2007-08 Undergraduate Catalog
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705
 

Marine Science Consortium/Biology Department

College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Credit designation below each title is expressed in (c) class hours per week, (l) lab or (d) discussion section hours per week, and (cr) credits per semester.

IUP is not currently a member institution; students may register for courses offered through the Marine Science Consortium through any participating institution. For a listing, see www.msconsortium.org. 

MRSC 110 Introduction to Oceanography

var-3cr

An introduction to physical, chemical, biological, and geological aspects of oceans and methods and techniques of oceanography. Lab emphasis on at-sea assignments.

MRSC 211 Field Methods in Oceanography

var-3cr

Prerequisite: MRSC 110 or instructor permission

A familiarization with dynamic marine environment involving use and application of oceanographic instruments and sampling devices.

MRSC 212 Navigation

var-3cr

Prerequisite: Four years’ high school math or equivalent or instructor permission

Covers navigation, i.e., the art and science of safely bringing a vessel from one position to another in a body of water. Course divided into 1) brief historical background; 2) navigation within sight of land, i.e., piloting; and 3) navigation in the open sea, including electronic navigation methods.

MRSC 221 Marine Invertebrate Zoology

var-3cr

Prerequisite: One year of Biology or instructor permission

A study of marine invertebrates with emphasis on development, reproduction, structure, function, and classification of selected marine organisms.

MRSC 241 Marine Biology

var-3cr

Prerequisites: Botany and zoology or instructor permission

A study of plant and animal life in marine environment with emphasis on physical and chemical factors affecting biota.

MRSC 250 Management of Wetland Wildlife

var-3cr

The ecology and management of wetland wildlife, particularly of freshwater marshes and saltwater marshes. Special emphasis on ecosystem approach.

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MRSC 260 Marine Ecology

var-3cr

Prerequisite: One year of biology or instructor permission

A course in ecology of marine organisms.

MRSC 270 Scuba Diving

var-3cr

Prerequisites: Swimming ability and good health (a standard diving physical form will be mailed to students electing the course)

Students who complete course receive a National Association of Underwater Instructors Diver Certificate.

MRSC 280 Marine Field Biology

var-3cr

An introduction to basic principles of ecology and natural history of selected plants and animals in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments. Suitable for non-Science majors.

MRSC 281 Special Topics

var-1-3cr

Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content

Offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 281 are offered primarily for lower-level undergraduate students.

MRSC 331 Chemical Oceanography

var-3cr

Prerequisites: MRSC 110 and one year of Chemistry

Treatment of oceanic chemical phenomena by sampling and laboratory analysis techniques.

MRSC 342 Marine Botany

var-3cr

In-the-field studies and laboratory analysis by instrumentation of marine and marine fringe plants in the Middle Atlantic Coast as exemplified by those found in the Cape Henlopen, Delaware, and Wallops Island, Virginia areas.

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MRSC 343 Marine Ichthyology

var-3cr

Prerequisites: General Biology and/or instructor permission

A study of fishes. Specimens collected along Eastern Seaboard by students are used to illustrate anatomy, physiology, and systematics of this major vertebrate group. Field collections give student opportunity to observe relationships of these animals to the biotic and physical environment.

MRSC 344 Anatomy of Marine Chordates

var-3cr

Prerequisites: 6cr of Biology including General Zoology

Designed to familiarize students with various aspects of marine chordates.

MRSC 345 Marine Ornithology

var-3cr

Prerequisite: One year of Biology or instructor permission

Introduces avian fauna of seacoast and enables comparison with inland species. In addition to field work providing visual and vocal identification, lecture material includes information on distribution, behavior, physiology, and anatomy of birds.

MRSC 362 Marine Geology

var-3cr

Prerequisites: MRSC 110 and Physical Geology or instructor permission

Studies of structural and sedimentary environments of continental shelf, slopes, and ocean basins and crustal structure of the earth and its relation to sedimentary record and geologic history of oceans.

MRSC 364 Physical Oceanography

var-3cr

Prerequisites: MRSC 110, one year of Physics, one semester of calculus, and permission of the instructor

Includes consideration of physical properties, mass and energy budgets, theory of distribution of variables; cause, nature, measurement, analysis, and prediction of tides, currents, and waves; and basic instrumentation in the field.

MRSC 420 Marine Micropaleontology

var-3cr

Prerequisites: One year of Geology and Biology or instructor permission

Deals with modern, living representatives of microorganisms important in fossil record with particular emphasis on taxonomy, morphology, evolution, and ecologic affinities of representative groups.

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MRSC 431 Ecology of Marine Plankton

var-3cr

Prerequisite: One year of Biology

A study of phytoplankton and zooplankton in marine and brackish environments. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons made between the planktonic populations of various types of habitats in relation to primary and secondary productivity.

MRSC 459 Coastal Geomorphology

var-3cr

Prerequisite: One year of Geology

A study of coastal geomorphology with emphasis on Late Cenozoic and Pleistocene sea-level changes in response to worldwide continental glaciation. Participates in field studies of Pleistocene deposits and the weathering of these deposits.

MRSC 481 Special Topics

var-3cr

Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content

Offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 481 are offered primarily for upper-level undergraduate students.

MRSC 482 Independent Study

var-1-3cr

Prerequisite: Prior approval through advisor, faculty member, department chairperson, dean, and Provost’s Office

Students with interest in independent study of a topic not offered in the curriculum may propose a plan of study in conjunction with a faculty member. Approval is based on academic appropriateness and availability of resources.

MRSC 500 Problems in Marine Science

var-3cr

Graduate students or undergraduate students with advanced standing registering for this course may elect either of the following options.

Option A: Take a 200-, 300-, or 400-level MRSC course and complete, in addition to regular course requirements, a project in the area under direction of instructor.

Option B: Complete an independent research project. A research proposal must be approved by the Academic Committee of M.S.C. in advance of the time research is to be undertaken.

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