Please note:

To view the Spring 2024 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2024/spring.html.

Marine Science Courses

MASC 400 - Directed Studies (6)

A course of directed studies under the supervision of a member of faculty. The study will involve a research project approved by the supervisor in the field of interest of the student, and will be designed to take maximum advantage of the laboratory and/or field opportunities offered by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses.

MASC 401 - Directed Studies in Marine Sciences (3)

A course of directed studies under the supervision of a member of faculty. The study will involve a research project approved by the supervisor in the field of interest of the student, and will be designed to take maximum advantage of the laboratory and field opportunities offered by the Marine Sciences Centre. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses.

MASC 410 - Marine Invertebrate Zoology

A survey of the marine phyla, with emphasis on the benthic fauna in the vicinity of the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. The course includes lectures, laboratory periods, field collection, identification, and observation. Emphasis is placed on the study of living specimens in the laboratory and in the field. Variable units: 3, 6. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses.

MASC 412 - Biology of Fishes

Classification, physiology, ecology, behavior and zoogeography of fishes with particular emphasis on those in the marine environment of the British Columbia coast. Local collections from a variety of habitats will be used for experimental studies. Variable units: 3, 6. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses.

MASC 414 - Coastal Biodiversity and Conservation

Current topics, concepts, and practice in coastal conservation biology, with a focus on biodiversity within marine, intertidal, and terrestrial ecosystems. Variable units: 3, 6. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses. Students with credit for REM 375 or MASC 477 under the topic title "Coastal Conservation and Biodiversity" may not take this course for further credit.

MASC 415 - Structure and Function in Animals (3)

The course will focus on the structure of marine animals and their adaptations to the marine environment. Neurobiology, developmental biology, functional morphology and other topics will be covered. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses.

MASC 416 - Coastal Community Ecology

Key ideas and concepts on how ecological and evolutionary forces shape natural communities. Using a hands-on approach, students explore key topics in community ecology including island biogeography, community succession, dispersal, marine terrestrial interactions, niche theory, climate change, and techniques to measure species diversity. Variable units: 3, 6. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses. Students with credit for MASC 477 under the topic title "Coastal Community Ecology" may not take this course for further credit.

MASC 417 - Crustacean Biology (3)

The taxonomic diversity, ecology and morphological, behavioural and life-history adaptations of crustaceans. Laboratory and field activities include crustacean collection, identification, and the terminology used in identification keys. A student field research project is required. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses. Students with credit for MASC 475 under the topic title "Crustacean Biology" may not take this course for further credit.

MASC 418 - Behavioural Ecology of Marine Organisms

Introduction to the principles of behavioural ecology and how they can help us understand the far-reaching impacts of environmental change on populations of marine animals. Variable units: 3, 6. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses. Students with credit for MASC 476 under the topic title "Marine Behavioural Ecology" may not take this course for further credit.

MASC 419 - Subtidal Science (3)

An introduction to the techniques and practical aspects of performing research underwater using SCUBA, and the theory for the field techniques, including designing effective surveys, dealing with logistics and safety, and analyzing data. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses. Students with credit for MASC 470 under the topic titles "Scientific Diving" or "Subtidal Science" may not take this course for further credit.

MASC 420 - Marine Phycology

Biodiversity, ecology and human relationship to algae - in particular the seaweeds. Topics include major lineages and diversity of algae, their characteristics, relatedness, major evolutionary events, and the importance of seaweed in coastal marine ecosystems. Variable units: 3, 6. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses. Students with credit for MASC 472 under the topic title "Marine Phycology" may not take this course for further credit.

MASC 421 - Freshwater and Terrestrial Conservation

Modern theory and practice in conservation ecology as applied to terrestrial and freshwater habitats. Emphasis on field experience, supplemented by lectures including global biodiversity, ecosystem services, links between conservation and livelihoods, legislation protecting habitats and species and local and global solutions. Variable units: 3, 6. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses. Students with credit for MASC 473 under the topic title "Terrestrial and Freshwater Conservation" may not take this course for further credit.

MASC 425 - Ecological Adaptations of Seaweeds (3)

The course will explore morphological physiological, genetic and reproductive adaptations of seaweeds to their natural and man-altered environments. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses.

MASC 430 - Marine Ecology

An analytical approach to biotic associations in the marine environment. Opportunities will be provided for study of the intertidal realm in exposed and protected areas and of beaches and estuaries in the vicinity of the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre; plankton studies and investigations of the sub-tidal and benthic environments by diving and dredging are envisaged. Variable units: 3, 6. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses.

