Marine Science Courses

Overview of the depth and breadth of marine and freshwater science. Introduction to research opportunities at the university. Biology 101C (Topic: Seminar in Marine Science) and Marine Science 101 may not both be counted.

MNS 307: INTRODUCTION TO OCEANOGRAPHY

Introduction to the sciences of oceanography: geological, physical, and biological. Two lecture hours and two laboratory hours a week for one semester. Marine Sciences 307 and Geological Sciences 307 may not both be counted.

MNS 308: HUMANS AND A CHANGING OCEAN

The consequences of human-induced alteration of the marine environment including the impact on fisheries, marine mammals, food-web changes, and changes in species composition and ecological function will be explored. Designed for non-science majors. Two lecture hours and two laboratory hours a week for one semester. Marine Sciences 309 (Topic: Humans and a Changing Ocean) and 308 may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Marine Sciences 307 (or Geological Sciences 307).

MNS 310: FUNDAMENTALS OF MARINE SCIENCE

Designed for students pursuing a degree option in Marine and Freshwater Science. In-depth introduction to physical, chemical, geological, and biological processes in marine systems. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Biology 311D and Chemistry 302 or 302H.

MNS 320: MARINE ECOLOGY

Study of ecological processes at different levels of integration in marine ecosystems. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Biology 311D, and Chemistry 302 or 302H.

MNS 120L: LABORATORY STUDIES IN MARINE ECOLOGY

A laboratory course with two weekend field trips to the Marine Science Institute at Port Aransas to perform ecological studies in the Texas coastal zone. Two weekend field trips, with pre- and post-field trip laboratory hours required. Prerequisite: Credit or registration for Marine Sciences 320.

MNS 170/270/370: SPECIAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE

Supervised individual instruction and research in marine science field and laboratory techniques. The equivalent of one, two, or three class hours a week for one semester, at the Marine Science Institute at Port Aransas. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Six semester hours of upper-division coursework in science, a University grade point average of at least 3.00, and written consent of instructor.

MNS 352D: MARINE BOTANY

Exploration of the marine algae and seagrasses of the south Texas coast, with emphasis on their taxonomy, physiology, and ecology; may include field trips to representative coastal habitats. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester; additional lecture and field/laboratory hours may be required. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing; one of the following courses: Biology 322, 324, 325 or 325H, 328, Marine Sciences 320, 352C; and three additional semester hours of coursework in biology.

MNS 352E: MARINE CONSERVATION BIOLOGY

Explores how human activities influence the natural functioning and diversity of marine ecosystems and examines conservation efforts aimed to promote the sustainability of coastal habitats; may include several field excursions to local/regional marine ecosystems including sensitive coastal marshes and seagrass communities. Encourages the development of creative and critical thinking skills through numerous classroom activities focused on developing holistic understandings of marine ecosystems and the complexities of conservation science. Marine Science 353 (Topic: Marine Conservation Biology) and 352E may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Biology 311D and Chemistry 302 or 302C or 302H with a grade of at least C- in each.

MNS 325M: MARINE COMMUNITY ECOLOGY

Explore the assembly and functioning of marine communities. Examine both traditional and newly-emerging techniques to study marine communities, from visual censuses to molecular approaches. Marine Science 353 (Topic: Marine Community Ecology) and 352M may not both be counted. Prerequisite: The following with a grade of at least C- in each: Biology 311D or 315H and Chemistry 302 or 302C or 302H.

MNS 352R: MAR SCI RSRCH AND REPORTING

Reviews the planning, conduct, and communication of marine science research, including hypothesis generation, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing and presentation. Marine Science 148, 348 (Topic 1) and 152R, 352R may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing and concurrent enrollment in Marine Science 170, 270, or 370. Restricted enrollment; contact the department for permission to register for this class. Taught at the Marine Science Institute.

MNS 354C: BIOLOGY OF FISHES

Anatomy, physiology, behavior, life history, taxonomy, and distribution of fishes; may include field sampling and laboratory studies of the coastal biota. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester; additional lecture and field/laboratory hours may be required. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing, six semester hours of coursework in biological sciences, or consent of instructor.

MNS 354U: BIOLOGY OF SHARKS, SKATES, & RAYS

Ecology, anatomy, and physiology of elasmobranch fishes. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester; additional lecture and field/laboratory hours may be required. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing, Biology 311D, and Chemistry 302 or 302H.

MNS 357: MARINE PHYTOPLANKTON DIVERSITY

The taxonomy of the major phytoplankton groups, their physiology, and their role in marine ecosystem; may include field and/or laboratory hours. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester; additional lecture and field/laboratory hours may be required. Marine Sciences 353 (Topic: Diversity Marine Phytoplankton) and 357 may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing; Biology 311D; and Chemistry 302 or 302H.

MNS 367K: HUMAN EXPLORATION AND EXPLOITATION OF THE SEA

Review of the history of ocean exploration including major oceanographic expeditions. Discussion of current topics in ocean exploration and exploitation of marine resources, the impact of resource exploitation on biological systems, and the development of marine policy. An oral presentation is required. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester; additional lecture and field/laboratory hours may be required. Prerequisite: Biology 311D; and Chemistry 302 or 302H.