approved community partner (see BB Service Learning section). A student’s Service Leaning project grade may contribute up to 35% of their total class grade. Note: this is optional (not mandatory).

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Students are required to have basic computer skills, have access to a computer, familiarity with internet and BB LMS, and responsible for using the latest and most updated software.

GRADING SCALE: The semester average is based on the percentage of total percentage points:90 - 100% = A 100-90 points80 - 89% = B 89-80 points70 - 79% = C 79-70 points60 - 69% = D 69-60 pointsbelow 60% = F < 60 points

W- Withdraw by deadline indicated in semester course-offering schedule. Instructor will not give a withdrawal past this deadline.* I – An Incomplete may be given to passing students only in verifiable emergencies*.*Medical & family emergencies require proper documentation (see Attendance & Procedures pg. 4).

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2 2014 - Prof. Dr. S. Alshuth

COURSE OBJECTIVES: 1. To understand the ecology and biodiversity of the marine environment including

physical parameters.2. To understand the distribution and abundance of marine organisms and their

adaptation to the marine environment.3. To understand the structure and function of marine primary producers such as

phytoplankton, marine algae, seagrasses, mangroves and beach plants and their importance in the marine ecosystem.

4. To understand the taxonomy, life history, structure and function of marine invertebrates from the zooplankton and from benthic communities.

5. To understand the taxonomy, life history, structure and function of marine vertebrates such as fishes, birds, mammals and reptiles and their role in the marine environment.

6. To understand how the ocean provides humans with resources and how to grow and culture marine organisms.

7. To reflect a personal understanding of the behaviors required for a more responsible and productive citizenship.

8. To understand the mission[s] of various types of organizations that provide community services; recognize the problems that are encountered in communities as a whole, and how they are addressed through government and organizations that provide community service.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon completion of OCB 1000, Marine Biology, students will have the ability to:

• Apply problem solving, analytical, and communication skills based on the scientific method that will provide the foundation for lifelong learning and career development.

• Communicate the science of major oceanographic concepts and requisite skills, relating how these are connected within various interdisciplinary areas of the biological and physical sciences (chemistry, physics and geology) in both lab and field settings.

• Make use of appropriate technologies to organize, acquire, and convey information relevant to the interdisciplinary marine sciences.

• Develop awareness of the World's vanishing diverse marine ecosystems and to understand our civic and social responsibility within the ethics of environmental stewardship.

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3 2014 - Prof. Dr. S. Alshuth

ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS:CHEATING: Cheating, including plagiarism and cell phone use, of ANY kind will not be tolerated by this department. Any student caught cheating will receive an immediate F grade for the assignment in the course (no withdrawal allowed). Any student witnessing an act of cheating who does not report it is considered guilty of this same inexcusable behavior. Any student using a cell phone during class will be asked to leave and considered absent for that class (see IRSC Student Handbook).

GENERAL INFORMATION: Students will supply their own Scantron answer sheets for exams. You must use a No. 2 pencil to mark your answers. You are responsible for ensuring that all erasures are complete - I will not re-grade any Scantron after it has been given to student.

MEANS OF ACCOMPLISHING OUTCOMES:Methods of instruction: Lecture, Class discussions and/or interactions, online activities, student presentations, exams, student projects, and Service Learning activities and report.

ATTENDANCE AND PROCEDURES:MAKE-UP POLICY: No make-up exams will be given. Contact instructor before exam or quiz if you plan to miss it. If you experience any technical problems contact IRSC’s e-Learning department immediately to file a trouble report prior to the exam deadline, and report medical and other emergencies (see below) prior to the exam deadline by phone or email message in order to qualify for a make-up approval.

ATTENDANCE: Students are expected to be prepared & present in online sessions. Students are responsible for material covered in each session & must be aware of any changes in exam schedule, notified by email.

MEDICAL & FAMILY EMERGENCY: If you miss an exam deadline notify me immediately by email or phone. I can only provide a make-up under the following conditions:

• A written excuse from your physician explaining why medically you were unable to take a test or complete an assignment. •An obituary notice of a death in your immediate family that also states your relationship to the deceased (husband, wife, mother, father, grandparent, son, daughter, brother, sister, no other).           

Instructor withdrawal requests require written excuses from your physician explaining why medically you were unable to participate in class activities and complete all assignments, or a copy of an obituary from a next of kin for you or your spouse (mother, father, son, daughter, sister, or brother – no others.)

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4 2014 - Prof. Dr. S. Alshuth

SERVICE LEARNINGPurpose:  Incorporating Service Learning into this course is to teach not only the above academic overview of course materials, but to employ that information in a more hands-on learning process that provides direct student insights into real world career opportunities in Marine Science. Note: This is an optional assignment, but not mandatory. (see BB/Lessons/Service Learning section for detailed information).

Implementation: Service Learning in this course has two basic pathways depending on student interest and available service learning opportunities:

1. Research assistance in local Marine Science based organizations.2. Applied science and utilization in commercial Marine Science based enterprises such as commercial aquaculture enterprises.

A report summary reviewing work accomplished, skills used and learned, importance of enterprise, impacts on enterprise and or the community at large is required.

