Marine Science
MRNE 110. Introduction to Marine Science (4S)
The oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and play a vital role in regulating climate and supporting life. Students in this course are introduced to the physical, biological, geological, and chemical concepts, structures, and functions of marine ecosystems to include tropic, Arctic, coastal, and deep ocean environments. Lecture and Lab
MRNE 181. Lower-Level Marine Science Transfer Course (1-4E)
This course number is for students transferring lower-level marine science courses from other institutions when the course does not directly translate to an existing SMCM course code due to either credit value or topic. Students seeking approval for this course must send a copy of the transfer course description and syllabus to the program chair.
MRNE 220. Physical Oceanography (4F)
An overview of physical oceanography, including seawater properties, coastal and ocean circulation, waves, and tides. Students will explore the theory and applications of these physical processes as well as how they are observed and quantified. Lecture and Lab Prerequisites: PHYS 122 or PHYS 142 or PHYS 152.
MRNE 222. Environmental Data Analysis and Visualization (4AS)
The course introduces students to various facets of environmental data analysis such as data wrangling and visualization, exploratory data analysis, statistical modeling, version control and collaboration, and reproducible workflows. We will do all of this using R, one of the most popular, in-demand statistical programming languages in the environmental field. No prior programming experience required. Students cannot receive credit for both this and the environmental studies course of the same title. Prerequisite: MRNE 110 or permission of the instructor.
MRNE 307. Student Assistantship (1E)
This course provides a credit-based experience for classroom and laboratory assistants. The student assistants will attend their assigned classes or labs, hold review sessions, assist professor with lab preparation and other in-class assignments, among other duties. This course will follow the general college policies for classroom assistantship courses. This course may be repeated once. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor, minimum 3.0 GPA and at least 8 credits of 300- level or above in Marine Science coursework.
MRNE 339. Ecology of Marine Plants (4AS)
Principles of population, community, and ecosystem ecology as they apply to aquatic plants. An emphasis will be placed on natural and human effects on aquatic plant structure, growth, and distribution. Prerequisites: MRNE 110 and BIOL 106.
MRNE 342. Plankton Ecology (4AF)
An in-depth examination of the taxonomic and functional groups of planktonic organisms (bacteria, protista, and metazoa), including morphology, physiology, ecology, and community structure. The laboratory will include current methods of research. Prerequisites: MRNE 110 and BIOL 106.
MRNE 344. Marine Microbiology (4AF)
An introduction to the diverse set of microorganisms that inhabit ocean and estuarine systems. Diversity, physiology, metabolism, ecology, and survival of marine microorganisms will be the overall focus of the course. Both microbes that are beneficial and detrimental to marine system will be discussed. Methods used to collect and analyze marine microorganisms will be utilized in the laboratory portion of the course. Prerequisites: Biol270, Chem106
MRNE 365. Marine Environmental Toxicology (4AS)
An overview of toxicology within the scope of aquatic environments will be covered. Students will learn how to describe chemical and biological baselines of aquatic systems, and how to study the qualitative and quantitative aspects of toxicology from the local environments to organisms to molecular levels. In addition, students will utilize environmental databases to predict the entry path of contaminants into aquatic systems and the toxic consequences. Prerequisites: CHEM 106, BIOL 311/MATH 221, BIOL 106, and MRNE 110.
MRNE 383. Biological Oceanography (4S)
An examination of major patterns and processes in the ocean’s pelagic and benthic ecosystems, emphasizing analysis of mechanisms controlling production and abundances of organisms, from plankton to fish. Introduces the interdisciplinary study of effects of anthropogenically induced changes in climate on organisms, ecosystem processes, and biogeochemical cycles. The laboratory will include a combination of field experiences and quantitative examinations of real oceanographic data sets. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: MRNE 110, BIOL 106.
