Formal courses in Marine Science are offered at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre that is owned by the Western Canadian Universities Marine Sciences Society. The Centre is situated in Bamfield on the Pacific Coast of Vancouver Island, B.C. Instructors are drawn generally from the staffs of the participating universities (University of Alberta, Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ, University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Victoria).
Appropriate courses at the 300 level (or higher) in Biology, Botany and/or Zoology are prerequisite to these courses.
Each full course will last six weeks (plus four days travelling time) with an average of 50 hours weekly of lectures, laboratories, tutorials and field trips.
Fall Program: The Western Canadian Universities Marine Sciences Society offers an integrated program of courses in Marine Biology at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. Attendance at the program requires residence at Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre for an entire Fall Term. Details are available from the Department of Biological Sciences.
Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà students must apply to and be accepted by the Centre before they are permitted to register for the Marine Science courses at the Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ. For further information students should consult the Department of Biological Sciences.
†Numbers in parentheses are the course numbers listed by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. In many cases these courses have been renumbered to fulfill Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà requirements. The courses listed below are not necessarily offered every year. Other courses and specific titles in special topics courses will be offered yearly. Students are requested to check current listings in the Department of Biological Sciences.
|
|
|
Marine Science
420
|
Marine Phycology
|
|
A survey of the marine algae, with emphasis on the benthic forms in the vicinity of the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. Lectures, laboratory work, field collecting, identification and observation. The study of living specimens is emphasized both in the laboratory and in the field.
Course Hours:
F(3-3)
|
| back to top | |
|
|
Marine Science
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 subtidal and benthic environments by diving and dredging are envisaged.
Course Hours:
F(3-3)
|
| back to top | |
|
|
Marine Science
440
|
Comparative Invertebrate Embryology
|
|
A study of developmental patterns in marine representatives of most major and minor invertebrate phyla. Lecture topics will include fertilization and embryonic development as well as larval structure, behaviour and metamorphosis. Laboratory work will include methods and techniques of obtaining and handling of gametes, preparation and maintenance of larval cultures and observations on development. Various pelagic larvae collected from the plankton will be studied and some experimental work will be included.
Course Hours:
F(3-3)
Also known as:
(Marine Science 411†)
|
| back to top | |
|
|
Marine Science
450
|
Introduction to Biological Oceanography
|
|
The biology of the oceans; supporting coverage of relevant physics and chemistry; plankton biology, community structure and life histories and influencing environmental factors. Collections will be made from sheltered inlets through Barkley Sound to offshore waters; field and laboratory studies of plankton organisms.
Course Hours:
F(3-3)
Also known as:
(Marine Science 435†)
|
| back to top | |
|
|
Marine Science
451
|
Principles of Aquaculture
|
|
Interdisciplinary introduction to the principles underlying the commercial cultivation of aquatic plants and animals emphasizing marine systems. The course will include working site-visits to a range of commercial farms and Research and Development facilities.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Biology 233.
Also known as:
(Marine Science 450†)
|
| back to top | |
|
|
Marine Science
500
|
Directed Studies
|
|
Directed studies under the supervision of a member of the faculty. Involves 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.
Course Hours:
F(0-6)
Also known as:
(Marine Science 400†)
|
| back to top | |
|
|
Marine Science
501
|
Special Topics in Marine Biology
|
|
This course will be offered, as opportunities arise, by distinguished scientists visiting at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre who are prepared to offer a course extending over a 3 week period.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Also known as:
(Marine Science 402†)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
|
| back to top | |
|
|
Marine Science
502
|
Special Topics in Marine Biology
|
|
This course will be offered, as opportunities arise, by distinguished scientists visiting at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre who are prepared to offer a course extending over a 6-week period.
Also known as:
(Marine Science 401†)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
|
| back to top | |
|
|
Marine Science
503
|
Special Topics in Aquaculture
|
|
Examination of the culture techniques for selected groups of aquatic plants, animals or microorganisms. Participants will be expected to complete a project which examines some aspect of applied science relevant to commercial culture.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Marine Science 451.
Also known as:
(Marine Science 454†)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
|
| back to top | |
|
|
Marine Science
505
|
Special Topics in Aquacultural Applied Science
|
|
Examination of the principles underlying the application of selected areas of scientific information to commercial aquaculture. Participants will be expected to complete a written project.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Marine Science 451.
Also known as:
(Marine Science 460†)
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
|
| back to top | |
|
|
Marine Science
507
|
Directed Studies
|
|
Directed studies under the supervision of a member of the faculty. Involves 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.
Course Hours:
H(0-6)
|
| back to top | |
|
|
Marine Science
509
|
Directed Research in Aquaculture
|
|
Design and execution of a research project in the field of aquaculture under the supervision of a scientist working in association with the Bamfield Sciences Centre. A written report is a requirement.
Course Hours:
H(0-6)
Prerequisite(s):
Marine Science 451.
Also known as:
(Marine Science 470†)
|
| back to top | |
|
|
Marine Science
511
|
Papers and Seminar in Marine Science
|
|
The purpose of this course is to provide a forum for students to integrate the knowledge they are obtaining from the other courses in this program. It will be a combination of presentations by resident and visiting researchers followed by discussion, discussion of original papers selected by the instructor(s), and short critiques of original papers by each student.