MASC 435 - Biological Oceanography

Introduction to the organisms of the open sea and coastal zone, their adaptations to the environment, and the factors that control their productivity, distribution and abundance. Variable units: 3, 6. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses. Students with credit for REM 370 or MASC 477 under the topic title "Biological Oceanography" may not take this course for further credit.

MASC 436 - Applied Data Analysis in Marine Science (3)

This course provides students with skills for experimental design, data analysis, and scientific inference in Marine Science. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses.

MASC 437 - Marine Population Ecology and Dynamics (3)

An analytical approach to the study of marine ecology and marine populations. Intertidal and subtidal communities will be examined, with emphasis on the biota of the Barkley Sound region. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses.

MASC 440 - Biology of Marine Birds

The interrelationship of birds and the marine environment. Lectures will emphasize the systematics and ecological relationships, behavior, life histories, movements and conservation of marine birds. Census techniques and methods of studying marine birds in the field will be stressed during field trips in the Barkley Sound region. Seabird identification, classification, morphology, plumages and molt will be examined in the laboratory. Variable units: 3, 6. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses.

MASC 470 - Special Topics in Marine Biology

Offered, as opportunities arise, by visiting scientists who are working at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and are prepared to offer a course of either three or six weeks. Course will be of a specialized nature. Variable units: 3, 6. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses.

MASC 471 - Special Topics in Marine Biology

Offered, as opportunities arise, by visiting scientists who are working at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and are prepared to offer a course of either three or six weeks. Courses will be of a specialized nature. Variable units: 3, 6. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses.

MASC 472 - Special Topics in Marine Biology

Offered, as opportunities arise, by visiting scientists who are working at the Bamfield Marine Station and are prepared to offer a course of either three or six weeks. Courses will be of a specialized nature. Variable units: 3, 6. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses.

MASC 473 - Special Topics in Marine Biology

Offered, as opportunities arise, by visiting scientists who are working at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and are prepared to offer a course of either three or six weeks. Courses will be of a specialized nature. Variable units: 3, 6. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses.

MASC 474 - Special Topics in Marine Biology

Offered, as opportunities arise, by visiting scientists who are working at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and are prepared to offer a course of either three or six weeks. Courses will be of a specialized nature. Variable units: 3, 6. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses.

MASC 475 - Special Topics in Marine Biology

Offered, as opportunities arise, by visiting scientists who are working at the Bamfield Marine Station and are prepared to offer a course of either three or six weeks. Courses will be of a specialized nature. Variable units: 3, 6. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses.

MASC 476 - Special Topics in Marine Biology

Offered, as opportunities arise, by visiting scientists who are working at the Bamfield Marine Station and are prepared to offer a course of either three or six weeks. Courses will be of a specialized nature. Variable units: 3, 6. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses.

MASC 477 - Special Topics in Marine Biology

Offered, as opportunities arise, by visiting scientists who are working at the Bamfield Marine Station and are prepared to offer a course of either three or six weeks. Courses will be of a specialized nature. Variable units: 3, 6. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses.

MASC 478 - Special Topics in Marine Biology

Offered, as opportunities arise, by visiting scientists who are working at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and are prepared to offer a course of either three or six weeks. Courses will be of a specialized nature. Variable units: 3, 6. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses.

MASC 479 - Special Topics in Marine Biology

Offered, as opportunities arise, by visiting scientists who are working at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and are prepared to offer a course of either three or six weeks. Courses will be of a specialized nature. Variable units: 3, 6. Prerequisite: Prerequisites are set by Bamfield Marine Science Centre, and normally include completion of lower division core courses.

MASC 500 - Directed Studies (3)

A graduate level course of directed studies under the supervision of a member of faculty. The study will involve a research project approved by the supervisor in the field of interest of the student, and will be designed to take maximum advantage of the laboratory and/or field opportunities offered by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.

MASC 501 - Special Topics (3)

Course offered, as opportunities arise, by distinguished scientists who are visiting the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and are prepared to offer a course extending over a three week period.

MASC 502 - Special Topics (3)

Course offered, as opportunities arise, by distinguished scientists who are visiting the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and are prepared to offer a course extending over a three week period.

MASC 503 - Special Topics (3)

Courses offered, as opportunities arise, by distinguished scientists who are visiting the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and are prepared to offer a course extending over a three week period.

MASC 504 - Special Topics (6)

Course offered, as opportunities arise, by distinguished scientists who are visiting the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and are prepared to offer a course extending over a six week period.

MASC 505 - Special Topics (6)

Courses offered, as opportunities arise, by distinguished scientists who are visiting the Bamfield Marine Station and are prepared to offer a course extending over a six week period.

MASC 506 - Special Topics (6)

Course offered, as opportunities arise, by distinguished scientists who are visiting the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and are prepared to offer a course extending over a six week period.