MRNE 392. Field Research Methods (4AF)
Methods of sampling and analyzing physical, chemical, and biological properties of the air, water, and earth. An emphasis will be placed on research question formulation and sampling design. By the end of the course, students will be able to independently develop a field study, collect and analyze field data, and present their findings in a written report. We will focus on our local estuarine environment, although the general research process covered can be applied to any system. Prerequisites: Any two of the following: MRNE 110, BIOL 105, BIOL 106, CHEM 106, ENST 250.
MRNE 393. Coastal Ecosystem Management (4AS)
An in-depth examination of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem as well as the principles and practices of adaptive ecosystem management. Students will explore the physical, chemical, geological, and biological components of estuaries and how science informs ecosystem restoration efforts. They will also gain hands-on experience deploying ecosystem management tools, including environmental monitoring and ecosystem simulation modeling. Prerequisites: Any two of the following: MRNE 110, BIOL105, BIOL 106, CHEM 106, ENST 250.
MRNE 397. Directed Research in Marine Science (1-4E)
Under the direct supervision of a faculty member, a student participates in laboratory or field research. A learning contract that specifies the research goals and methodology must be filed with the Office of the Registrar. A maximum of four credit hours of directed research in marine science may be applied to major requirements. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Learning contract filed in the Office of the Registrar.
MRNE 398. Off-Campus Internship (4E)
A variety of off-campus experiential learning opportunities can be arranged through the Career Development Center. The off-campus internship is an individually designed experience that allows the student to explore the relationship between learning in the classroom and the practical application of knowledge in everyday work situations. Prerequisites: Admission to the Internship Program and approval of the academic adviser and the department chair. Credit/no credit grading.
MRNE 399. Marine Science Independent Study (1-4E)
This course consists of an independent creative or research project designed by the student and supervised by a biology faculty member. The nature of the project, the schedule for accomplishment, and the means of evaluation must be formalized in a learning contract prior to registration. (See “Independent Study” under “Academic Policies” section.)
MRNE 480. Topics in Marine Science (4)
An investigation of a specialized area of marine science not normally covered in the marine science curriculum. Topics will be selected by the marine science faculty according to student interest. Students are encouraged to suggest topics for this course. May be repeated for credit if the topic is not repetitive. Taught according to student demand and staff availability.
MRNE 481. Upper-Level Marine Science Topics with Laboratory (4)
An investigation of a specialized area of marine science not normally covered in the marine science curriculum. Topics will be selected by the marine science faculty according to student interest. Students are encouraged to suggest topics for this course. May be repeated for credit if the topic is not repetitive. Lecture and laboratory. Taught according to student demand and staff availability.
MRNE 482. Upper-Level Marine Science Transfer Course (1-4E)
This course number is for students transferring upper-level marine science courses from other institutions when the course does not directly translate to an existing SMCM course code due to either credit value or topic. Students seeking approval for this course must send a copy of the transfer course description and syllabus to the program chair.
MRNE 490. Marine Science Capstone (4S)
A capstone experience in which students design, execute, and report on a marine science research project. Provides students with the opportunity to synthesize knowledge and skills developed through their marine science learning experiences. Prerequisites: MRNE 110, MRNE 220, and BIOL 383/MRNE 383. MRNE 220 and BIOL 383/MRNE 383 can be taken as corequisites.
MRNE 493/494. Marine Science SMP 1 and 2 (1-8E)
The project, which may take many forms, draws on and extends knowledge, skills of analysis and creative achievement developed through previous academic work. In consultation with a faculty mentor, the student initiates the project, identifies an area to be explored, and proposes a method of inquiry appropriate to the topic. Students will be responsible for proposing a project NLT February 1 of the student’s junior year. The proposal must gain the approval and support of 18 the marine science faculty. The project should include a reflection on the body of literature, or the conceptual framework to which it is a contribution. It must be shared with the College community through posters, presentations, or other means. This course is repeatable for up to eight credit hours. Consult faculty mentor for project proposal guidelines. Prerequisites: Proposal approval of faculty mentor and program chair, MRNE 110, MRNE 220, and BIOL 383/MRNE 383. MRNE494 requires the prerequisite of MRNE 493.