Marine Biology
The B.S. degree in Marine Biology provides students with the opportunity to learn biological principles and skills in lecture, laboratory and field courses with a core curriculum in Marine Biology. Student research is emphasized throughout the program. The program has faculty actively involved in a wide range of disciplines, including marine ecology, behavioral ecology, marine mammalogy, marine pollution, crustacean physiology, marine phycology. The location of the University provides students with a "natural laboratory" that includes extensive marine habitat, rainforest, wetlands, and ice fields all within walking distance of the classrooms. A small student-to-professor ratio ensures a more personal approach to learning than is possible at larger universities.
Marine Biology Program Sheet (2Mb)
Bachelor of Science: Marine Biology
Bachelor degree programs are designed to prepare students for employment, or graduate school, in their chosen field.
Typically a bachelor degree program is 120 credits (four years).
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS (2012-2013 CATALOG)
Candidates must complete the General Education Requirements (GERs) as well as the specific program requirements listed below for a minimum of 120 credit hours.
Courses in a degree program may be counted only once. Courses used to fulfill the major requirements cannot be used to fulfill the GERs. Specific requirements for GERs in Marine Biology are listed below. The degree must include 48 credits of upper-division (300 or above) courses, 24 of which must be completed at UAS.
| Minimum Credit Hours | 120 | ||
| General Education Requirements | 36 | ||
| Must include: | |||
| MATH | S200 | Calculus I | 4 |
| BIOL | S105 | Fundamentals of Biology I | 4 |
| BIOL | S106 | Fundamentals of Biology II | 4 |
| Major Requirements | 46 | ||
| BIOL | S215 | Introduction to Marine Biology | 3 |
| BIOL | S271 | Ecology | 4 |
| BIOL | S310 | Animal Physiology | 4 |
| BIOL | S362 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIOL | S482 | Evolution | 4 |
| CHEM | S105 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM | S106 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM | S341 | Organic and Biological Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM | S342 | Organic and Biological Chemistry II | 4 |
| STAT | S273 | Elementary Statistics | 3 |
| select both | |||
| PHYS | S103 | College Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS | S104 | College Physics II | 4 |
| or both | |||
| PHYS | S211 | General Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS | S212 | General Physics II | 4 |
| Marine Biology Core Classes | 12 | ||
| Select from the following courses (11-12 credits total): | |||
| BIOL | S305 | Invertebrate Zoology | 4 |
| BIOL | S373 | Conservation Biology | 3 |
| BIOL | S384 | Marine Mammalogy | 4 |
| BIOL | S401 | Phycology | 4 |
| BIOL | S415 | Physiology of Marine Animals | 4 |
| BIOL | S427 | Introduction to Ichthyology | 4 |
| BIOL | S481 | Marine Ecology | 4 |
| Biology Electives | 6 | ||
| Select from the following (6 credits total): | |||
| BIOL | S239 | Intro to Plant Biology | 4 |
| BIOL | S300 | Vertebrate Zoology | 4 |
| BIOL | S375 | Special Topics in Biology** | 4 |
| BIOL | S382 | Wetlands Ecology | 4 |
| BIOL | S396 | Field Studies* | 1-6 |
| BIOL | S398 | Research* | 1-3 |
| BIOL | S498 | Research* | 1-6 |
| BIOL | S426 | Ornithology | 4 |
| BIOL | S441 | Animal Behavior | 4 |
| BIOL | S445 | Vascular Plants of Southeast Alaska | 3 |
| BIOL | S480 | Aquatic Pollution | 3 |
| BIOL | S492 | Biology Seminar** | 1 |
| BIOL | S498 | Research* | 1-6 |
| ENVS | S414 | Biogeochemistry | 3 |
| ENVS | S415 | Biogeography & Landscape | 3 |
| * up to 6 credits total from BIOL 396/398/498 may be applied | |||
| **only 4 credits from BIOL S375 and 2 credits from BIOL S492 may be applied toward the Biology electives. Others may be applied toward general electives. | |||
| General Electives | 21 | ||
| Minimum of 12 credits from upper division courses. | |||
UAS is an open enrollment institution, this means that you do not have to be in a UAS degree program to take a class. Anyone can take our classes as long as they meet the course pre-requisites.
