Marine Biology

Syllabus
Enterprise High School
1801 Boll Weevil Circle
Enterprise, Al 36330

Teacher: Crystal Krausz

Email: ckrausz@enterpriseschools.net
Phone: (334) 347-2640

Course Description: This course examines some of the greatest ocean explorers, the physical and chemical properties of sea
water, the ecological interactions and principles that are vital to understanding the ocean food web, evolution of marine life,
and all major marine phyla. The course increases awareness of the ocean as an extremely significant natural resource and
stresses conservation.
Course Objectives: Upon completion of the course, students will:
1.) Select appropriate equipment for scientific field investigations in marine environments.
Identifying patterns and relationships determined from collected data
Solving for unknown quantities by manipulating variables
2.) Differentiate among freshwater, brackish water, and saltwater.
3.) Describe physical characteristics of oceans, including topography of the ocean floor, plate tectonics, wave motion, depth, and
pressure.
4.) Recognize interactions between the atmosphere and the ocean.
Describing how waves, ocean currents, and tides are generated
5.) Discuss physical and chemical properties of saltwater.
Examples:
- physicalturbidity, temperature, density;
- chemicalsalinity, pH, dissolved gases
6.) Describe components of major marine ecosystems, including estuaries, coral reefs, benthic communities, and open-ocean
communities.
7.) Identify patterns and interrelationships among producers, consumers, scavengers, and decomposers in a marine ecosystem.
8.) Describe characteristics of marine plant and algae divisions.
Describing commercial, economical, and medicinal values of marine plants and algae
9.) Arrange various forms of marine life from most simple to most complex.
Classifying marine organisms using binomial nomenclature
Identifying characteristics of ocean-drifting organisms
Examples: phytoplankton, zooplankton
Identifying characteristics of marine invertebrates
Examples: Protozoa, Porifera, Coelenterata, Arthropoda
Identifying characteristics of marine vertebrates
Examples: fishes, reptiles, birds, mammals
Identifying characteristics of marine plants
Examples: algae, seaweed
Describing adaptations in the marine environment
10.Describe the anatomy and physiology of representative aquatic organisms.

 Identifying different aquatic species using dichotomous keys

11.Describe positive and negative effects of human influence on marine environments.
Examples:
- positivereef restoration, protection of endangered species;
- negativepollution, overfishing
12.Identify various careers related to marine science.
1.
I.

II.

III.

IV.
V.

VI.

Classroom Expectations:
a. All school policies will be followed for this course.
b. We will be using electronic devices in this class. Your signature below shows me that that you understand
all media rules and regulations for Enterprise City Schools and that you will follow all of the rules.
c. There is to be no food or drink in the classroom.
d. Come to class prepared.
e. Turn in assignments on time whether it is in person or via email.
f. Students are expected to treat each other with respect in both words and actions.
g. Any attempt by a student to receive credit for work that they did not perform themselves, such as
plagiarism or copying, will result in a zero on the assignment. Parents of the students will be notified of
any such action.
h. Discipline for unacceptable behaviors: Students not following rules will be warned one time about their
unacceptable behavior. The next time that behavior is exhibited there will be a parental phone call and or a
student will be sent to an administrator with a discipline referral.
Grading Policy: Grades will be calculated using a points system where daily grades and homework assignments
count less than major assignments such as chapter tests or projects. The grading scale is as follows: A (90-100), B
(80-89), C (70-79), D (60-69), and F (0-59). Grades are a reflection of mastery of the standards. Make sure that all
absences are taken care of in a timely manner as work can only be made up for a maximum of three days after the
absence. The final exam will count for 1/5 of the final grade for the course.
a. Lab Work: Labs cannot be made up as they are very time consuming. The student will have enough time in
advance of notice of labs. An alternative assignment will be determined that must be completed. The
student is in charge of making arrangements with me on the day that they return. You will have three days
to make arrangements before a zero is earned.
b. Late Work: If work is not turned in at the beginning of the class on the due date, it is late. You will have until
the following class to turn it in for 50% of the allotted points. After that time a zero will be earned.
c. The 'Dog Ate My Homework' Clause: Assignments assigned in class or through Edmodo must be turned in
on time according to the deadline dates given. No excuses will ever be accepted due to: no internet
access, broken printers, lack of ink, lack of paper, broken/lost computer, no wifi. If something breaks,
please do your assignment with a paper and pencil.
i. EHS has a wonderful Media Center in which you may utilize computers and printers before
school, during lunch, during Flex Block, and after school. If you need a hall pass, please see me.
Make-Up Test Policy: Students are responsible for scheduling a time to take their make-up test with me during the
three day window after the absence occurred. Since a monthly calendar will be handed out and posted online, each
student will know of all major quiz and test dates at least a week ahead of time. It is suggested that those quizzes or
tests be made up previous to the student's absence.
Text and Other Required Reading:
d. Marine Biology, Sixth Ed, by Castro and Huber
Materials and Supplies Needed:
a. Notebook paper
b. Graph paper (suggested)
c. Notebook to store your class notes in (with pockets)
d. Composition Notebook (to be kept in classroom for vocabulary, drawings, ethics assignments and lab
reports)
e. Pencils
f. Blue or Black pen (no other colors acceptable)
Lab Fee: This course requires a $16 lab fee to assist with materials for laboratory experiences in the classroom as
well as outside. If the student receives reduced lunch, the lab fee cost is $8. If the student receives free lunch, the
lab fee is waived.

VII.
Course Outline:
Week
Chapter
#:
Reference:

Topics Covered:

NA

Lab Safety & Measurements

The Sea Floor

Chemical and Physical Features of Seawater and the World Ocean

Fundamentals of Biology

The Microbial World

Multicellular Primary Producers: Seaweeds and Plants

Marine Animals without a Backbone

Marine Animals without a Backbone

Marine Fishes

10

Marine Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals

11

10

An Introduction to Marine Ecology

12

11

Between the Tides

13

12

Estuaries: Where Rivers Meet the Sea

14

13

Life on the Continental Shelf

15

14

Coral Reefs

16

15

Life Near the Surface

17

16

The Ocean Depths

18

17, 18, 19

Oceans vs. Humans

19

Review & Final Exams Week

NOTE: The syllabus serves as a guide for both the teacher and the student; however, during the semester it may become
necessary to make additions, deletions, or substitutions. Adequate notice will be provided to students of any necessary
changes.