Undergraduate Studies in Marine Science
Marine-Related Undergraduate Courses
UNH offers a diverse array of marine-related undergraduate courses in numerous departments throughout the university. This listing provides a summary of those courses directly focused on marine issues. Additional information on these courses and on ancillary non-marine courses that may be of interest to undergraduate students is available from the undergraduate catalog (link above) and departmental and academic affairs web sites.
CIE 642 - Fluid Mechanics
Credits: 4.00
Properties of fluids, fluid statics, continuity, momentum and energy equations, resistance to flow, boundary layer theory, flow in open channels and piping systems, dimensional analysis, similitude, drag, and lift. Laboratory exercises on measurement of fluid properties, energy principles, flow resistance, discharge measurements, momentum, hydropower, groundwater flow, and settling of spheres. Prereq: PHYS 407, CIE/ENE Hydrology major; or permission. Lab. Writing intensive.
CIE 741 - Open Channel Flow
Credits: 3.00
Energy and momentum principles in open channel flow; flow resistance; channel controls and transitions; unsteady flow concepts and dam failure studies. Modeling with HEC programs. Prereq: CIE 642 or permission.
CIE 745 - Engineering Hydrology
Credits: 3.00
Hydrologic cycle, probability theory related to hydrology and the design of water resources structures, water law, flood discharge prediction, hydrograph development, hydraulic and hydrologic river routing, reservoir routing, theory of storage, reservoir operations, hydropower development, modeling of watershed hydrology with program HEC-1, HEC-HMS, multipurpose projects.
ECE 745 - Environmental Acoustics I: Air and Water
Credits: 4.00
Sound and vibration; simple harmonic oscillators; characteristics and measurements of sound sources and receivers; acoustic wave equation (1D, 2D, 3D); sound reflection, transmission, refraction, and absorption in various media; room acoustics; basic sonar equation. Prereq: PHYS 408; MATH 527; ECE 544 or permission. Lab. (Also listed as OE 745.)
ECE 785 - Environmental Acoustics II: Air and Water
Credits: 4.00
General sonar equation: active, passive; sound generation, source level, directivity, calibration methods; sound propagation, rays and normal modes, acoustic waveguides; transmission loss, reverberation, scattering; ambient noise characteristics and measurements; sound reception and processing. Prereq: ECE 745/845 or OE 745/845. Lab.
CIE 757 - Coastal Engineering and Processes
Credits: 3.00
Introduction to small amplitude and finite amplitude wave theories. Wave forecasting by significant wave and wave spectrum method. Coastal processes and shoreline protection. Wave forces and wave-structure interaction. Design of coastal structures. Introduction to mathematical and physical modeling. Also offered as ME 757 & OE 757- Prereq: CIE 642 or permission.
EREC 611 - Marine Resource Economics
Credits: 4.00
Economic overview of the marine environment; interactions/ conflicts surrounding this multiple-use resource. Economics of fisheries; marine recreation; offshore facilities; aquaculture; waste disposal. Prereq: EREC 411 or equivalent or permission. (Offered every other semester.)
ESCI 501 - Introduction to Oceanography
Credits: 4.00
Physical, chemical, geological, and biological processes in the sea. Special fee. Lab.
ESCI 658 - Principles of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Dynamics
Credits: 4.00
Introduction to the basic elements of kinematics and dynamics, relevant to processes important in earth, ocean, and atmospheric sciences. Review of particle dynamics followed by an introduction to continuum mechanics of the solid earth, hydrologic and environmental fluid systems. Includes biweekly laboratories and homework problem recitation sessions. Prereq: MATH 426, PHYS 407. Lab.
ESCI 710 - Groundwater Hydrology
Credits: 4.00
Principles for fluid flow in porous media with emphasis on occurrence, location, and development of groundwater but with consideration of groundwater as a transporting medium. Major topics include well hydraulics, regional groundwater flow, exploration techniques, and chemical quality. Laboratory exercises involve use of fluid, electrical, and digital computer models to illustrate key concepts. Prereq: ESCI 705 or permission. Special fee. Lab.
ESCI 717 - Macro-scale Hydrology I
Credits: 4.00
Focus on the numerous roles of water in the Earth System. Topics include: the global water cycle, impacts of the greenhouse effect and other anthropogenic disturbances, hydrologic modeling, soil-vegetation-atmosphere transfer schemes, water quality, GIS and water-related remote sensing tools, global freshwater resources. Course is organized around formal lectures, in-class discussion, student presentations, class projects. Prereq: ESCI 705 or permission. (Offered alternate years.)
ESCI 718 - Macro-Scale Hydrology II
Credits: 4.00
A continuation of ESCI 717. Students and instructor jointly select a research topic in macro-scale hydrology to be analyzed in-depth during the course of the semester. A primary goal is the preparation of a manuscript for publication in a refereed scientific journal. Extensive library research, reading of recent and relevant scientific literature, technical analysis and writing. Prereq: ESCI 717. (Offered alternate years.)
ESCI 741 - Geochemistry
Credits: 4.00
Thermodynamics applied to geological processes; geochemical differentiation of the earth; the principles and processes that control the distribution and migration of elements in geological environments; stable and radiogenic isotopes in geologic processes. Prereq: ESCI 512 or permission. Writing intensive.