A research-based lab class focusing on the use of techniques and research tools to answer locally relevant ecological, taxonomic or management questions. Consists of lectures, lab and/or field work, reveiwing scientific literature, and research writing. Students work alone or in pairs on research questions approved by the instructor to develop and implement a research plan for their project and write a synopsis of their research. Lab and field techniques appropriate to the plan will be taught. Note: Not accepted for Biology major credit or elective.
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80043 | T01 | Kitty Labounty | SC124 Mon - Fri 9:40a - 11:00a 9/3 - 12/14 |
Course is a research based lab class focusing on the use of molecular tools to answer locally relevant ecological questions.
Tuition and fees: $528 (additional charges may apply)
Fundamental principles of biology focusing on human biology, ecology and the environment. Laboratory sessions include field trips, experiments, demonstrations, and discussion of contemporary biological topics. For non-majors; cannot be used to fulfill requirement for biology majors.
Corequisite: MATH 105.
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80044 | TD1 | Kitty Labounty | DISTELIVE Wednesday 5:30p - 6:30p 9/3 - 12/14 |
Go to www.uas.alaska.edu/sitka/start to get started in your distance class. Order books from MBS Direct.
Tuition and fees: $789 (additional charges may apply)
The physical environment peculiar to the North and important in determining the biological setting: major ecosystem concepts to develop an appreciation for land use and wildlife management problems in both terrestrial and aquatic situations. May not be used as biology elective credit for a major in Biology. BIOL 104 fulfills a Natural Science General Education Requirement.
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 79304 | K01 | Barbara Morgan | ROBT115 Mon, Wed 1:30p - 4:20p 9/3 - 12/14 |
Tuition and fees: $754 (additional charges may apply)
Introduction to basic principles of cell biology and evolution. Topics include cell structure, metabolism, and genetics.
Corequisite: MATH S105.
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78440 | J01 | David Tallmon | EG112 Mon, Wed, Fri 10:20a - 11:20a 9/3 - 12/14 AD314 Wednesday 4:45p - 7:45p 9/11 - 12/14 |
Tuition and fees: $724 (additional charges may apply)
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78441 | J02 | David Tallmon | EG112 Mon, Wed, Fri 10:20a - 11:20a 9/3 - 12/14 AD314 Thursday 8:00a - 11:00a 9/13 - 12/14 |
Tuition and fees: $724 (additional charges may apply)
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78442 | J03 | David Tallmon | EG112 Mon, Wed, Fri 10:20a - 11:20a 9/3 - 12/14 AD314 Thursday 1:00p - 4:00p 9/13 - 12/14 |
Tuition and fees: $724 (additional charges may apply)
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78443 | J04 | David Tallmon | EG112 Mon, Wed, Fri 10:20a - 11:20a 9/3 - 12/14 AD314 Tuesday 1:10p - 4:10p 9/10 - 12/14 |
Tuition and fees: $724 (additional charges may apply)
Introduces human structure and function. The integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems are covered. Recommended for health science students.
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 79309 | K01 | Christopher Donar | PAUL305 Monday 4:30p - 7:20p 9/3 - 12/14 PAUL301 Wednesday 4:30p - 7:20p 9/3 - 12/14 |
Tuition and fees: $754 (additional charges may apply)
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80045 | TD1 | Marnie Chapman | DISTELIVE Mon, Wed 12:00p - 1:00p 9/3 - 12/14 |
Qualification for ENGL 111 HIGHLY recommended. Oriented toward health science students. Students participate in real time online meetings as scheduled or may choose to listen to recorded sessions on their own (with instructor permission). Lab sessions TBA. Lab integrates virtual and hands on activities. Students receive extensive college level lab supplies. Students MUST have access to a computer with a microphone and the internet. Contact with the instructor is via e-mail, Internet and phone. Additional information available at the course website: www.uas.alaska.edu/online or by calling Sitka Campus at: 800-478-6653. Order textbooks from MBS Direct. Go to www.uas.alaska.edu/sitka/start to get started in your distance course.