Course Hours:
H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Students are expected to have completed at least 9 FCE of a Biology program. Others may be admitted by permission of the instructor in consultation with the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
Also known as:
(Marine Science 480†)
|
| back to top | |
|
|
Marine Science
515
|
Structure and Function in Marine Animals
|
|
This course will use marine invertebrates and vertebrates to explore the structural plans of animals in a functional framework. Rather than providing a comprehensive survey of diversity in the animal kingdom, specific taxa will be chosen that exemplify specific systems (e.g., respiratory, skeletal, nervous, etc.). The major taxa will be discussed together with minor groups that have peculiarities that are of general biological importance. This course will combine the disciplines of classification, evolution, morphology, biomechanics, physiology and biochemistry. The emphasis placed on each discipline will depend on the interests of the instructor. Fieldwork will be integrated with the laboratory exercises.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Students are expected to have completed at least 9 FCE of a Biology program and to have successfully completed introductory courses in organismal diversity, physiology, cell biology and/or biochemistry. Others may be admitted by permission of the instructor in consultation with the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
Also known as:
(Marine Science 415†)
|
| back to top | |
|
|
Marine Science
525
|
Ecological Adaptations of Seaweeds
|
|
An exploration of morphological, physiological, genetic and reproductive adaptations of seaweeds to their natural and man-altered environments. Daily lectures and laboratory exercises will complement frequent field observations.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Students are expected to have completed at least 9 FCE of a Biology program and to have successfully completed courses in organismal diversity, introductory genetics, cell biology and/or biochemistry. Statistics is recommended. Others may be admitted by permission of the instructor in consultation with the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
Also known as:
(Marine Science 425†)
|
| back to top | |
|
|
Marine Science
537
|
Population and Community Ecology of Marine Organisms
|
|
An introduction to the concepts of marine plant, animal and community ecology. Emphasis will be on organism/physical and chemical environmental interactions, organismal interactions, and concepts of biological diversity. Daily lectures and laboratory exercises will be complemented by frequent field excursions.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Students are expected to have completed at least 9 FCE of a Biology program. Statistics is recommended. Others may be admitted by permission of the instructor in consultation with the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
Also known as:
(Marine Science 437†)
|
| back to top | |
|
|
Marine Science
540
|
Biology of Marine Birds
|
|
A study of the interrelationship of birds and the marine environment. Lectures will emphasize the systematics and ecological relationships, behaviour, life histories, movements and conservation of marine birds. Census techniques and methods of study of marine birds in the field will be considered. Seabird identification, classification, orphology, plumage and molt will be examined in the laboratory.
Course Hours:
F(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Zoology 377.
Also known as:
(Marine Science 440†)
|
| back to top | |
|
|
Marine Science
544
|
Biology of Marine Mammals
|
|
A survey course covering systematics and distribution of marine mammals, their sensory capabilities and physiology, with special emphasis on the Cetacea. The course will include field work in the vicinity of Barkley Sound and will include an independent field study.
Course Hours:
F(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Zoology 377.
Also known as:
(Marine Science 445†)
|
| back to top | |
|
|
Marine Science
546
|
Comparative Ethology
|
|
A comparative study of marine animals (vertebrate and invertebrate) emphasizing behavioural description, underlying physiological mechanisms, the biological significance of behaviour and behavioral evolution. The course will include independent laboratory and field studies.
Course Hours:
F(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Zoology 375, 377 and Biology 313.
Antirequisite(s):
Note: Credit for both Zoology 567 and Marine Science 546 will not be allowed.
Notes:
Completion of Zoology 461 and either 463 or 465 prior to this course will be of definite advantage.
Also known as:
(Marine Science 446†)
|
| back to top | |
|
|
Marine Science
572
|
Marine Invertebrate Zoology
|
|
A survey of the marine phyla emphasizing natural history, morphology and systematics of the local invertebrate fauna. The course will include lectures, laboratory work, field collection, identification and observation. The study of living specimens is emphasized both in the laboratory and in the field.
Course Hours:
F(3-3)
Also known as:
(Marine Science 410†)
|
| back to top | |
|
|
Marine Science
574
|
Biology of Fishes
|
|
Classification, physiology, ecology, behaviour and zoogeography of fishes with particular emphasis on those in the marine environment of the British Columbia coast. Involves some field projects.
Course Hours:
F(3-3)
Also known as:
(Marine Science 412†)
|
| back to top | |
|
|
Marine Science
582
|
Biology of Marine Molluscs
|
|
An advanced course of selected topics emphasizing functional morphology, ecology and evolution. Field trips will be undertaken to survey the representative molluscs of the Bamfield region. Students will be expected to complete an independent field or laboratory study of selected molluscs.
Course Hours:
F(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Marine Science 572(410) or equivalent.
Also known as:
(Marine Science 413†)
|
| back to top | |
|
Graduate Courses
Enrolment in any graduate course requires consent of the Department.
600-level courses are available with permission to undergraduate students in the final year of their programs.
Special Graduate Courses: Each year the Western Canadian Universities Marine Biological Society offers short (one-week) intensive courses especially for graduate students interested in Marine Biology. Topics vary from year to year. Details are available from the Department of Biological Sciences.
|
|
Marine Science
600
|
Directed Studies
|
|
A course of directed studies under the supervision of a member of faculty, involving a research project approved by the supervisor. Each study will be designed to take maximum advantage of laboratory and/or field opportunities offered by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
Course Hours:
F(0-6)
Also known as:
(Marine Science 500†)
|
| back to top | |
|
|
Marine Science
601
|
Special Topics (3 weeks)
|
|
Courses of a specialized nature offered, as opportunities arise, by distinguished scientists visiting the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Also known as:
(Marine Science 502†)
|
| back to top | |
|
|
Marine Science
602
|
Special Topics (6 weeks)
|
|
Courses of a specialized nature offered, as opportunities arise, by distinguished scientists visiting the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
Course Hours:
F(3-3)
Also known as:
(Marine Science 501†)
|
| back to top | |
|
COURSES OF INSTRUCTION