Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - BISC 406 D100

Marine Biology and Oceanography (3)

Class Number: 7009

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 306 or BISC 316 with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the marine environment, marine organisms and the ecological and oceanographic processes affecting them.

COURSE DETAILS:

**This course may be applied toward the Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Concentration**

 

Welcome to Planet Ocean! The ocean covers more than two-thirds of the surface of the globe. It regulates our climate, and provides food, sources of energy, transportation routes, mined commodities, and recreational opportunities for millions of people. Yet, we probably know more about the surface of the moon than about our marine environment. The lectures will provide a broad overview of the key processes, ecosystems and human impacts on the world's seas and oceans. The course will begin with an introduction to oceanography, comprising an overview of the geology of the world's oceans and key physical processes (water chemistry, winds, currents, waves and tides) that underlie primary production. After a refresher of the fundamentals of ecology, we will look at key marine ecosystems, ranging from the intertidal to the deep ocean to polar seas, and highlight linkages among ecosystems. The final part of the course will cover human uses, impacts and management of the oceans, including fisheries, climate change, ocean acidification, pollution, and energy exploration and use. The tutorials will focus on reading recent primary papers and hands-on activities, which may include examination of oceanographic charts, invertebrate settlement plates and underwater videos.

 

Canvas will be used for this class: https://canvas.sfu.ca

Grading

  • Midterm 1 20%
  • Midterm 2 20%
  • Midterm 3 20%
  • Tutorial assignments 40%

REQUIREMENTS:

Mode of teaching: Lectures, tutorials and midterms will all be on-campus and in-person.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

This is a fourth-level course. Students will be expected to read primary literature suggested in class and in tutorials.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.