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 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& 194L, Introduction to Hawaiian Coral Reefs – Ms. Jennifer Turner

Explore the underwater world of the Big Island of Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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.

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 them in the field using SCUBA as a research tool.  Students will learn to identify common Hawaiian reef invertebrates, fishes, and seaweeds, and will also learn basic reef geomorphology, sedimentology, and physical oceanography of coral reef systems.  Lectures will also cover basics in experimental design, statistical analysis, and graphical representation.  Finally, students will be introduced to a variety of surveying techniques including: visual surveying of fishes, surveying of benthic invertebrates, and video and still photographic surveying of fish and invertebrates.  Students will then spend five days in the field utilizing SCUBA to survey the coral reefs off Puako, Hawaii during a series of dives.  Data will then be logged, analyzed, and presented in 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.

Mare 294, 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 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).  In this leadership role, advanced QUEST students will work with the diving safety officer to monitor the safe diving practice of each member of their team, will supervise the dive team's recording of data in the field as well as its reduction and analysis, and will anchor the team's written and oral presentations.  Team leaders will also assist in training students in identification of organisms.

Mare 394 & 394L, Natural History of Sharks, Rays, and Skates – Dr. Jason Turner

This course will examine the natural history of the Elasmobranchs, 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 490 & 490L, Marine Reptile Conservation & Ecology  – Dr. Jason Turner

This course gives students an all-encompassing looks at the exceptional natural history of these ancient marine vertebrates.  Topics will include investigations of all seven species of sea turtle along with sea snakes and marine iguanas throughout the World.  Subjects will incorporate conservation and management, human impacts, reproductive and feeding ecology, evolution, taxonomy, and anatomy and physiology of these inimitable marine animals.  Lecture will include discussions of current research topics and conservation efforts along with group research projects.  Laboratory sessions will enable students to participate in a cooperative field research study of the endangered green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas, involving their capture, tagging, and subsequent release.  Prior college-level marine biology recommended.   MARE 490 & 490L must be taken concurrently.