Online Class: Marine Biology 101
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no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
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17Lessons
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21Exams &
Assignments -
3,272Students
have taken this course -
9Hours
average time -
0.9CEUs
Course Description
Dive into the Depths: Exploring the World of Marine Biology
Spanning over 70% of our planet's surface, the oceans are a vast, mysterious, and captivating realm teeming with life. Marine biology isn't just about understanding saltwater ecosystems, but unraveling the intricate tapestry of life that resides, thrives, and even orchestrates planetary processes within them. From the shimmering surface to the abyssal depths, every droplet of seawater holds a story of evolution, adaptation, and survival.
The genesis of life, according to scientists, took place in these saline expanses. Over epochs, life forms diversified and migrated to terra firma. Yet, some, like dolphins and whales, made a prodigious journey back into the marine embrace. One of the lesser-known marvels of our oceans is the microscopic phytoplankton. Despite their diminutive size, they play a colossal role in maintaining planetary health by producing a significant portion of the oxygen we breathe while also acting as a natural sink for carbon dioxide.
Oceans are the planet's lifeblood, with currents acting as arteries, transporting warmth and nutrients. Their dynamic nature, with evaporation and precipitation, orchestrates the global climate and weather patterns. The oceans' profound impact on global systems underscores the importance of understanding them.
Our meticulously designed course will take you on an enlightening journey:
- Lesson 1: Oceanography Essentials: Set sail with a foundational understanding of the marine world.
- Lesson 2: The Bedrock Beneath: Delve deep into marine geology and the oceans' underlying structures.
- Lesson 3: Riding the Waves: Navigate the fascinating realm of marine currents and tides.
- Lesson 4: Nomenclature Navigations: Discover the taxonomy of marine species.
- Lesson 5 & 6: A classification voyage through invertebrates and vertebrates.
- Lesson 7 & 8: Meet the fascinating marine fish and mammals that reign the oceans.
- Lessons 9-11: Ecosystem Expeditions - Dive into diverse habitats, from coral kingdoms to serene estuaries.
- Lessons 12 & 13: Coral Chronicles - Unravel the biology and ecosystems of coral reefs.
- Lessons 14-16: Journey from the frigid polar oceans to the open seas and the dark, mysterious abyss.
- Lesson 17: Heeding the Sirens: Address the contemporary challenges facing our oceans and the ways to safeguard their future.
You will encounter a plethora of life forms, from soaring marine birds and elusive reptiles to the myriad of fish that glide and dart through the oceanic expanses. Uncover the relationships, symbioses, and ecological intricacies that bind these creatures together in the vast marine biome. More importantly, become aware of the mounting threats these delicate ecosystems face.
Embark on this immersive odyssey and uncover the stories, secrets, and science of the oceans. Dive deep, for the tales of the seas are as boundless as the waters themselves. Join us, and let the waves of knowledge guide your voyage into the world of marine biology.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs
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Course Lessons
Lesson 1. Exploring the Wonders: Delving into Marine Biology
Lesson 1 Video
Lesson discussions: Marine Biology; Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete Assignment: An Introduction
Lesson 2. Unveiling the Shifting Landscapes Beneath the Waves: A Deep Dive into Oceanic Geology
Lesson 2 Video
Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam
Lesson 3. Tides and Currents
Lesson 3 Video
Assessment: Lesson 3 Review Exam
Lesson 4. The Ocean's Hidden Riches: Unveiling the Diversity of Marine Species
Lesson 4 Video
Assessment: Lesson 4: What's in a Name?
Assessment: Lesson 4 Review Exam
Lesson 5. Invertebrates: Earth's Overwhelming Majority
Lesson 5 Video
Assessment: Lesson 5: Invertebrates
Assessment: Lesson 5 Review Exam
Lesson 6. Vertebrates in the Ocean: The Backbone of Marine Biodiversity
Lesson 6 Video
Assessment: Lesson 6: Vertebrates
Assessment: Lesson 6 Review Exam
Lesson 7. Fish: Oceanic Pioneers
Lesson 7 Video
Assessment: Lesson 7: Marine Fishes
Lesson 8. Living Wonders of the Sea
Lesson 8 Video
Assessment: Lesson 8: Marine Mammals
Lesson 9. Unraveling Ocean Layers: From Sunlit Waters to Midnight Depths
Lesson 9 Video
Assessment: Lesson 9: Marine Ecosystems
Lesson 10. Adaptation Strategies of Intertidal Zone Life
Lesson 10 Video
Lesson discussions: Tide Pools
Assessment: Lesson 10: Life at the Shore
Lesson 11. Complex Dynamics, Simple Essence: Understanding Estuaries
Lesson 11 Video
Assessment: Lesson 11: Estuaries
Lesson 12. Essential Coral Reef Biology
Lesson 12 Video
Assessment: Lesson 12: Coral Reef Biology
Lesson 13. Coral Reefs: Nature’s Underwater Marvels
Lesson 13 Video
Assessment: Lesson 13: Coral Reef Ecosystems
Lesson 14. Life's Adaptations to the Polar Ice
Lesson 14 Video
Assessment: Lesson 14: Life in the Polar Oceans
Lesson 15. Vast Ocean, Sparse Life
Lesson 15 Video
Assessment: Lesson 15: The Open Sea
Lesson 16. The Hidden World of the Benthic Zone
Lesson 16 Video
Lesson discussions: Marine Organisms
Assessment: Lesson 16: Life in the Ocean's Depth
Lesson 17. A Comprehensive Guide to Oceans in Jeopardy: The Threats We Face
Lesson 17 Video
Lesson discussions: Ocean Challenges; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments; Course Comments
Assessment: Lesson 17: Oceans in Jeopardy
Assessment: The Final Exam
Learning Outcomes
- Define what marine biology is and why it is important to study.
- Describe geology and the ocean, currents and tides.
- Understanding the nomenclature of marine biology
- Identify invertebrates of the marine environment.
- Identify vertebrates of the marine environment.
- Identify marine fish.
- Identify marine mammals.
- Describe marine ecosystems.
- Summarize what estuaries are and why they are important.
- Summarize coral reef biology and ecosystems.
- Describe life in the polar oceans and the open sea.
- Describe life in the ocean's depth and its future with the human race.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information
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- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
- View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
- Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
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Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificate & CEUs
This course only
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Includes CEUs |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificates & CEUs
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 12 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate |
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 24 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
Student Testimonials
- "I thoroughly enjoyed the course and I have learned a lot. I will most definitely recommend the course to all of my friends that want to improve their knowledge on marine biology or just want to learn more about our oceans." -- Carmen T.
- "The Instructor was very responsive and prompt with feedback. The study material was detailed and well-organized. As a senior citizen (age 76) I really welcomed a challenge. I have studied Ecology, Chemistry, and Geology with this instructor." -- Judith J.
- "The instructor was prompt and the course was challenging and interesting." -- Abby H.
- "Love the course material and the instructor was also helpful and fast to grade." -- Francinne A.
- "I thoroughly enjoyed all the information that was presented in the course." -- Kathy W.
- "Outstanding course. I really enjoyed taking it." -- Matthew G.
- "Really enjoyed the course and learnt a lot." -- Ann R.
- "VERY good instructor and course." -- Ruth M.
- "Great instructor!" -- Melanie H.
- "This was a very interesting course. I enjoyed learning about marine biology. I would sit at dinner with my husband and children and tell them an interesting fact I had learned that day." -- Victoria L.