Course Number: MR210
Course Title: Marine Ecology

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

General

The students will be able to

1. To develop an understanding of the ecological principles of the Pacific Islands marine environment.
2. To develop an appreciation of the diversity, productivity and complexity of tropical marine ecosystems.
3. To gain a knowledge of the human impacts affecting the marine environment.
4. To apply ecological principles and concepts in the development of marine conservation practices.
5. To acknowledge the importance of public education and participation.

Specific

The students will be able to

 1. Locate Pacific Islands on a map of the Pacific.
 2. List and describe the chemical, geological, and physical properties of oceans and their effects on marine organisms.
 3. Explain how marine organisms adapt to the chemical and physical environment.
 4. Describe different marine populations and their limiting resources.
 5. Explain interspecies interactions and the structure of marine communities.
 6. Explain elements of marine biological diversity.
 7. Explain concepts of biogeography, speciation and evolution within populations of marine organisms.
 8. Describe plankton and productivity.
 9. Explain plankton dynamics and food webs.
10. Compare and contrast the life habits and adaptations of benthic organisms.
11. Describe food supply and tropic structures.
12. Describe the relationship between climate and the oceans.
13. Analyze the limiting factors affecting marine organisms.
14. Explain the ecology of coral reef and mangrove ecosystems.
15. List and describe examples of human impacts on coral reefs and mangroves.
16. Describe and explain the importance of both western and traditional marine conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.