MAR - Marine Science

Any student under medical care or on prescription medication must see the instructor before registering for this course. This is a PADI Open Water SCUBA course that teaches safe diving procedures and the use of diving equipment. The course involves lectures, pool sessions and two weekend days for the certification dives. Equipment is provided, except for snorkeling equipment. Transportation is not provided for the student for the weekend dives. Laboratory fee: $150.

Any student under medical care or on prescription medication must see the instructor before registering for this course. This is a PADI Advanced SCUBA course covering topics on navigation, deep diving (60-100 feet), boat diving and drift diving. The course involves lectures and three weekend days for the certification dives. Equipment is provided, except for snorkeling equipment. Transportation is not provided for the student for the weekend dives. Laboratory fee: $320.

Student must be current in first aid and CPR by the first week of this course. Course topics cover SCUBA-related rescue techniques and emergency procedures. The course involves lectures, pool sessions and a one-day weekend dive trip for the certification dives. Equipment is provided, except for snorkeling equipment. This course is only offered during the second seven weeks of the fall semester. Laboratory fee: $175.

Course description: Students learn how to organize and plan safe and successful dives for dive groups, and supervise students in training. PADI Divemaster certification may be applied for through PADI Headquarters after successful completion of the course requirements. The course involves lectures, pool sessions, and a minimum of two weekends of diving. Some SCUBA equipment is provided for use. It is recommended that students have all of their own diving equipment except air tanks. Course offered only during the spring semester. Laboratory fee: $320.

Designed for non-science majors. A survey of marine biology including a discussion of the basic marine environments, natural history of marine animals, special adaptations of marine mammals, elementary marine chemistry, marine plants and their economic importance, and the impact of pollution on marine ecosystems. Partially satisfies natural science distribution requirements of the baccalaureate experience, but is not applicable toward a marine science or biology majors or minors. Lecture only.

This PADI diving course covers three specialty dive certifications: Enriched Air Nitrox, Peak Buoyancy and Equipment Specialist. The course involves lectures and one weekend day for the certification dives. Equipment is provided, except for snorkeling equipment. This course is offered only during the first seven weeks of the spring semester. Note: Specialty Diver, part 2, may be taken before Specialty Diver, part 1. Laboratory fee: $200.

During this course, the student completes two specific PADI specialty diver certifications: Boat Diver and Drift Diver Specialist. The course involves lectures and a two-day weekend dive trip for the certification dives. Equipment is provided, except for snorkeling equipment. This course is offered only during the second seven weeks of the spring semester. Note: Specialty Diver, part 2, may be taken before Specialty Diver, part 1. Laboratory fee: $260.

This course is intended as a broad introduction to marine science that will serve as a foundation for more advanced coursework in one or more of the disciplines introduced in this course. Topics covered in this course will include: 1) the physical geology of the earth with special emphasis on ocean basins; 2) the physical properties of water as they relate to tides, currents, waves and climate modulation; 3) the chemistry of seawater with regard to dissolved elements and gasses; and 4) a broad overview of life in the oceans. May only be used to satisfy major requirements in marine-science biology, biology, or environmental science majors. Lecture only.

This course will explore the origins and evolution of the earth (starting at the big bang/universe), the atmosphere, biology, and methodology employed to elucidate these evolutions.  Students will then apply this knowledge to modern physical and geological processes shaping the marine environment, influencing climate change, and creating the interface between the terrestrial and marine environments.  The evolution of the marine environment is an important concept as these primordial processes shaped much of what is currently studied in the oceans.  Having a clear grasp of the influence of geology, physics, and biochemistry gives insight into to modern environmental analogues.  The past is the rosetta stone to the future. 

This course will explore the origins and evolution of the earth (starting at the big bang/universe), the atmosphere, biology, and methodology employed to elucidate these evolutions.  Students will then apply this knowledge to modern physical and geological processes shaping the marine environment, influencing climate change, and creating the interface between the terrestrial and marine environments.  The evolution of the marine environment is an important concept as these primordial processes shaped much of what is currently studied in the oceans.  Having a clear grasp of the influence of geology, physics, and biochemistry gives insight into to modern environmental analogues.  The past is the rosetta stone to the future. 

Studies the interactions between marine organisms and their biotic and abiotic ocean environment, including an investigation of the distribution, abundance and diversity of organisms in the sea, the causes of these patterns and the roles of these species in marine ecosystems. The course and its companion laboratory address marine systems from an experimental perspective with an emphasis on experimental design, statistical data analysis, quantitative skills and techniques in scientific writing. Two weekend field trips are required.

A study of the taxonomy, ecology and behavior of marine invertebrates. Examines local fauna and habitats through field-oriented studies. Requires some Saturday field trips.

A study of the physical properties of seawater, global heat balance, hydrodynamics, ocean currents, waves, tides, and underwater sound and optics. Lecture only.

Studies the ecology, physiology and communities of marine primary producers with emphases on Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Topics explored are phytoplankton, benthic macroalgae, mangroves, seagrass and saltmarsh communities.

This course examines coral reef ecosystems, including their biology, ecology, geologic setting, chemical and physical characteristics and the impact of global climate change on this ecosystem type. Immediately after the end of the spring semester, students will participate in a 14-day study abroad experience at the Roatan Institute of Marine Sciences on the island of Roatan in Honduras.