ESCI 745 - Isotope Geochemistry
Credits: 4.00
Discussion of element abundance and isotope formation; radioactive decay as applied to geologic systems, detailed investigation of K-Ar, Rb-Sr, U-Pb, and Sm-Nd systems, and geologic-oceanographic applications of stable isotopes. Lab involves mass spectrometric and chemical techniques of isotopic analysis. Course includes the completion of a laboratory project. Prereq: ESCI 741;/or permission. Special fee. Lab.
ESCI 747 - Aqueous Geochemistry
Credits: 4.00
Processes that determine the geochemical characteristics of water bodies. Emphasis on the geochemical continuum of terrestrial water and its geochemical evolution. Topics include the influence of cyclic salts, the nature of weathering reactions, the CO2-CaCo3 system, the formation and dissolution of salts and authigenic mineral formulation. Prereq: one year of chemistry or geochemistry or permission. Lab.
ESCI 750 - Biological Oceanography
Credits: 4.00
Biological processes of the oceans, including primary and secondary production, trophodynamics, plankton diversity, zooplankton ecology, ecosystems and global ocean dynamics. Field trips on R/V Gulf Challenger and to the Jackson Estuarine Laboratory. Prereq: one year of biology or permission of the instructor. (Also offered as ZOOL 750.) Special fee. Lab. (Not offered every year.)
ESCI 752 - Chemical Oceanography
Credits: 3.00
Water structure, chemical composition and equilibrium models, gas exchange, biological effects on chemistry, trace metals, and analytical methods. Prereq: permission. Optional 1 credit lab (see ESCI 752L).
ESCI 752L - Chemical Oceanography Lab
Credits: 1.00
Optional lab for ESCI 752. Includes short cruise aboard R/V Gulf Challenger. Special fee. Co-requisites: ESCI 752
ESCI 754 - Sedimentary
Credits: 4:00
Examine observational and interpretative techniques to evaluate sedimentary rocks in their stratigraphic context. The relationship between time, space, and deposition is assessed using a problem-solving approach based on real geological examples. Topics such as facies analysis, stratigraphic correlation, and basin analysis provide the framework to interpret the stratigraphic record of earth history. Prereq: ESCI 614 or permission. Special fee. Lab and field trip.
ESCI 758 - Introductory Physical Oceanography
Credits: 3.00
Descriptive treatment of atmosphere-ocean interaction; general wind-driven and thermo-haline ocean circulation; waves and tides; continental shelf and nearshore processes; instrumentation and methods used in ocean research. Simplified conceptual models demonstrate the important principles. Prereq: college physics; ESCI 501;/or permission.
ESCI 759 - Geological Oceanography
Credits: 4.00
Major geological features and processes of the ocean floor; geological and geophysical methods; plate tectonics. Prereq: two semesters each of calculus, physics, and geology;/or permission. Lab. Writing intensive.
ESCI 770 - Fundamentals of Ocean Mapping
Credits: 4.00
An introduction to the principles and practice of hydrography and ocean mapping. Methods for the measurement and definition of the configuration of the bottoms and adjacent land areas of oceans, lakes, rivers, estuaries, harbors and other water areas, and the tides or water levels and currents that occur in those bodies of water. Prereq: PHYS 407-408. (Also listed as OE 770.) Lab.
ESCI 771 - Geodesy and Positioning for Ocean Mapping
Credits: 3.00
The science and technology of acquiring, managing, and displaying geographically-referenced information; the size and shape of the earth, datums and projections; determination of precise positioning of points on the earth and the sea, including classical terrestrial-based methods and satellite-based methods; shoreline mapping, nautical charting and electronic charts. Prereq: MATH 426, PHYS 408. (Also listed as OE 771.)
KIN 533 - Basic Scuba
Credits: 3.00
Full semester in the fundamentals of scuba diving. Through a progressive series of classroom lectures and pool sessions, the students will gain the knowledge and skill necessary to conduct themselves with competence underwater. A high emphasis is placed on safety and problem prevention. Once the students are ready, further training takes place in an open ocean environment. NAUI Certification for successful completion of all course requirements and at least five open-water dives. Strong swimming ability required. Special fee. Lab. Credit/Fail.
KIN 730 - Research Diving Techniques
Credits: 4.00
This course will take previously certified divers with the "need" to assist, or conduct research underwater , and train them in the methods, and specific techniques of scientific diving programs. This course will progressively build upon the basic diving skills until the student is knowledgeable and competent. The course will culminate with a small research project formulated and implemented by the students. Prereq: SCUBA certification, department approval. Special fee. (Also offered as ZOOL 730.)
KIN 735 - Advanced Scuba
Credits: 4.00
Classroom, pool, and open-water "hands-on" application in advanced diving techniques. The student's diving ability will progress to become safer and highly educated in a variety of diving disciplines. Topics covered are: navigation, search and recovery, low visibility/night diving, surface supplied diving, boat diving, accident management hyperbaric medicine, and physiology and scientific research methods for divers. Special fee. Lab.
