Summer 2009

Marine Science Course Offerings

Course Descriptions

MARE 101L, Introduction to Marine Science Field Laboratory - Dr. Walter Dudley and Dr. Jason Turner
Map the sea floor of Hawaii's bays from aboard a UH Hilo research vessel. Collect samples of marine sediments using a corer and investigate ocean currents by tracking drogues as they drift along the island’s shores. Plot oceanographic data on a computer and interpret the results using the latest scientific software. Map the temperature and salinity patterns in scenic Hilo Bay. Collect plankton from a UH Hilo research vessel and identify them in the laboratory. Learn to identify many of the common Hawaiian reef fishes, and have the opportunity to practice in situ techniques used to visually census fishes. In addition, students will participate in a cooperative field research study of the endangered green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas, involving their capture, tagging, and subsequent release. This is an introductory first course with no prerequisites.

MARE 140 & 140L, Introduction to Hawaiian Coral Reefs - Ms. Jennifer Turner
Explore the underwater world of the Big Island of Hawai‘i while learning about unique marine ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth. Students will acquire an appreciation for local aquatic fauna in the classroom including the basics of marine biology and natural history. Then they will enter the natural laboratory that is Hawai‘i and investigate coral reefs, coastal beach, and tide pool systems with mask, snorkel, and fins. Learn to identify common marine inhabitants while enjoying an unparalleled educational experience under the sea. This is an introductory course and lab with no prerequisites. Concurrent enrollment in lecture and lab is required.

MARE 171, Marine Biology - Ms. Jennifer Turner
This course provides a comprehensive examination of the exciting world beneath the waves. Subjects will include an introduction and history of marine biology, how organisms deal with the marine environment, marine ecological concepts, and factors involved with reproduction, migration, and dispersal of marine larvae. Important marine taxonomic groups and processes will be investigated across a
diverse landscape of aquatic habitats including open ocean, deep sea, benthic, and coastal ecosystems including coral reefs, seagrasses, mangroves, and estuaries. Aspects of human impacts upon the marine environment and the management and conservation
of marine resources will be discussed. This is an introductory course, however a previous biology course is recommended.

Mare 194, Marine Environmental Issues in Hawai’i: Past, Present & Future - Dr. Lisa Muehlstein
Examine a diversity of issues from Hawai‘i perspectives of environmental, ecological and cultural impacts to the marine environment, primarily to the island of Hawai‘i, but also to other Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific region. Investigate aspects of global warming, invasive species, coastal development, over-fishing, fish ponds, water quality plus other local topics as viewed from the perspectives of Hawai‘i and its people. The historical record, current situation, as well as solutions for issues related to the marine environment will be examined in detail. As an online course, student will be exposed to unique ways of engaging in active learning including group presentations, viewing and discussing films, online chats, and one-on-one discussions. This is an introductory course, with no prerequisites.

Mare 194, Coralivore Butterflyfish as Ambassadors of Coral Reefs: An Introduction to Butterflyfish Behavior and Monitoring - Dr. Michael Crosby
Because butterflyfish are conspicuous inhabitants of coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific region and can be easily and inexpensively surveyed, these small fish are ideally suited to help in efforts to promote volunteer monitoring, community education and the conservation of Indo-Pacific coral reefs. This online course describes a non-invasive and “low-tech” approach to assessing and monitoring coral reef habitats. It is also designed to serve as an introduction of obligate coralivore butterflyfish behavior for experienced marine science students, as well as individuals with limited technical science background and expertise. Contents include, background on the
development of the “butterflyfish indicator” concept, step-by-step instructions for observing coral-feeding butterflyfish behavior, and how to relate changes in these traits to changes in coral habitat condition, as well as basic techniques for assessing coral and fish
biodiversity and abundance. Successful completion of this course will provide participants with an understanding of that potential value of butterflyfish monitoring in: community-based participation, education, outreach and training in monitoring their local coral reefs; coordinated and joint professional and volunteer coral reef assessments; and NGO involvement in resource management issues.

MARE 240, Small Boat Operation in Marine Research - Captain Michael Childers
This course is intended to provide the novice boater with the skills needed to safely operate and conduct research from a small boat.  Topics include; boating terminology, state and federal regulations, safety, weather, lines and knots, Rules of the Road, navigation, small boat handling, and conducting research operations including the  support of SCUBA diving, the use of portable electronic sampling gear, and the collection of samples.  The course will consist of lectures, lab sessions, and time on the water in a small boat.  Participants must be able to swim.  Admission by advance consent of the instructor. 

MARE 264, Quantitative Underwater Ecological Survey Techniques-QUEST - Team
Students who enroll in QUEST will learn commonly utilized nearshore underwater ecological surveying techniques and then apply these in the field using SCUBA as a research tool. Students will review the identification of common Hawaiian reef invertebrates, fishes and seaweeds. They will be introduced to scientific diving methodology and a variety of surveying techniques including: visual surveying of fishes, surveying of benthic invertebrates, and photographic surveying of fishes and invertebrates. Additional lectures will cover basics in experimental design, statistical analysis, data reduction, graphic representation, reef geomorphology, sedimentology and physical oceanography. Students will utilize SCUBA in the field to survey the coral reefs at Puako, Hawai‘i. Data will be analyzed and presented in both oral and written reports. This class affords students a unique opportunity to learn and apply diving research techniques in a truly beautiful environment. Admission by advance consent of the instructors and authorization as a scientific diver in training before the start of the course required.

MARE 364, Advanced Quantitative Underwater Ecological Survey Techniques - Team
Students who have completed MARE 264 with at least a “B” grade may apply for admission to Advanced QUEST. Applicants who are accepted, will be assigned as dive team leaders for the basic QUEST course (MARE 264) and will be trained in team leadership and management skills. In this leadership role, advanced QUEST students will work with the diving safety officer and course faculty to monitor the safe diving practice of each member of their team. Team leaders will also assist in training students in identification of organisms. They will supervise the dive team’s recording of data in the field as well as subsequent data analysis, and anchor the team’s written report and oral presentation, and provide leadership for the team in all aspects of the QUEST experience. Admission by advance consent of the instructors and authorization as a scientific diver in training before the start of the course required.

MARE 394 & 394L, Natural History of Sharks, Rays, and Skates - Dr. Jason Turner
This course will examine the natural history of the Elasmobranches, an ancient group of fishes that have existed for almost 450 million years. Comprehensive investigations of sharks, rays, skates, sawfishes, and chimera along with representative species from Hawai‘i will be conducted. Subjects will include evolution, taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, ecology, conservation and management of these unique animals. Discussions of current research papers along with group research projects will be covered during lectures. Laboratory sessions will involve detailed dissections of shark functional anatomy. Students will also participate in a tagging study of coastal shark species throughout the Big Island of Hawai‘i. Prior college-level marine biology recommended. MARE 394 & 394L must be taken concurrently.

MARE 394 & 394L, Applied Methods in Phytoplankton Ecology - Dr. Jason Adolf
Phytoplankton are the microbial primary producers in marine ecosystems and are a sensitive indicator of ecosystem change. This lecture, laboratory,and field-based course will give students hands on experience isolating and growing local phytoplankton cultures; examining phytoplankton using light- and epifluorescent microscopy techniques; measuring phytoplankton biomass and diversity in different local environments; and working with UH Hilo’s real time continuous monitoring buoy and data telemetry system in Hilo Bay. MARE 394 & 394L must be taken concurrently.