Marine Biology

A comprehensive course that introduces students to the marine organisms, from microbes to whales, the myriad marine communities and the effects of man's activities on the oceans.

The laboratory studies introduce students to the biology of plankton, marine plants, invertebrates, fishes and marine mammals. The strong field emphasis includes oceanographic sampling cruises on the CSU research vessel, R/V Yellowfin and field studies of the rocky intertidal, coastal wetland and kelp forest communities of Southern California. Additionally students are introduced to marine environmental monitoring and the commercial fisheries of Los Angeles.

Introduces the student to the general field of oceanography, including a study of the features of the sea floor, the chemical and physical properties of sea water, currents, tides, waves and their effects on marine organisms. Special reference is made to the Southern California environment and problems of man and the sea.

Offers an opportunity to learn skills and techniques of the oceanographer through laboratory, beach and dockside field work, and cruises aboard a research vessel. Includes the study of nautical charts, instrumentation, and oceanographic processes such as sedimentation, effects of winds, currents, tides, and determination of water quality.

This specialized two-day class is an introduction to the ecology of kelp forests. It is especially useful to teachers, scuba divers and others interested in understanding what they see in kelp forests. The campus meeting is from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, in Center for the Sciences (CFS) 91008. There is an introductor lecture covering the concepts of community ecology and kelp forest ecology along with a discussion of logistics, rental equipment and questions. An online assignment is done during the week in course guides purchased at the meeting. The second meeting is a day-long snorkeling trip to Catalina Island aboard the Dive Charter Bottom Scratcher - a comfortable 80 foot dive boat. Three hot meals are provided - starting with breakfasat. Students have the opportunity to dive in a number of locations near the Isthmus area of Catalina Island. Wetsuits and necessary shorkeling gear can be rented locally for around $20, the course guide is $10. More information on equipment is provided at the first meeting on campus.

A study of the of the invertebrates, fishes, plants of several rocky intertidal communities around this unique area of Baja just south of Ensenada. A half-day lecture and laboratory session on campus is followed two weekends later by a two day field study in Mexico. Students are expected to arrive at the accommodations in Mexico on Friday evening for an orientation. All day Saturday and half of Sunday is spent exploring the local intertidal communities. Accommodations in Mexico at the Estero Beach Hotel are arranged by a travel contractor at a cost of approximately $135 per person. The fee includes two nights at the hotel. Food and transportation are the responsibility of the participants.

A study of the of the invertebrates, fishes, plants and birds of the wetlands, marshes and sand spit communities of this unique area of Baja just south of Ensenada. A half-day lecture and laboratory session on campus is followed two weekends later by a two day field study in Mexico. Students are expected to arrive at the accommodations in Mexico on Friday evening for an orientation. All day Saturday and half of Sunday is spent exploring the marsh, mudflat and fine sand beach communities. Accommodations in Mexico at the Estero Beach Hotel are arranged by a travel contractor at a cost of approximately $135 per person. The fee includes two nights at the hotel. Food and transportation are the responsibility of the participants.

students from other schools can also register at Pierc3e College for these classes prior to the course start date. Contact Dr. Wells for permission number. Biology 11A, B and C are UC transferrable and together satisfy the CSU laboratory credit requirement.