KIN 798 - Special Topics
Credits: 1.00 to 4.00
New or specialized courses not normally covered in regular course offerings. May be repeated up to 8 credits. Prereq: departmental approval.
ME 712 - Waves in Fluids
Credits: 3.00
General mathematical techniques are developed to analyze the linear and nonlinear dynamics of hyperbolic and dispersive wave systems. Emphasis is given to key physical concepts such as wave-generation mechanisms, wavelength and amplitude dispersion, group velocity and energy propagation, steady streaming, and mode interactions. Prereq: ME 608 or equivalent; MATH 527 and 528; MATH 646 is desirable; or permission.
ME 744 - Corrosion
Credits: 4.00
The course is split into three parts. The first part reviews and develops basic concepts of electro-chemistry, kinetics, and measurement methods. The second part covers the details of specific corrosion mechanisms and phenomena including passivity, galvanic corrosion, concentration cell corrosion, pitting and crevice corrosion, and environmentally induced cracking. The third part focuses on the effects of metallurgical structure on corrosion, corrosion in selected environments, corrosion prevention methods, and materials selection and design. Prereq: CHEM 405 or 403; ME 561 or permission. Special fee. Lab.
ME 757 - Coastal Engineering and Processes
Credits: 3.00
Introduces small amplitude and finite amplitude wave theories. Wave forecasting by significant wave method and wave spectrum method. Coastal processes and shoreline protection. Wave forces and wave structure interaction. Introduces mathematical and physical modeling. Prereq: ME 608 or permission. (Also offered as CIE 757 and OE 757.)
MICR 707 - Marine Microbiology
Credits: 5.00
Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the physiological activities of microorganisms that influence the state of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, iron, manganese, phosphorous, hydrogen, oxygen, and other elements in the sea and its sediments. Provides an understanding of the interrelationships between marine microorganisms and their surroundings by integrating microbiological phenomena with known aspects of physical, chemical, and biological oceanography. Introduces students to the primary scientific literature in marine microbiology, teaches each student how to think provocatively and concertedly, and convey those thoughts clearly and concisely in both oral and written form. Prereq: MICR 503. Writing intensive.
MICR 795 - Problems
Credits: 1.00 to 8.00
Special projects in microbiology. Research topics in immunology; virology; microbial genetics; pathogenics; microbial ecology; microbial physiology; marine microbiology; detection of pathogens in shellfish.
NR 503 - Wetlands Resources
Credits: 2.00
An introduction to the biology and ecology of a wide variety of wetlands with emphasis on northeastern coastal saltmarsh, estuarine, and freshwater ecosystems. Lectures and discussions focus on species composition, adaptations, biotic and abiotic interactions, wetland functional values, wetland creation and restoration efforts, and current policy and regulation issues. Field trips to selected wetlands are designed to emphasize and expose students to the major topics discussed. Prereq: one full year of college level biology. (Offered summers at the Shoals Marine Laboratory.)(Not offered in 2008)
NR 504 - Freshwater Resources
Credits: 4.00
Major determinants of freshwater resources including hydrologic cycle and water balance, precipitation, stream-flow measurement, pollution, water supply and sewage treatment, water resource management and regulation. Special fee. Lab/field trips.
NR 513 - Ecology of the Great Bay Estuary
Credits: 4.00
An introduction to the physical and biological processes that form and sustain estuaries in coastal landscapes. Plant and animal adaptations to physical and biological stresses are examined in specific estuarine habitats. Since human interactions impact estuaries profoundly, management issues are also investigated. The course is appropriate for undergraduates, interested lay persons, and professionals involved with teaching, outreach, or management of estuaries. Lab. Special fee.
NR 610 - Coastal and Oceanic Law and Policy
Credits: 2.00
Intended for persons interested in knowledge of or careers in management of marine or coastal resources, or in the natural sciences. The focus is on policy issues affecting oceans and coastlines and the tools available to government and policy leaders for coping with those issues. Issues examined include: (1) international concerns about control of coastal waters and access to resources of the water column and ocean floor; (2) water pollution and contamination of ocean resources; (3) protection for threatened and endangered species, including depleted fisheries; and (4) environmental impacts of the development and use of coastal areas. The legal tools and policy options available to government and concerned citizens for addressing these issues and controversies are examined. Class discussions on the status and history of applicable laws are accompanied by the analysis of policy concerns and the efficacy of various legal techniques. Students work in teams to develop strategy and to research positions in preparation for a negotiation exercise and a mock hearing. (Offered Summers at the Shoals Marine Laboratory.)(Not offered in 2008)
NR711 - Wetland Ecology and Management
Credits: 4.00
Analysis of the natural resources of coastal and inland wetlands and environmental problems caused by human use and misuse of these ecosystems. Groups will collect field data to summarize the structure and function of four wetland types within a management context. Special fee. Lab. Prereq: BIOL 541, or NR 703, or permission. Writing intensive.
NR 716 - Wetland Delineation
Credits: 4.00
Examines the soils, vegetation, and hydraulic functions of coastal and central New England wetlands. Students are responsible for the collection and identification of aquatic plant species, description of wetland soils, and delineation of wetland boundaries. Lectures and fieldwork. For juniors, seniors, and working professionals. Field trips. Special fee. (Offered summer session only.)
