Undergraduate Curriculum

100 level courses

SMS 100: Introduction to Ocean Science (3 credits)

A non-laboratory survey of the broad field of marine science, stresses the interconnections among aspects of oceanography, marine biology and ecology, living marine resources and human interactions with the marine environment. Practical applications of basic scientific principles are stressed.Satisfies the General Education Applications of Scientific Knowledge and Population and the Environment Requirements.

Prerequisites & Notes: none

SMS 108: Beaches and Coasts (3 credits)

An introduction to coastal landforms, including beaches, salt marshes, tidal flats and sea cliffs, their origins, global distribution, and associated nearshore processes. Human impacts to the coastal zone, including coastal erosion, land loss and management, and human responses to sea-level change are considered. One day field trip. Lec 3. (This course is identical to ERS 108.) Satisfies the General Education Applications of Scientific Knowledge and Population and the Environment Requirements.

Prerequisites & Notes: None

SMS 110: Concepts in Oceanography (3 credits)

Basic concepts in physical, geological, chemical and biological oceanography will be discussed. Also includes an introduction to the relationship between the ocean and the atmosphere. Ends with a discussion of global change issues. Practical applications of basic scientific principles will be emphasized. May not be used for credit in the Marine Science major. (Offered at the Frederick Hutchinson Center, Belfast through the Continuing Education Division.)Satisfies the General Education Applications of Scientific Knowledge Requirement. Lec 3.

Prerequisites & Notes: None

SMS 120: Introduction to Forensics (3 credits)

An overview of current concepts and techniques associated with the investigation of crime. Emphasis is placed on scientific methodologies and on issues associated with criminal justice. Focused examples highlight the limitations of investigative practices.Satisfies the General Education Application of Scientific Knowledge Requirement.

Prerequisites & Notes: None

200 level courses

SMS 201: Biology of Marine Organisms (3 credits)

An introduction to the diversity, form, and function of marine organisms, and to marine environments and ecological processes. After a synopsis of the major groups of marine microorganisms, algae, plants, and animals, the course emphasizes the relationship between their structure (anatomy and morphology) and function (physiology). The course concludes by considering diverse marine habitats and ecosystems (rocky intertidal, estuaries and salt marshes, mudflats, coral reefs, open ocean, continental shelf and slope, deep sea), accentuating the physical factors (temperature, salinity and desiccation, solar radiation, oxygen) and biotic interactions (predation, competition, symbiosis) that structure these ecosystems. Lec 3.

Prerequisites & Notes: BIO 100 and SMS 100.

SMS 203: Introduction to Integrative Marine Science (1 credit)

Using examples from current marine science research, students explore the nature of inquiry, elements of experimental design, data presentation, elementary statistics, and interpretation of scientific papers. Emphasis is placed on developing science writing skills and learning to read primary literature. Hands on activities introduce basic concepts in the biology of marine organisms. Marine science and aquaculture majors only. Satisfies the General Education Writing Intensive Requirement.

Prerequisites & Notes: Grade of C- or higher in SMS 100 and BIO 100 or permission; Corequisite: SMS 201, may be waived with permission.

SMS 204: Integrative Marine Science II: Physics and Chemistry of Marine Systems (2 credits)

Integrates basic principles of physics and chemistry with an understanding of the marine environment and how marine organisms function in their environment. The lectures, with integrated laboratory exercises and computer simulations in physics and chemistry, are designed to stimulate critical thinking and provide students with specific skills relevant to studying marine habitats. The first half of the semester will focus on physics; topics include swimming strategies and physics of fluids; waves, and propagation of sound and light in the ocean. The second half of the semester will focus on water quality in coastal marine ecosystems; topics include the role of water quality in marine ecosystems and measurement of marine water quality. Data collection, analysis, and presentation skills are emphasized. Lec 2.

Prerequisites & Notes: MAT 122, SMS 203 and a lab course in biology, chemistry (preferred) or physics or permission.

SMS 211: Introduction to Aquaculture (3 credits)

Principles and practices of aquaculture from international, national and local perspectives. Includes field trip. Satisfies the General Education Applications of Scientific Knowledge Requirement. Lec 3.

Prerequisites & Notes: None

SMS 220: Introduction to Marine Resources (2 credits)

An overview of current issues and knowledge relating to marine resources including socio-legal concerns, resource utilization, environmental quality, and the impact of marine trades. Limited to first and second year students. Lec 2.

Prerequisites & Notes: None

SMS 230: Introduction to Marine Policy and Fisheries Management (3 credits)

This course focuses on the human dimensions of ocean conservation and management, with emphasis on marine fisheries management in the United States. Students will be introduced to a variety of tools and policy approaches for managing complex marine ecosystems. Discussion and readings will highlight current and historical challenges facing oceans management, as well as the role of scientists and other stakeholders in marine conservation. Potential issues addressed include ecosystem-based management, fishing communities, collective action dilemmas, bycatch and gear technology, marine protected areas and habitat, marine mammal and protected species conservation, aquaculture policy, and global climate change. Satisfies the General Education Population and Environment Requirement.

