This program focuses on learning the identity and evolutionary relationships of marine organisms. Marine environments support an extremely diverse group of autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms, which together comprise an important fraction of Earth’s biodiversity. The biodiversity of marine life will be examined through studies of the major and minor phyla of marine animals, placing emphasis on macro-invertebrates, which account for the majority of the marine animal species diversity. We will learn about micro- and macro-algae, especially those of the eastern North Pacific Ocean. The proximity of Evergreen's campus to various marine habitats provides excellent opportunities to study many diverse groups of organisms, and emphasis will be placed on learning the regional marine flora and fauna.
This program will include extensive work in both the lab and field. An overnight field trip to San Juan Island in winter and another one to the Olympic Peninsula in spring will provide us with observation opportunities of organisms in their natural habitats. Ecological themes related to marine biodiversity will also be examined. Students will learn fundamental laboratory and field techniques and will be required to complete a research project utilizing the available microscopy facilities (light and scanning electron microscopes). Workshops on the statistical analysis of biodiversity will provide a quantitative aspect to our work. Students will be evaluated through participation, presentations, lab notebooks, quizzes, in-person exams, and laboratory practical exams.
Anticipated Credit Equivalencies (Winter Only)
4 - Marine Invertebrate Zoology
3 - Marine Biodiversity
4 - Marine Invertebrate Zoology Laboratory
3 - Marine Biodiversity Laboratory
2 - Microscopy
Anticipated Credit Equivalencies (Winter & Spring)
*5 - Marine Invertebrate Zoology
*5 - Marine Biodiversity
*5 - Marine Invertebrate Zoology Laboratory
*3 - Marine Biodiversity Laboratory
*2 - Marine Biodiversity Fieldwork
*2 - Microscopy
*2 - Marine Biodiversity Seminar
*8 - Marine Biodiversity Research
Registration
Two quarters (8 credits) of college-level general biology with labs, and one quarter (4 credits) of college-level general chemistry with lab
Academic Details
marine science, conservation biology, environmental science, and other life sciences
Winter: $620 fee covers costs of a 4-day field trip to Friday Harbor ($520) and required lab fee ($100)
Spring: $315 fee covers costs of whale watching and a multi-day field trip to the Olympic Peninsula ($215) and required lab fee ($100).
32 upper division science credits are available to students who meet all program expectations including good attendance and participation in class activities, submitting work on time, and meeting all the objectives of the class assignments. Credit is expected to be awarded in Invertebrate Zoology, Marine Botany, Marine Biodiversity, Marine Biodiversity Laboratory, Marine Biodiversity Fieldwork, Microscopy, Research, Seminar.
Students will design research projects in winter and carry them out in spring.