NR 719 - Wetlands Restoration and Mitigation
Credits: 3.00
Assesses the problems of wetlands loss and learning how to repair the damage. Asks what steps can be taken. Does restoration work, can habitat value be replaced, what constitutes equivalent mitigation? Field experience and theoretical background in restoring marine and freshwater environments. First half of course involves field trips to visit and sample mitigation and restoration sites. Second half focuses on student projects using the scientific method to address wetlands issues. Prereq: NR 711 or permission. Special fee. Lab/field trips. (Not offered every year.)
NR 720 - International Environmental Politics and Policies for the 21st Century
Credits: 4.00
Students examine policies for managing human activities to sustain the health of regional ecosystems and planetary life-support systems. Selected problems of the international commons (oceans, marine resources, atmosphere, migratory species); global and regional carrying capacity (population, resource consumption), internationally shared ecosystems (transboundary watersheds and waterbodies, tropical forests); and the relevant international institutions and politics for policy formation, conflict resolution, and implementation. Using a policy-analytic framework, students develop case studies to assess international policies and institutional arrangements to achieve the objectives of Agenda 21--Earth Summit Strategy to Save the Planet. Prereq: permission. Writing intensive.
NR 721 - Ecology of Polluted Waters
Credits: 4.00
Impact of various water quality problems (e.g., excessive nutrient loading, organic matter loading, contamination by trace organic compounds) on the ecology of fresh waters, including microorganisms, aquatic invertebrates, algae, and fish. Design of impact assessment studies and data interpretation. Prereq: NR 703 or BIOL 528 or BIOL 541; permission. Special fee. Lab/field trips. Writing intensive.
NR 775 - Natural Resources Senior Project
Credits: 4.00
Multidisciplinary approach to land-use planning. Provides experience with dynamics of working in a group to identify, evaluate, and suggest management strategies to solve environmental problems. Class will be divided into small groups, each of which will choose or be assigned a real problem. Each group will act as a consulting firm in developing management strategies. Prereq: senior standing in the Department of Natural Resources and permission. Special fee. Writing intensive.
NR 780 - Earth as a System for Educators
Credits: 4.00
Explores the Earth as a system. Topics include ecosystems, habitats, biomes, biodiversity, weather, climate, water and air (environmental) quality, watersheds, remote sensing, the flow of matter and energy through the universe, water and nutrient cycles, wildlife identification and monitoring, wetlands, seasons, interdependence, and changes over time. Course focuses on content being taught through Project WILD, WET, Learning Tree and Project HOME activities. The GLOBE protocols are an integral part of all lab exercises, and provide an opportunity to learn science methods and content through the use of classroom friendly techniques used to integrate into units for elementary and middle school students. For elementary and middle school teachers. Permission.
OE 690 - Introduction to Ocean Engineering
Credits: 4.00
Survey of engineering applications in the ocean environment. Topics vary and include: hydrodynamics, waves, tides, underwater sound, instrumentation, diving technology, marine geomechanics, and naval architecture. Taught by a team of faculty members from engineering departments. Prereq: PHYS 408; MATH 527. Special fee.
OE 710 - Ocean Measurements Lab
Credits: 4.00
Measurements of fundamental ocean processes and parameters. Emphasis on understanding typical offshore measurements, their applications, and the use of acquired data, in terms of the effects on structures and processes in the ocean.
OE 744 - Corrosion
Credits: 4.00
Three-part course. First part reviews and develops basic concepts of electrochemistry, kinetics, and measurement methods. Second part covers details of specific corrosion mechanisms and phenomena including passivity, galvanic corrosion, concentration cell corrosion, pitting and crevice corrosion, and environmentally induced cracking. Third part focuses on the effects of metallurgical structure on corrosion, corrosion in selected environments, corrosion prevention methods, and materials selection and design. Prereq: CHEM 404 or 405; ME 561 or permission. Special fee. Lab.
OE 745 - Environmental Acoustics I: Air and Water
Credits: 4.00
Sound and vibration; simple harmonic oscillators; characteristics and measurements of sound sources and receivers; acoustic wave equation (1D, 2D, 3D); sound reflection, transmission, refraction, and absorption in various media; room acoustics; basic sonar equation. Prereq: PHYS 408; MATH 527; ECE 544 or permission. Lab.
OE 754 - Ocean Waves and Tides
Credits: 4.00
Introduction to waves: small amplitude, linear wave theory, standing and propagating waves, transformation in shallow water, energy and forces on structures, generation by wind and specification of a random sea, long waves with rotation, and internal waves. Introduction to tides: description of tides in ocean tidal generation forces, equilibrium tide, and tidal analysis. Lab/project: field and lab measurements with computer analysis. Prereq: PHYS 407-408; MATH 527;/or permission. Lab.
OE 756 - Principles of Naval Architecture and Model Testing
Credits: 4.00
Fundamentals of naval architecture presented, including hydrostatics, basics of resistance and propulsion, sea keeping and scaling. Concepts applied in experiments utilizing the tow/wave tank and associated instrumentation. Prereq: ME 608 or equivalent; ME 627 or equivalent. Special fee.
