MCCCD Program Description

Field Biology: Marine Biology in Mexico

Course: BIO149AH

First Term: 1996 Spring

Laboratory 1 Credit(s) 7 Period(s) 1 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: H

Description: Introduction to marine experiments, marine biology, and ecology. On-site field experience in Mexico. Emphasis on observation and study of marine organisms along the shore

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Participate in field experiences without disturbing the environment. (I, IV, V) 2. Describe the physical features of the northern Gulf of California and its surrounding land mass. (II) 3. Distinguish among shoreline features in the field. (III) 4. Describe processes which have contributed to the formation of the shoreline observed in the field. (III) 5. Relate the structure of marine organisms to their ability to cope with environmental changes and extremes. (IV) 6. Predict the locations of marine organisms depending upon environmental conditions. (IV) 7. Describe the types of interactions among organisms in the field. (IV) 8. Describe types of intertidal communities. (IV) 9. Diagram a food web for selected locations in the field. (IV) 10. Compare and contrast the differences in intertidal community development. (IV) 11. Identify marine organisms in the field. (V) 12. Classify living marine organisms into systematic groups. (V) 13. Create a taxonomic key to a selected group of marine organisms. (V) 14. Describe the role of marine organisms in the intertidal environment. (V) 15. Utilize sense of touch, smell, and sight to identify the characteristics of specific marine organisms. (V)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Introduction to Field Biology A. Scope B. Field trip etiquette C. Methods of study II. Northern Gulf of California A. Geology B. Climate C. Oceanography III. Shorelines A. Processes of shoreline formation 1. Waves 2. Currents 3. Tides B. Types of shoreline environment 1. Rocky shores a. Headland b. Open coast c. Types of rock 2. Sandy shores a. Open coast b. Protected coast 3. Mud flats a. Protected coast b. Inner coast 4. Marshes a. Tidelands b. Estuaries IV. Intertidal Zone Ecology A. Adaptations to the physical environment 1. Desiccation 2. Extreme temperatures 3. Light 4. Extreme salinities 5. Wave action 6. Burial B. Distribution of organisms 1. Microhabitats 2. Indicator organisms 3. Zonation 4. Seasonality C. Interactions among organisms 1. Competition 2. Symbiosis 3. Parasitism 4. Predation D. Community ecology 1. Types of communities a. Plankton b. Nekton c. Benthos 2. Food webs 3. Diversity 4. Disturbance theory 5. Succession V. Systematics, Natural History, and Ecology of Marine Organisms A. Algae 1. Greens 2. Browns 3. Reds B. Flowering plants 1. Grasses 2. Succulents C. Invertebrates 1. Sponges 2. Cnidarians 3. Flatworms 4. Segmented worms 5. Molluscs 6. Crustaceans 7. Echinoderms D. Fish 1. Sharks and rays 2. Bony fish E. Birds 1. Diving 2. Wading F. Mammals 1. Sea lions 2. Dolphins 3. Whales

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 12/12/1995

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.