Texts:
Sumich, J.L. 1998. An Introduction to the Biology of Marine Life. 7th edition. WCB/McGraw Hill
Sumich, J.L. and Duddley. 1998. Laboratory and Field Investigations in Marine Life. 7th edition.
WCB/McGraw Hill
Grading:
Grades are based on total points earned during the semester. Total points are added as follows:
homework + quizzes + 4 exams + lab notebook + group presentation.
A = 90 - 100% of the total points possible
B = 80 - 89% of the total points possible
C = 60 - 79% of the total points possible
D = 50 - 59% of the total points possible
F = 0 - 49% of the total points possible
Homework: Several homework assignments will be given during the semester.
These will each be worth 10 points.
Quizzes: Periodic quizzes will be given. Each quiz will be worth 10 points and
will include lecture and laboratory material
Exams: Four exams will be given during the semester. The exams will be a combination
of multiple choice and short-answer written. You will need a scantron answer sheet and
a #2 pencil for the multiple-choice section. No makeup exams will be given except in
extreme circumstances and with prior notification of the instructor. Your 3 highest exams
will be graded
Final: An comprehensive exam will be given finals week.
Notebook: At the end of the laboratories you will receive a lab notebook grade.
Your lab notebook grade will be based on organization, completeness, and quality of notes
(observations, sketches, maps). You will see that your lab notebook is an integral part of this course.
Group Project: You will work in a group to explore a topic of your choice. A written
and oral report will be due at the end of the class. Each group member will be responsible
for researching and presenting one portion of the topic.
Make-ups: No make-up homeworks, quizzes, or exams will be given.
Cheating: Any student cheating (giving or receiving information) on a practical or written exam
will be given a grade of "F" on that test (which cannot be replaced by the comprehensive exam)
and dismissed from the class.
Attendance: Required.
If you have three or more unexcused absences from lectures, you may be dropped from the course.
If you have six or more, you will be dropped.
Supplies:
Required
1. General supplies
a. Six scantron answer sheets and pencils
b. Lab notebook
Optional
1. Dissection supplies - standard dissection tools are available but you may want to use your personal set.
2. A set of colored pencils .
3. Field gear - while on fieldtrips you may want to bring some items to help you improve your observations:
camera, binoculars and a light weight backpack. For the tidepools you may want to wear wetsuit booties
or old tennis shoes.
Field Trips:
San Diego is an ideal location for studying marine biology. There are numerous natural and
artificial marine environments in very close proximity to SDCC. To take advantage of this,
six different field trips are scheduled for this semester. These include: Scripps Aquarium,
Sea World , tidepools in La Jolla, the Chula Vista Nature Center, and Carlsbad Aquafarms.
You will need to provide your own transportation for all field trips.
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