| Course | Title |
| BIOL 126 Carleton College |
Energy Flow in Biological Systems Follow the pathways through which energy and matter are acquired, stored, and utilized within cells, organisms, and ecosystems. The focus moves among the different levels of organization from protein function to nutrient movement through ecosystems. |
| BIOL 263 Carleton College |
Ecological Physiology This course examines the physiological adaptations that allow species to inhabit a wide range of environments including polar regions, deserts, high alpine, the deep sea, and wave-swept coastal habitats. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how organisms cope with environmental extremes (e.g., temperature, low oxygen, pH, salinity and pressure) and in using metabolic theory to predict the ecological impacts of climate change (e.g., global warming, ocean acidification, hypoxia). Associated laboratory will emphasize experimentation and application of physiological concepts in living organisms. Concurrent registration in Biology 253 required. Prerequisite: Biology 125 and 126 Ecological Physiology Laboratory Experimental approaches to study physiological responses of living organisms to their environment. Students conduct a semi-independent lab project with an emphasis on invertebrates. Concurrent registration in Biology 252 required. |
| MAST 311 Williams College |
Marine Ecology Marine Ecology, taught by Professor Mike Nishizaki, examines the ecology and biology of the marine environment. The class inquires into the processes that control the distribution, abundance, and diversity of marine organisms, while studying the ways in which animals and plants relate to their environment. The wealth of diverse local habitats is explored through field trips and research projects. Quantitative field exercises on rocky shores, in salt marshes, and in estuarine communities are supplemented by a detailed study of other major marine ecosystems. Marine Ecology explores new developments in understanding marine communities, the patterns of ocean productivity and processes that alter nutrient dynamics, biological invasions, and symbiotic associations. Woven through the course is the theme of how human activities impact the delicate balance between organisms and their environment in the world’s oceans. One of the hallmarks of Williams-Mystic’s marine science curriculum is the independent research, which involves field and laboratory investigations in a superb set of habitat choices: not far from the Williams-Mystic’s marine science laboratory are a wealth of aquatic habitats, which range from sweeping marshes to the open pounding surf of exposed Atlantic beaches. Students explore and launch research projects in marshes, tidepools, estuarine fouling and plankton communities, sandy beaches, mudflats, sandflats, and subtidal bottoms, as well as in open marine waters. Our fleet of small research boats and field equipment also allow you to sample the Mystic River estuary and Fisher’s Island Sound. |
| BIOL 063 Bowdoin College |
Where the Wild Things are: Wading through Waves, Whelks and Whales The world has become increasingly coastal with some 3.2 billion people now living within 120 miles of the sea. Examines ocean ecosystems from sandy shores to coral reefs to kelp forests, and considers the consequences of this human population explosion - habitat loss, overfishing, pollution, invasive species, and ocean acidification. Also explores the potential the ocean holds for a sustainable future - biofuels, renewable power generation from waves or tides, and ecotourism. Presents material through a combination of lectures, assigned readings and group presentations. Semester-long team projects examine a variety of current controversies in marine science. Evaluation process includes exams and an end of semester term paper. Assumes no background in science. |
| BIOL 219 Bowdoin College |
Biology of Marine Organisms The study of the biology and ecology of marine mammals, seabirds, fish, intertidal and subtidal invertebrates, algae, and plankton. Also considers the biogeographic consequences of global and local ocean currents on the evolution and ecology of marine organisms. Laboratories, field trips, and research projects emphasize natural history, functional morphology, and ecology. Lectures and four hours of laboratory or field trip per week. One weekend field trip included. |
| BIOL 363 Bowdoin College |
Marine Ecomechanics Explores the interaction between marine organisms and their physical environment. Examines the physical ecology of marine ecosystems across a variety of spatial and temporal scales. Emphasis placed on critical readings of primary scientific literature and the incorporation of works from the fields of ecology, evolution, development, physiology, and biomechanics. Material presented through assigned readings, class discussion and oral presentations. Evaluation process includes an end of semester term paper. |
 Bowdoin students undertaking a neutral buoyancy exercise in my non-majors class. |