Objectives: At the completion of this course, students will be able to reflect a personal understanding of the behaviors required for a more responsible and productive citizenship; understand the mission[s] of various types of organizations that provide community services; recognize the problems that are encountered in communities as a whole, and how they are addressed through government and organizations that provide community service; apply concepts and skills learned in discipline specific areas to real-world problems. 

LIBRARY, ON-LINE REFERENCE MATERIALS & TECHNICAL SUPPORT:The Miley Library serves as IRSC's main library.  The library is an information place providing professional assistance, library books and media, and access to the library's electronic resources. There is an extensive online database system also available through IRSC’s website www.irsc.edu.

For any technical support or help with BB contact IRSC’s e-Learning Department – listed on IRSC’s website www.irsc.edu (e-learners) or visit the Kight Center for Emerging Technologies at Main Campus.

For tutoring and additional help with BB visit IRSC’s Academic Support Center (ASC). Locations and operating hours are posted on IRSC’s website.

PROFESSOR INFORMATIONFor more information about my credentials, marine science and research background and activities, oceanic research expeditions, publications, and updated course information visit My Faculty Website - click here.

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5 2014 - Prof. Dr. S. Alshuth

HOW TO CONTACT MEContact me by email using the BB email account in my internet course. You can compose a message when accessing the View Inbox screen or you can use Quick Message to bypass the Inbox screen. I check my emails and phone messages frequently, however, my schedule includes many off-campus field trips and committee meetings, and I might not be available every day. However, I will usually answer your questions within 48 business hours. Office visits need to be scheduled by appointment.

For any technical problems and support, please contact IRSC’s e-Learning Department (contact information on the IRSC website www.irsc.edu and on the BB login page.

EXAMSTo view the exam schedule, dates and times for each exam, go to Lessons and click on Assessments. You can also find this same information in the course Calendar. Four exams will be given covering assigned materials - see Weekly Assignments section for selected chapters review. Exam 1 & 3 are unit exam, worth 20 points, the proctored Midterm & comprehensive Final Exams (Ex. 2 & 4) are 30 points. The lowest point grade prior to the Final will be dropped.

To take online Exam 1, go to Lessons and click on Assessments to select the Exam. You can only login once to take the exam and have 30 minutes to complete it. Exam results are posted online automatically after completion. NO makeup exams will be given unless arranged with the instructor by email prior to the exam deadline (see Grading policy & Attendance sections).

Exams include questions from assigned textbook chapters and questions from website studies. Exam reviews are available online (BB/Online Study Guide section) and include weekly chapter summaries, key terms and self-test study questions and quizzes. Selective exam chapters and assignments are announced during the week prior to the exam in the Weekly Assignments section (icon on course homepage).

WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTSYou need to complete your weekly assignments on a regular basis. That includes studies of textbook chapters and studies of websites as well as chapter summaries, key terms, and self-test questions that can be found in the Weekly Assignments section of the course. Click on the icon Weekly Assignments to find the self-test questions for each chapter, and the outline and questions for the website studies. These questions will be tested. Correct answers of the self-test questions are not posted. Use the course Discussion Board to discuss these questions with other students or post a question on the course Discussion Board for review. Check the Discussion Board messages frequently, found in the Lessons section under Discussions, and check my weekly email reminders of the weekly assignments and updates.

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6 2014 - Prof. Dr. S. Alshuth

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES POLICY:Indian River State College provides reasonable accommodations to students with documented disabilities through the Educational Services Division / Student Disability Services Office. The rights of students with disabilities which pertain to post-secondary education are provided under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. These laws prohibit discrimination by institutions to "otherwise qualified" students with disabilities. This enables such students to have an equal opportunity to benefit from the education offered by those institutions.

FLORIDA STATE STANDARDS ADDRESSED IN COURSE:1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.9, 1.15, 2.5, 2.6, 3.10, 3.13, 4.2, 4.3, 5.7, 5.8, 5.13, 6.3, 7.1, 7.2, 8.9

FLORIDA EDUCATOR ACCOMPLISHED PRACTICES:FLORIDA EDUCATOR ACCOMPLISHED PRACTICES:FLORIDA EDUCATOR ACCOMPLISHED PRACTICES:FEAP number Critical assignment Assessment method

4

Students apply problem solving, analytical, and communication skills based on the scientific method while mastering marine biology concepts and solving selected case studies.

Exams, internet research projects, oral presentations

8

Students will learn:• Natural history of marine organisms, their

taxonomic relationships  and their interactions with each other 

• The evolutionary processes of various marine organisms and their biodiversity

Quizzes and exams

12

Students perform internet searches and complete and submit electronic assignments while learning to navigate IRSC’s Learning Management System.Students will have the opportunity to participate in a voluntary Service Learning project activity with an approved community partner. A student’s Service Leaning project grade may contribute up to 35% of their total class grade.

Internet activities and Chapter projects. Service Learning projects will require a final report containing both a student descriptions of their, work skills acquired, and their reflections on the participating community partners impacts on the community.

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7 2014 - Prof. Dr. S. Alshuth