Tuition and fees: $794 (additional charges may apply)
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80046 | TD2 | Marnie Chapman | DISTELIVE Tuesday 6:00p - 8:00p 9/3 - 12/14 |
Qualification for ENGL 111 highly recommended. Oriented toward health science students. Students participate in real time online meetings as scheduled or may choose to listen to recorded sessions on their own (with instructor permission). Lab sessions TBA. Lab integrates virtual and hands on activities. Students receive extensive college level lab supplies. Students MUST have access to a computer with a microphone and the internet. Contact with the instructor via e-mail, Internet and phone. Additional information available at the course website: www.uas.alaska.edu/online or by calling toll free: 800-478-6653. Order books from MBS Direct. Go to www.uas.alaska.edu/sitka/start to get started in your distance class.
Tuition and fees: $794 (additional charges may apply)
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80047 | TD3 | Marnie Chapman | DISTELIVE Tuesday 6:00p - 8:00p 9/3 - 12/14 |
Qualification for ENGL 111 high recommended. Oriented toward health science students. Students participate in real time online meetings as scheduled or may choose to listen to recorded sessions on their own (with instructor permission). Lab sessions TBA. Lab integrates virtual and hands on activities. Students receive extensive college-level lab supplies. Students MUST have access to a computer with a microphone and the Internet. Contact with instructor is via email, Internet and phone. Additional information available at the course website: www.uas.alaska.edu/online or by calling 800-478-6653. Order textbook from MBS Direct. Go to: www.uas.alaska.edu/sitka/start to get started in your distance class.
Tuition and fees: $794 (additional charges may apply)
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80291 | TD4 | Paul Bahna | DISTELIVE Thursday 6:00p - 8:00p 9/3 - 12/14 |
Tuition and fees: $794 (additional charges may apply)
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80661 | T01 | Paul Bahna | SC124 Monday 8:00a - 11:00a 9/3 - 12/14 SC Wed, Fri 8:00a - 9:30a 9/3 - 12/14 |
Tuition and fees: $754 (additional charges may apply)
Introduces human structure and function. The integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems are covered. Recommended for health science students.
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78444 | J01 | Heidi Pearson | EG112 Mon, Wed 6:00p - 7:30p 9/3 - 12/14 BRC152 Tuesday 3:00p - 6:00p 9/10 - 12/14 |
Tuition and fees: $724 (additional charges may apply)
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78445 | J02 | Heidi Pearson | EG112 Mon, Wed 6:00p - 7:30p 9/3 - 12/14 BRC152 Tuesday 6:15p - 9:15p 9/12 - 12/14 |
Tuition and fees: $724 (additional charges may apply)
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78446 | J03 | Heidi Pearson | EG112 Mon, Wed 6:00p - 7:30p 9/3 - 12/14 BRC152 Thursday 3:00p - 6:00p 9/12 - 12/14 |
Tuition and fees: $724 (additional charges may apply)
Continuation of BIOL 111. Endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems are covered. Recommended for health science students.
Prerequisite: BIOL 111 (C- or better) or permission.
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80048 | TD1 | Jon Martin | DISTELIVE Tue, Thu 6:00p - 7:30p 9/3 - 12/14 |
Web based, online meetings. Students are required to attend all Elluminate sessions. Additional Lab sessions TBA. Students must have access to a computer with a microphone (MS PowerPoint and Word), digital camera and the Internet. Contact with instructor is via e-mail and the Internet. Additional information available at the course website: www.uas.alaska.edu/online or by calling 800-478-6653. Order textbooks from MBS Direct. Go to: www.uas.alaska.edu/sitka/start to get started in your distance class.
Tuition and fees: $794 (additional charges may apply)
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80049 | TD2 | Deborah Barnett | DISTELIVE Tue, Thu 7:00p - 9:00p 9/3 - 12/14 |
Web based, online meetings. Students are required to attend ALL Elluminate sessions. Additional Lab sessions TBA. Students MUST have access to a computer with a microphone (MS PowerPoint and Word), digital camera and the Internet. Contact with instructor is via e-mail and the Internet. Additional information available at the course website: www.uas.alaska.edu/online or by calling 800-478-6653. Order textbooks from MBS Direct. Go to: www.uas.alaska.edu/sitka/start to get started in your distance class.