OE 757 - Coastal Engineering and Processes
Credits:3.00
Introduces small amplitude and finite amplitude wave theories. Wave forecasting by significant wave method and wave spectrum method. Coastal processes and shoreline protection. Wave forces and wave structure interaction. Introduction to mathematical and physical modeling. (Also offered as CIE 757; ME 757.) Prereq: fluid dynamics or permission.
OE 770 - Fundamentals of Ocean Mapping
Credits: 4.00
An introduction to the principles and practice of hydrography and ocean mapping. Methods for the measurement and definition of the configuration of the bottoms and adjacent land areas of the oceans, lakes, rivers, estuaries, harbors and other water areas, and tides or water levels and currents that occur in those bodies of water. Prereq: PHYS 407-408. (Also listed as ESCI 770.) Lab.
OE 771 - Geodesy and Positioning for Ocean Mapping
Credits: 3.00
The science and technology of acquiring, managing, and displaying geographically-referenced information; the size and shape of the earth, datums and projections; determination of precise positioning of points on the earth and the sea, including classical terrestrial-based methods and satellite-based methods; shoreline mapping, nautical charting and electronic charts. Prereq: MATH 426, PHYS 408. (Also listed as ESCI 771.)
OE 785 - Environmental Acoustics II: Air and Water
Credits:4.00
General sonar equation: active, passive, sound generation, source level, directivity, calibration methods; sound propagation, rays and normal modes, acoustic waveguides; transmission loss, reverberation, scattering; ambient noise characteristics and measurements; sound reception and processing. Prereq: ECE 745 or OE 745. Also listed as ECE 785.
OE 795 - Special Topics
Credits: 2.00 to 4.00
New or specialized courses and/or independent study. May be repeated for credit
PBIO 503 - Introduction to Marine Biology
Credits: 4.00
A course emphasizing the organization of marine biological communities. Various marine environments--pelagic, benthic, temperate, tropical--and their characteristic communities. Major emphasis on the approaches (e.g., analysis of energy flow and predator-prey interactions) used to analyze marine communities as well as the sampling techniques employed for each approach and the characteristic habitat type. Prereq: BIOL 411-412. Special fee. (Also offered as ZOOL 503.)
PBIO 625 - Introduction to Marine Botany
Credits: 4.00
Life history, classification, and ecology of micro- and macroscopic marine plants, including phytoplankton, seaweed, and salt marsh plants, and the interactions between humans and marine plant communities. Occasional Saturday morning field trips. Prereq: BIOL 412 or PBIO 412 or permission. Special fee. Lab.
PBIO 721 - Microscopic Algae
Credits: 4.00
Survey of phytoplankton and periphyton in local marine and freshwater habitats. Identification, systematics, and evolution. Class and individual collection trips. Prereq: BIOL 412 or PBIO 412 or 703. Lab. (Not offered every year.) Special fee.
PBIO 722 - Marine Phycology
Credits: 4.00
Identification, classification, ecology, and life histories of the major groups of marine algae, particularly the benthonic marine algae of New England. Periodic field trips. Prereq: BIOL 412 or PBIO 412 or 703. Lab. (Offered alternate years.)
PBIO 723 - Marine Botany
Credits: 4.00
An introduction to the biology of marine plants, with an emphasis on the macroalgae common to the Gulf of Maine and found in abundance at the Isles of Shoals. Lecture topics will include productivity in the world's oceans, rocky shore ecology, commercial cultivation of algae, and phytoplankton ecology, as well as molecular analysis of the evolution and biogography of marine plants. Field and laboratory exercises include collection and identification of algae from Appledore's intertidal and subtidal habitats, experimental design and data analysis for field study, and tidepool community surveys. Individual field projects may involve studies of algae growth, productivity as it relates to morphology, photosynthesis, and desiccation during low tide. Daily and evening lectures, laboratories and field work. Prereq: Field Marine science or one year of introductory biology. (Summers only, at Shoal's Marine Lab.)
PBIO 725 - Marine Ecology
Credits: 4.00
Marine environment and its biota, emphasizing intertidal and estuarine habitats. Includes field, laboratory, and independent research project. Prereq: general ecology; permission. Marine invertebrate zoology, oceanography, and statistics are desirable. (Also offered as ZOOL 725.) Special fee. (Offered alternate years.)
PBIO 727 - Algal Physiology
Credits: 3.00
Survey of major topics in the physiology and biochemistry of marine and freshwater algae including: nutrition, metabolic pathways, reproductive physiology, storage and extracellular products, cell inclusions, growth and development. Prereq: plant physiology or introductory biochemistry or permission. (Not offered every year.) Co-requisites: PBIO 729
PBIO 729 - Algal Physiology Laboratory
Credits: 2.00
Useful laboratory techniques in studying the physiology of freshwater and marine algae. Experiments in nutrition, metabolism, pigment, and enzyme analysis. Small research project required. Prereq: concurrent registration in PBIO 727; permission. (Not offered every year.) Co-requisites: PBIO 727
PBIO 747 - Aquatic Higher Plants
Credits: 4.00
Flowering plants and fern relatives found in and about bodies of water in the northeastern United States; extensive field and herbarium work, preparation techniques, and collections. Prereq: PBIO 566 or permission. Lab. (Not offered every year.)
