Course Syllabus

Welcome to Maine Environment Sea

Fall 2024

Dr. Bushmann

 

This course will explore marine sciences, especially as they relate to Maine's environment.  The course is an elective, intended for anyone with an interest in Maine's oceans.  Students will learn about research methods and techniques, Maine's marine wildlife and changes and threats to Maine's marine environment.  Students will gather and analyze data, research important topics often of their choosing, give presentations and participate in group discussions. The class takes advantage of our coastal campus and bases our work at field sites close to school.

 

Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry darn helpful

 

Goals:

  • Gain an understanding of marine biology with an emphasis on wildlife found in Maine
  • Gain an understanding of Maine's marine ecosystem in relation to basic ecological principles
  • Gain a basic understanding of how marine research is conducted in the field and lab, with special attention to plankton collections and cataloging life along local rocky shores
  • Present research in a timed, well-prepared presentation

Grading and assessment

Students will be assessed on their ability to think critically about complex issues and are expected to engage enthusiastically with the class material. Students will be assessed on their ability to record data and relevant scientific information.

Grades will be based on the number of points earned out of the total number of points possible.  The points will be spread between four types of work. 

 

Smaller assignments and class activities (about 50% of total points)

Two research projects (about 25%)

Lab activities (about 25%)

 

Texts and reading materials used:

- Shumway, Scott W. A Naturalist’s Guide to the Atlantic Seashore

 

 

 

Late work:  All late work must in handed in within one week of the original due date.  Any work not handed in at that time will receive a permanent zero.  The final date of each assignment will be posted in Canvas as a "closed by" date. 

Late work due to an excused absence will be worth full credit but will still be subject to the one-week rule. 

The final grade on late work not due to an absence (i.e. just not done on time) will drop by 10 percentage points (e.g. an assignment graded at 93% will earn a late score of 83%). 

Required:  Laboratory safety sheet signed by yourself and parent/guardian.  UNSAFE LAB BEHAVIOR WILL RESULT IN YOUR REMOVAL FROM THE LAB ACTIVITY WITH A GRADE OF ZERO FOR THAT WORK.  If this happens, you must visit with me after school to reassess your eligibility to return to lab work.

All safety rules apply when we are working in the lab or in the field. 

Basic Rules of the Classroom: 

  1. No food or drink in the classroom without permission EXCEPT water in a container with a secure lid which is always welcome.
  2. Signing out for bathroom or drinking fountain: ONLY with permission.  I will not give permission when I’m talking or you are needed in the classroom.  Wait for breaks in the activities of class to ask. When you sign out your name and the destination and times MUST be legible.  Sign out privileges may be ended for someone who repeatedly leaves an illegible sign-out. 
  3. Nurse visits with a written note from me only.
  4. Cheating/copying will be taken seriously. Please refer to the Academic Honesty Policy of the science department. 
  5. Cell phone use with permission only.