NSU 2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog

405 Nova Southeastern University • Undergraduate Student Catalog • 2014–2015 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS signed by a physician giving his or her approval for the student to participate in scuba diving. This form must be completed (with proper physician’s approval where applicable) and turned in by the first pool session. MBIO 2410 Marine Biology and Lab (4 credits) This introductory course for the marine biology major will acquaint the student with basic principles of marine biology and function as a complementary course to Oceanography/Lab (MBIO 2500). The course will touch upon basic aspects of physical, chemical, and geological oceanography, and then focus upon marine communities found in the open ocean, deep sea, coastal shelf and inter tidal regions. Species diversity, phylogenetic relationships, organisms function, symbiotic relationships, and ecological interactions will be examined. Prerequisite: BIOL 1510 or BIOL 1510H. MBIO 2500 Oceanography/Lab (4 credits) This introductory course for the marine biology major will expose the student to more comprehensive principles of physical, chemical and geological oceanography, and functions as a complementary course to Marine Biology (MBIO 2410). Oceanographic sampling and laboratory analysis techniques will be covered. Prerequisite: BIOL 1510 or BIOL 1510H. MBIO 3450 Survey of Marine Mammals (3 credits) This course provides an overview of the anatomy, biomedicine, evolution, husbandry, natural history, pathology, and physiology of the cetaceans, pinnipeds, sirenians, and allies. The course consists of lectures and field trips. Prerequisite: MBIO 2410. MBIO 3500 Food Web Dynamics (3 credits) A food chain is simply “who eats what”. The linear relationships of a food chain will be contrasted with the more complex interactions of a food web. The biological and physical processes which contribute to a food web, such as population dynamics and energy flow, will be introduced in multiple estuarine and marine ecosystems, from coastal mangroves to offshore open waters. Specialized food webs, such as sea ice and hydrothermal vent communities, will also be introduced. Prerequisites: MBIO 2410. MBIO 3600 Plankton Ecology (0–3 credits) Marine and freshwater zooplankton, with limited discussion of phytoplankton, protozoans and bacteria, will be discussed. A survey of holoplanktonic and meroplanktonic zooplankton will be conducted, including phylogeny, ecology and processes which influence production and diversity. A discussion of field and laboratory sampling techniques and methodology will include introductions for collecting, preserving, subsampling, identifying and quantifying collections. A one-day field trip will allow students to collect marine samples and they will learn to identify organisms based on those samples throughout the course. Prerequisites: MBIO 2410 or MBIO 2500. MBIO 3700 Biology of Fishes/Lab (4 credits) This is an introduction to the major groups of fishes such as jawless, cartilaginous and bony fishes. Topics will include the diversity of extant fishes from various aquatic habitats, with emphasis on local species, the anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology and evolution of fishes, and fisheries conservation and enhancement practices. Prerequisites: BIOL 1510 or BIOL 1510H. MBIO 3750 Coral Reefs and Coral Communities (3 credits) This class introduces students to the biology and ecology of corals and coral-associated organisms. Topics include coral distribution, abundance, diversity, taxonomy, endosymbionts, reproduction, predator- prey relationships, and anthropogenic and natural disturbances. Active classroom discussion will be encouraged during and following the presentation of material by the professor. A formal discussion period on selected papers will be conducted during each class. Material will be presented from a global perspective, with focus on South Florida and Caribbean marine environments. Two weekend field trips are required. Prerequisite: MBIO 2410. MBIO 3800 Island Biogeography (0–3 credits) Island biogeography is the study of the distribution and dynamics of species in island environments. Due to their isolation from more widespread continental species, islands are ideal places for unique species to evolve, but they are also places of concentrated extinction. There is little understanding of island geology, geography, climate, or the impact of colonization by plants, animals and humans. Natural and anthropogenic disturbances are common to island groups, all of which face extinctions of endemic flora and fauna, growing populations of invasive species, and increasing human resident and tourist populations. This course will examine the natural and human history of several island groups from early geologic development to plant and animal adaptation to anthropogenic influences on extinction and sustainable growth.Prerequisites: MBIO 2410 or MBIO 2500 or BIOL 3200. MBIO 3801 Island Biogeography Field Course (0–1 credits) Island biogeography is the study of the distribution and dynamics of species in island environments. Due to their isolation from more widespread continental species, islands are ideal places for unique species to evolve, but they are also places of concentrated extinction. There is little understanding of island geology, geography, climate, or the impact of colonization by plants, animals and humans. Natural and anthropogenic disturbances are common to island groups, all of which face extinctions of endemic flora and fauna, growing populations of invasive