TECH 797 - Undergraduate Ocean Research Project
Credits: 2.00
Students work as members of interdisciplinary project teams on contemporary ocean-related problems under the guidance of a faculty adviser. Student team defines problem, prepares a budget, conducts literature surveys, engages in dialogue with experts in the, deals with vendors, designs, and builds a working engineering model, gathers analyzes scientific data or conducts a comprehensive study, makes interim reports, and defends the results before a jury of experts. Prereq: normally senior standing and permission of the program director. A yearlong effort: 2 credits each semester, 4 credits total, an IA (continuous course) grade given at the end of the first semester. Writing intensive.
ZOOL 408 - Ocean Sciences
Credits: 4.00
Ocean sciences is a hands-on, inquiry-based introduction to marine systems, focused primarily on marine biology and ecology. Designed to introduce students to science as a way of knowing and understanding the world around us, specifically the world's oceans and their contributions to world food and oxygen supply, their role in regulating climate, and their unfortunate overexploitation for our technological world. Uses evolution as the unity common to many seemingly different forms of life. Helps students discover the relevance of the topic to their own lives and to the many problems that face us in the 21st century. Engages students by helping them discover first-hand the joy and excitement that comes from making discoveries using the scientific method. Prereq: acceptance to Campus-to-Coast Fellowship Program. (Not offered in the Summer of 2008)
ZOOL 410 - Marine Immersion
Credits:2.00
An intensive 2-credit course for incoming freshmen, surveying a range of marine-related fields (with an emphasis on biology and ecology), research approaches, and organisms. The course is based at the Shoals Marine Laboratory on Appledore Island, where students. and some faculty, will be in residence. "Marine Immersion" introduces students to the breadth, excitement, and challenges of marine sciences through lectures, demonstrations, and field experiences offered by a cohort of UNH faculty, and through short research projects carried out on the island. It also introduces them to resources and opportunities available at UNH, provides an opportunity to get to know some of their professors, and lets them begin building a network among their peers even before they arrive in Durham. Special fee.
ZOOL 444A - Introduction to Aquatic Invasive Species
Credits: 4.00
This is an inquiry course for first-year students interested in issues relating to the management of aquatic invasive plants and animals based on an understanding of the ecology and biology. Course is a combination of lectures, laboratory and field exercises and discussions focusing on the selected freshwater and marine invasive species and their management. Special fee.
ZOOL 460 - Biological Illustration
Credits: 2.00
Scientific publishing and illustration including labeling, color techniques, and printing processes. Illustration techniques include (1) pen and ink: wildlife illustrations; (2) carbon dust: half-tone illustrations; (3) colored pencil: drafting film; (4) watercolor: for accurate and detailed illustrations. The student may choose to explore a single technique in depth with subjects selected from a wide variety of material on Appledore Island. Course size is limited to allow individual attention. (Offered summers at Shoals Marine Lab.) (Available in 2008)
ZOOL 474 - Introduction to Marine Science
Credits: 4.00
Allows non-biology majors to experience the breadth of the marine sciences under field conditions at an island (Appledore) laboratory, with excursions to seal and seabird colonies on the neighboring islands and whale feeding grounds in the Gulf of Maine. Involves field investigation, lab work, and lectures as well as reading, independent research, and scientific writing. Topics include general marine biology, intertidal ecology, plankton biology, fisheries, and benthic (sea floor) communities. (Summers only at Shoals Marine lab.) (Not offered in 2008)
ZOOL 503 - Introduction to Marine Biology
Credits: 4.00
Organization of marine biological communities in various marine environments--pelagic, benthic, temperate, tropical. Major emphasis on the approaches (e.g., analysis of energy flow and predator-prey interactions) used to analyze marine communities and on the sampling techniques employed for each approach and the habitat type. Prereq: BIOL 411-412. (Also offered as PBIO 503.) Special fee. Lab.
ZOOL 510 - Field Ornithology
Credits: 4.00
Introduces field ornithology focusing on the biology, ecology, and behavior of avifauna on the Isles of Shoals. Includes such ornithological field methods as censuring techniques, territory mapping, banding, behavioral observation, and creating a field notebook. Fieldwork is designed to supplement many classroom concepts, including territoriality, breeding biology, and survivorship. Prereq: one year of college-level biology. Lab. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.) (Available in 2008)
ZOOL 570 - Coastal Ecology and Bioclimates
Credits:4.00
Practically-oriented. Emphasizes 1) the definition, description and measurement of major abiotic factors (e.g., radiation, temperature, atmospheric moisture and precipitation, and winds and currents; 2) the role of both biotic and abiotic coastal environmental factors with respect to plants and animals, including humans; and 3) the fundamentals of dynamic meteorology and short-term weather prediction from observations of natural coastal phenomena such as cloud and wind patterns. Special attention is given to the terrestrial and littoral microclimate of Appledore Island. Prereq: one year of college-level biology; some physics or physical geography preferred. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.)
