NSU 2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog

406 Nova Southeastern University • Undergraduate Student Catalog • 2014–2015 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS species, and increasing human resident and tourist populations. This field course will examine the natural and human history of the Hawaiian Islands from early geologic formation of the Big Island to plant and animal adaptation 5 million years in the future on the island of Kauai. Both islands will be explored from a terrestrial and aquatic perspective.Prerequisites: MBIO 3800 MBIO 3910 Sharks and Their Relatives (3 credits) This is a survey of three major groups of elasmobranch fishes: sharks, skates and rays, and chimera. This course will be divided into three main bodies of information: 1) the history and evolution of sharks and their relatives; 2) elasmobranch taxonomy; and 3) current and future research. Prerequisite: MBIO 2410. MBIO 4260 Ecology of the Galápagos Islands (3 credits) This course will introduce and amplify principles of evolutionary ecology that occur in the unique setting of the Galápagos Islands. Lectures will cover the historical, geological, and biological aspects of the archipelago and will prepare the student for an immersive experience in the summer-based field course MBIO 4261. Prerequisite: MBIO 2410 or BIOL 1510 or BIOL 1510H. MBIO 4261 Ecology of the Galápagos Islands Field Trip (1 credits) This field course will provide direct experience with principles of evolutionary ecology that were introduced in MBIO 4260 in the unique setting of the Galápagos Islands. The course will include visits to the Charles Darwin Research Station and several sites in the Galápagos National Park on the island of Santa Cruz, and offer additional experiences on other islands of the archipelago. Prerequisite: MBIO 4260. MBIO 4900 Special Topics in Marine Biology (3 credits) Topics in advanced marine biology that are not included in a regular course offering. Prerequisites may be required. Specific content and prerequisites are announced in the course schedule for the given term. Students may re- enroll for Special Topics covering different content. MBIO 4900A Special Topics in Marine Biology: Food Web Dynamics (3 credits) A food chain is simply “who eats what”. A food web weaves together many food chains to form a complicated network of feeding relationships. Many animals eat more than one thing, and each link in each chain is important and integral to the entire system. The interactions in a food web are far more complex than the interactions in a food chain. The most complex food webs follow certain patterns and that those patterns are shaped by a limited number of biological processes, such as population dynamics and energy flow. This course is designed to study the basic components and processes of trophic dynamics, how these comprise different terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and how these systems can be altered and influenced. Prerequisite: BIOL 1510. MBIO 4900B Special Topics in Marine Biology: Introduction to SCUBA Diving (3 credits) Introduction to SCUBA diving provides a comprehensive curriculum of the skills and academics required to safely participate in SCUBA diving activities. The course is comprised of classroom lecture sessions as well as pool and open water sessions. Academic content includes the history, physics, physiology, equipment, specialties, and the underwater environment of recreational sport SCUBA diving. Pool and open water labs train proficiency in dive planning, safety, buddy system, equipment handling, diver assistance, air consumption, underwater problem solving, entry and exit procedures, proper buoyancy, and dive boat protocol. Prerequisites: Students must know how to swim and have good overall health and meet the following 2 requirements: (1) Students will perform a watermanship evaluation consisting of a 200 meter/yard continuous swim without the use of swim aids, followed by a 10-minute water tread. Goggles may be worn during the watermanship evaluation. (2) Students must complete a PADI Medical History Questionnaire. Certain conditions may require a physician’s pre-approval to dive. If a student answers “Yes” to any question on the PADI Medical History Questionnaire, the student must have the form signed by a physician giving his or her approval for the student to participate in SCUBA diving. MBIO 4950 Internship in Marine Biology (1–12 credits) A work experience for 16 weeks in the student’s major area of study or area of career interest. Consult academic division for specific details and requirements. Prerequisites: cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, major GPA of 3.0 or higher, completion of 60 or more credit hours, supervision of instructor, and permission of academic director. MBIO 4990 Independent Study Marine Biology (1–3 credits) The student selects and independently carries out library and/or empirical research. Faculty supervision is provided on an individual basis. Prerequisite: Determined by faculty and division director. MBIO 4990A Independent Study Marine Biology (A) (1–3 credits) The student selects and independently carries out library and/or empirical research. Faculty supervision is provided on an individual basis. Prerequisite: Determined by faculty and division director.