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
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.
Assessment Guide
Assessment | Points |
---|---|
An Introduction | 5 points |
Lesson 1: Introduction | 10 points |
Lesson 2: Geology and the Ocean | 10 points |
Lesson 3: Currents and Tides | 10 points |
Lesson 4: What's in a Name? | 10 points |
Lesson 5 Assignment | 25 points |
Lesson 5: Invertebrates | 10 points |
Lesson 6: Vertebrates | 10 points |
Lesson 7: Marine Fishes | 10 points |
Lesson 8 Assignment | 25 points |
Lesson 8: Marine Mammals | 10 points |
Lesson 9: Marine Ecosystems | 10 points |
Lesson 10: Life at the Shore | 9 points |
Lesson 11: Estuaries | 10 points |
Lesson 12: Coral Reef Biology | 10 points |
Lesson 13: Coral Reef Ecosystems | 10 points |
Lesson 14 Assignment | 25 points |
Lesson 14: Life in the Polar Oceans | 10 points |
Lesson 15: The Open Sea | 10 points |
Lesson 16: Life in the Ocean's Depth | 10 points |
Lesson 17: Oceans in Jeopardy | 10 points |
The Final Exam | 75 points |