ZOOL 610 - Principles of Aquaculture
Credits: 3.00
An introduction to the culture practices employed for production of aquatic organisms. Topics include ecological and environmental considerations, selective breeding, nutrition, diseases, processing and marketing. Emphasis on finfish. Prereq: BIOL 411-412 or equivalent.
ZOOL 611 - Principles of Aquaculture Lab
Credits: 2.00
Laboratory exercises in aquaculture covering the use of chemical reagents to monitor water quality; brood stock feeding and management; use of anesthesia and fish handling; spawning marine finfish; culturing algae, rotifers and artemia for marine larviculture; larviculture of marine finfish; assessing fish growth; hatchery hygiene. Includes site visits to local production facilities. Prereq: BIOL 411-412 or equivalent. Coreq: ZOOL 610. Co-requisites: ZOOL 610
ZOOL 628 - Marine Invertebrate Evolution and Ecology
Credits: 5.00
A course that stresses the rich diversity of marine invertebrates by integrating phylogenetic trends with physiological and behavioral adaptation, and with ecological and symbiotic interactions. Offers a comparative survey of invertebrates from protozoans to protochordates; deals with aspects of form and function, development, evolution, classification, ecology, and natural history. Students work with live and preserved animals. Extensive dissections and a field component are required. Prereq: BIOL 411-412. Special fee. Lab. (Not offered every year.)
ZOOL 674 - Field Marine Science
Credits: 6.00
Introduction to the marine sciences with an emphasis on field work in natural habitats. Examines aspects of the systematics, morphology, physiology, behavior and ecology of marine organisms, including intertidal plants and invertebrates, fishes, marine mammals and birds; fisheries biology; oceanography, marine geology; and human impacts on the marine environment. Sessions include lectures, discussions, field work, experience aboard a coastal research vessel, and excursions to distinctive habitats. Offered in cooperation with Cornell University. Students may not take Field Marine Science after taking Field Marine Biology and Ecology. Prereq: one full year of college-level biology. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.) (Available in 2008)
ZOOL 675 - Field Marine Biology and Ecology
Credits: 6.00
Introductory marine science course emphasizing field work in natural habitats with a focus on marine ecology. Examines the ecology of the intertidal zone and the ecological, evolutionary, and physiological adaptations of marine organisms. Course includes lectures; discussions; field work, including quantitative field sampling methods; experience aboard a coastal research vessel; and excursions to distinctive habitats. Offered in cooperation with Cornell University. Students may not take this course after taking Field Marine Science. Prereq: one full year of college-level biology. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.) (Available in 2008)
ZOOL 701 - Conservation Biology
Credits: 4.00
Critical and quantitative investigation of current issues in the conservation of biological systems. Issues addressed include habitat restoration, nonindigenous species, harvest strategies, conserving genetic diversity, population viability analysis, global climate change, endangered species recovery, habitat fragmentation, and reserve design. Case studies include examples drawn from terrestrial, aquatic, and marine systems. Weekly laboratories include trips to local habitats of concern. Prereq: BIOL 541 or permission. A statistics course is highly recommended. Special fee. Lab. (Not offered every year.)
ZOOL 710 - Ichthyology
Credits: 4.00
Introduction to the evolution, systematics, anatomy, physiology, and ecology of fishes, with emphasis on New England species. Prereq: principles of biology or equivalent. Lab. (Offered in alternate years.)
ZOOL 711 - Zooplankton Ecology
Credits: 4.00
Methods of sampling populations; factors regulating temporal and spatial distribution; trophic interactions of communities; role of zooplankton in the food web of lakes. Experimental techniques employed in field trips to freshwater habitats; seminars examine current research. Prereq: general ecology and limnology, ZOOL/PBIO 717, or equivalent; permission. Special fee. Lab. (Not offered every year.)
ZOOL 712 - Mammalogy
Credits: 4.00
Evolution, ecology, behavior, physiology, and diversity of mammals. Focuses on conceptual issues, such as the relations of structure, function, physiology, and ecology of species; reproductive physiology and life history strategies; and the evolution of mating systems and social structure. Requires familiarity of mammalian groups to the family level and identification of local fauna to species. Lab.
ZOOL 720 - Marine Biology for Teachers
Credits: 3.00 or 4.00
Primarily for teachers of grades 6 through 12, but open to others. An overview of living marine organisms (algae, invertebrates, fishes, marine mammals, and shore birds) and their environment. Emphasizes fieldwork; students who are certified divers or who wish to learn snorkeling are encouraged to use these techniques. Includes at least one excursion on the lab's research vessel. Topics include coastal zone problems, marine fisheries, economics of marine organisms, and the educational resources of the marine environment. Participants are encouraged to register for additional credit to research and prepare lesson plans and teaching material for class use. Prereq: introductory biology. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.) (Not offered in 2008)
ZOOL 721 - Aquatic Invasive Species
Credits:4.00
Capstone course for a limited number of biological science majors to work closely with and help teach a Discovery course for non-majors in biology. Involves lectures, discussions, and laboratory and field exercises and write-ups focusing on managing aquatic invasive species based on an understanding of their ecology. Special fee.