Tuition and fees: $794 (additional charges may apply)
A fall symposium of lectures as part of the annual Sitka Whale Fest: A Celebration of Marine Wildlife. Marine scientists will present current research findings on topics focused on marine life around the Pacific Rim, with an emphasis on marine mammals. To pass, students must attend an introductory class (can be in class, by audio or web), all symposium lectures, daily follow-up discussions with invited researchers, participate in a marine wildlife viewing cruise, and provide written summeries of the lectures by the end of the semester. Students must be registered for the Sitka Whale Fest. These costs ($90 for the symposium) will be collected at the same time students registers for the course at UAS Sitka.
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80050 | T01 | Janice Straley | SITKA Sun, Thu, Fri, Sat 11/7 - 11/10 |
May be repeated for credit when content differs.
Tuition and fees: $266 (additional charges may apply)
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80051 | T02 | Janice Straley | SITKA Sun, Thu, Fri, Sat 11/7 - 11/10 |
Fee $326.25 = Housing (236.25) and Sitka Whale Fest Symposium ($90). Rooms are single occupancy (includes linens & Internet).
Tuition and fees: $502 (additional charges may apply)
An introduction to the major characteristics of ocean ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them. Includes physical, chemical, and biological principles that affect marine biodiversity.
Prerequisite: BIOL S105 and BIOL S106.
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78448 | J01 | Carolyn Bergstrom | AD204 Mon, Wed, Fri 12:00p - 1:00p 9/3 - 12/14 |
Tuition and fees: $513 (additional charges may apply)
Structure, function, ecology, and evolutionary patterns of the major groups of plants.
Prerequisite: BIOL S105 and BIOL S106.
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78706 | J01 | Johanna Fagen | AD204 Mon, Wed, Fri 8:00a - 9:00a 9/3 - 12/14 AD314 Monday 1:10p - 4:10p 9/3 - 12/14 |
Tuition and fees: $724 (additional charges may apply)
General introductory microbiology with emphasis on microorganisms as disease causing agents. Fundamentals of microbial biology and diversity including host microbe interactions and epidemiology. Not accepted for Biology major credit. Recommended for health science students.
Prerequisite: 8 credits in biology or chemistry. BIOL S112 and CHEM S104 recommended.
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80052 | TD1 | Paul Bahna | DISTELIVE Tuesday 6:00p - 8:00p 9/3 - 12/14 |
Lab sessions via distance. Lab integrates virtual and hands on activities. Students receive extensive college level lab supplies. Students MUST have access to a computer with a microphone and the Internet. Contact with the instructor is via email, Internet and phone. Additional information is available at the course website: www.uas.alaska.edu/online or by calling 800-478-6653. Order books from MBS Direct. Go to: www.uas.alaska.edu/sitka/start to get started in your distance class.
Tuition and fees: $1054 (additional charges may apply)
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80292 | TD3 | Amanda Smith | DISTELIVE Tuesday 5:30p - 7:30p 9/3 - 12/14 |
Lab sessions via distance. Lab integrates virtual and hands on activities. Students receive extensive college level lab supplies. Students MUST have access to a computer with a microphone and the Internet. Contact with instructor is via email, Internet and phone. Additional information is available at the course site: www.uas.alaska.edu/online or by calling 800-478-6653. Order textbooks from MBS Direct. Go to: www.uas.alaska.edu/sitka/start to get started in your distance class.
Tuition and fees: $1054 (additional charges may apply)
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80293 | TD4 | Amanda Smith | DISTELIVE Tuesday 5:30p - 7:30p 9/3 - 12/14 |
Lab sessions via distance.Lab integrates virtual and hands on activities. Students receive extensive college level lab supplies. Students MUST have access to a computer with a microphone and the Internet. Contact with the instructor is via email, Internet and phone Additional information is available at the course site: www.uas.alaska.edu/online or by calling 800-478-6653. Order textbooks from MBS Direct. Go to: www.uas.alaska.edu/sitka/start to get started in your distance class.
Tuition and fees: $1054 (additional charges may apply)
Chemical and physical principles underlying living processes, and the integration of these principles into the physiology of cells and whole organisms. Three hours lab per week required.