ZOOL 722 - Ecology of Marine Fishes
Credits: 4.00
Principles, models, and methods for analysis of dynamics of fish populations and communities; analysis of current research emphasizing theory and its potential uses in fisheries management; lab and field activities emphasizing collection and analysis of data from the Gulf of Maine and adjacent estuarine habitats. Prereq: one year of college-level biology. Lab. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.) (Not offered in 2008)
ZOOL 725 - Marine Ecology
Credits: 4.00
Marine environment and its biota, emphasizing intertidal and estuarine habitats. Includes field, laboratory, and an independent research project. Prereq: general ecology; permission. Marine invertebrate zoology, oceanography, and and statistics are desirable. (Also offered as PBIO 725.) Special fee. (Not offered every year.)
ZOOL 730 - Underwater Research
Credits: 4.00
Hypothesis testing and experimental design, theoretical and practical aspects of sampling, and critiques of current research papers. Includes special problems of conducting research underwater (diving physics and physiology, theory and use of diving tables, hyperbaric medicine) and underwater techniques (underwater photography and video, photo quadrates, tagging and marking, cages and enclosures). Students must supply their own equipment. Students with special research interests are encouraged to enroll in an additional third week of independent underwater research. Prereq: recognized scuba certification, a medical examination, one year of biology or other supporting science. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.) (Available in 2008)
ZOOL 733 - Behavioral Ecology
Credits:4.00
Behavioral adaptations of animals to their environment, including the evolution of behavior and behavioral genetics; foraging and competition for resources; reproductive ecology, mating systems and parental care; and the evolution of cooperative behavior. Examples include both vertebrates and invertebrates. Emphasizes critical understanding of concepts as exhibited in oral and written exercises. Students conduct independent investigations. Prereq: ZOOL 713 or permission. Lab. (Offered in alternate years.) Writing intensive.
ZOOL 734 - Diversity of Fishes
Credits: 6.00
Emphasizes the diversity of fishes in two aspects: diversity of evolutionary solutions to problems faced by fishes and the great diversity of different types of fishes that inhabit the world. Prereq: one full year of college level biology; background in vertebrate biology is recommended, but not required. (Summers at Shoals Marine Lab.) (Available in 2008)
ZOOL 750 - Biological Oceanography
Credits: 4.00
Biological processes of the oceans, including primary and secondary production, trophodynamics, plankton diversity, zooplankton ecology, ecosystems and global ocean dynamics. Field trips on R/V Gulf Challenger and to the Jackson Estuarine Laboratory. Prereq: one year of biology or permission of the instructor. (Also offered as ESCI 750.) Special fee. Lab. (Not offered every year.)
ZOOL 751 - Research in Marine Biology
Credits: 6.00
Introduction to the adaptations of organisms to marine environments and the role these adaptations have in structuring marine communities using an experimental approach. Emphasis is on experimental design, implementation, data analysis and scientific presentations. Offered in cooperation with Cornell University. Prereq: one year of college-level biology. Additional experience in ecology or physiology is recommended. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.) (Available in 2008)
ZOOL 753 - Marine Vertebrates
Credits: 6.00
Lectures, laboratory work, and fieldwork on the systematics, ecology, and physiology of fishes, marine reptiles, marine birds, and marine mammals of the Gulf of Maine. Offered in cooperation with Cornell University. Prereq: field marine science or vertebrate biology. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.) (Not offered in 2008)
ZOOL 760 - Practical Oceanography
Credits: 7.00
A six-week program aboard a sail-training/oceanographic vessel offered through affiliation with the Sea Education Association. Includes daily on-board lectures by the scientific staff. Students are required to formulate a research plan and then collect, analyze and present data on the biological, geological, chemical and physical oceanography of the waters sailed during the program. Student's written reports are added to the SEA-maintained database. Prereq: One year of biology or permission of Zoology faculty and successful completion of the shore component of the SEA program. (Offered through SEA of Woods Hole, Massachusetts.)
ZOOL 772 - Fisheries Biology
Credits: 4.00
Principles of fisheries science, with emphasis on techniques used to assess the biological characteristics of exploited fish populations, and the use of such information for fisheries management. Prereq: ZOOL 710 or equivalent; permission. Lab. (Not offered every year.)
ZOOL 773 - Physiology of Fish
Credits: 4.00
Investigation of the physiological processes responsible for maintaining homeostasis in fishes. Focus is on the function and regulation of the major organ systems during stress and environmental adaptation. Topics include reproduction, osmoregulation, digestion, endocrinology and sensory perception. Prereq: ZOOL 625 or equivalent;/ or permission.
ZOOL 775 - Reproduction and Development of Marine Invertebrates
Credits: 6.00
Cultivation, experimental and descriptive embryology, developmental energetics, substrate selection, metamorphosis, and ecological significance of reproductive patterns in major invertebrate groups. Prereq: ZOOL 674 (UNH), Biol Sci 364 (Cornell), or invertebrate zoology. Offered in cooperation with Cornell University. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab; not offered every year.) (Not offered in 2008)
ZOOL 795E - Special Problems in Zooplankton Ecology
Credits: 2.00
ZOOL 795T - Special Problems in Underwater Research
Credits: 2.00