Prerequisite: BIOL S105 and S106, CHEM S105 and S106, and MATH S107.
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78450 | J01 | Sherry Tamone | AD204 Mon, Wed 4:30p - 6:00p 9/3 - 12/14 AD314 Tuesday 8:30a - 11:30a 9/10 - 12/14 |
Tuition and fees: $872 (additional charges may apply)
Principles of inheritance; physiochemical properties of genetic systems.
Prerequisite: BIOL S105 and 106, CHEM 106, and MATH 107.
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78451 | J01 | AD203 Mon, Wed, Fri 12:00p - 1:00p 9/3 - 12/14 AD204 Monday 1:10p - 4:10p 9/3 - 12/14 |
Tuition and fees: $872 (additional charges may apply)
Designed to introduce students to cutting-edge research on the ecological and evolutionary effects of global climate change. Climate change is among the most contentious and important issues facing society today, with far-reaching implications for the biodiversity, ecosystems, and ecosystem services upon which humans depend. Readings will include recent scientific journal articles on how populations, species, and ecosystems are changing in response to climate change, with an emphasis on examples from Alaska. Each week, discussions of recent publications providing data, models, theories and/or policy will be guided by students.
Prerequisite: Completion of 3 science credits.
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80166 | J02 | David Tallmon | AD204 Thursday 2:10p - 4:10p 9/3 - 12/14 |
Tuition and fees: $416 (additional charges may apply)
Discussion of a book or series of papers on a current topic in biology. Students will lead discussions and be graded on both their presentation and their participation in discussions. May be repeated.
Prerequisite: Completion of 3 science credits.
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78453 | J01 | Heidi Pearson | AD204 Thursday 12:00p - 2:00p 9/3 - 12/14 SITKA Sun, Fri, Sat 8:00a - 11:00p 11/7 - 11/10 |
Students will read and discuss published papers by marine mammal biologists and will be required to attend Whale Fest in Sitka in November (www.sitkawhalefest.org website for more information). Course fees will cover basic travel costs.
Tuition and fees: $966 (additional charges may apply)
This course will prepare students for communicating to scientific and nonscientific audiences. The course will focus on scientific writing and presentations.
Prerequisite: BIOL 105 and BIOL 106.
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78517 | J01 | Sherry Tamone | AD204 Tue, Fri 1:15p - 2:45p 9/3 - 12/14 |
Tuition and fees: $624 (additional charges may apply)
Major groups of fishes, emphasizing the fishes of northwestern North America. Classification, structure, evolution, general biology and importance to man of the major groups.
Prerequisites: BIOL S105 and S106.
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78457 | J01 | Carolyn Bergstrom | AD204 Mon, Wed, Fri 9:10a - 10:10a 9/3 - 12/14 AD314 Wednesday 1:10p - 4:10p 9/3 - 12/14 |
Tuition and fees: $872 (additional charges may apply)
Discusses all major kinds of marine pollution including oil, heavy metals, organic wastes, pulp mill effluent, PCBs, pesticides, ocean dumping, radioactive wastes, thermal pollution, marine litter and noise pollution. Effects on biological systems are emphasized. Some consideration given to legal aspects.
Prerequisite: BIOL S271 and CHEM S106.
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78518 | J01 | Michael Stekoll | AD203 Mon, Wed, Fri 10:20a - 11:20a 9/3 - 12/14 |
Tuition and fees: $624 (additional charges may apply)
Individual research in the biological sciences undertaken by a student in consultation with a member of the Biology program faculty. Students may submit research ideas to faculty and develop them into a project with faculty input.
Prerequisite: BIOL S105, S106, and BIOL S271, and faculty permission via signed Instructor Approval Form.
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78520 | J01 | ARR 9/3 - 12/14 |
Prerequisite: Signed instructor approval form required to register. Available for 1 to 6 credits, to be determined at time of registration.
Tuition and fees per credit hour: $208; (additional charges may apply)
| CRN | SECTION | INSTRUCTOR | MEETS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78521 | J02 | ARR 9/3 - 12/14 |
Prerequisite: Signed instructor approval form required to register. Available for 1 to 6 credits, to be determined at time of registration.
Tuition and fees per credit hour: $208; (additional charges may apply)