Prerequisites & Notes: none

300 level courses

SMS 300: Marine Ecology (3 credits)

An introduction to fundamental ecological principles in the context of marine communities. Uses examples from marine ecosystems to illustrate general principles of general ecology such as predation, competition, and nutrient cycling. Focuses on the ecology of major marine ecosystems such as estuaries, sea shores and benthic communities and on aspects of applied ecology such as fisheries management. Includes two days of field work at the Darling Marine Center. Not open to students who have taken BIO 319 or WLE 200.

Prerequisites & Notes: BIO 200 or SMS 201.

SMS 302: Oceanography (3 credits)

Introduces geological, chemical, physical and biological oceanography. Topics include plate tectonics and evolution of ocean basins, physical and chemical characteristics of sea water, atmosphere-ocean coupling, two- and three-dimensional oceanic circulation, waves and tides, sedimentation, marine organisms, productivity, marine ecosystems, biological-physical coupling, biogeochemical cycles. Two weekend field trips (required) introduce oceanographic methods and provide application of concepts. Lec 3.

Prerequisites & Notes: CHY 122, PHY 112 or PHY 122, SMS 100.

SMS 303: Integrative Marine Science III: Oceanography (2 credits)

Integrates the principles and methodologies behind planning and executing field and laboratory procedures to collect scientific measurements with approaches to data analysis, interpretation and scientific presentation. It does this specifically within the context of oceanography. A mixture of integrated laboratory exercises, field trips and computer simulations designed to illustrate the end-to-end process of proposing, planning, carrying out, analyzing, interpreting and reporting on (written and oral) scientific measurements. Meets for 4 hours per week and includes one weekend field trip.

Prerequisites & Notes: CHY 122, MAT 126, PHY 112 or PHY 122, SMS 203, SMS 204 or permission.

SMS 304: Integrative Marine Science IV: Comparative Physiology, Cellular and Molecular Biology (2 credits)

Integrates the principles and methodologies of physiology, cell and molecular biology and population genetics using marine models. Includes lectures, integrated laboratory exercises and gene analysis. Designed to illustrate the application of physiology, cellular and molecular biological techniques to the study of marine systems. Students will participate in hands-on laboratory exercises and data analysis, interpretation and reporting (written and oral).

Prerequisites & Notes: BMB 280 and SMS 303 or permission.

SMS 306: Field Marine Ecology (4 credits)

An overview of the major coastal habitats and communities in Maine, including sand dunes, salt marshes, mud flats, sea grass meadows, exposed rocky shores, sheltered rocky shores, tide pools and estuaries. Emphasis will focus on distributions (including disjunct species), natural history, adaptation and ecology of important organisms occupying, influencing or regulating these communities. NOTE: Because of overlap, BIO/SMS 306 and BIO/SMS 475 cannot both be taken for degree credit. (This course is identical to BIO 306.) Satisfies the General Education Writing Intensive Requirement. Lec 2, Lab/field 4.

Prerequisites & Notes: One year of biology or equivalent; recommended BIO 210, BIO 319, SMS 300 or WLE 200.

SMS 309: Techniques in Shellfish Aquaculture (2 credits)

Residential course taught at the University’s Darling Marine Center. Explores the theory and practice of marine bivalve culture as conducted in the Northeastern U.S. Includes lectures, considerable “hands-on” experience, and field trips to commercial hatcheries and farms.

Prerequisites & Notes: General knowledge in biology or relevant work experience.

SMS 321: Introduction to Fisheries Science (3 credits)

Introduction to the assessment, management, conservation and exploitation of fisheries resources of commercial and recreational importance. Lec 3.

Prerequisites & Notes: BIO 100 or SMS 100 or permission.

SMS 322: Biology of Marine Vertebrates (3 credits)

The taxonomy, phylogeny and diversity of marine fishes, reptiles, birds and mammals. Comparative functional morphology, physiology, sensory systems, ecology, behavior and life history strategies in relation to characteristics of the diverse marine habitats occupied by vertebrate animals. Distributions, population trends and impacts of human exploitation.

Prerequisites & Notes: BIO 200 or SMS 201.

SMS 324: Introduction to Research Diving (3 credits)

This course provides an introduction to research diving and satisfies the 100 hours of required training for scientific divers as prescribed by the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS). This training is required to participate in scientific diving activities at many universities, including UMaine, and at all AAUS member organizations throughout the United States. Students will be instructed in advanced diving skills, dive rescue, oxygen administrations, and research diving techniques. Practical field diving activities will be a large focus of the course. Following successful completion of course objectives, students will be eligible to participate in diving research projects as a scientific diver-in-training or scientific diver. Students may also be eligible to apply for applicable recreational diving certifications. Participation is not a guarantee of certification. The course is taught by the UMaine Diving Safety Offieer (DSO), selected UMaine faculty, and guest lecturers experienced in using scuba diving as a research tool. Field trips during class time are required. Transportation to Orono for pool sessions will be provided.

Prerequisites & Notes: none.

SMS 330: Descriptive Physical Oceanography (3 credits)

A comprehensive introduction to descriptive physical oceanography. Topics considered will range in scale from global to estuarine, and from decades to seconds. The course emphasis is the characterization of physical oceanic features and phenomena, how and why they arise and their practical importance.

Prerequisites & Notes: PHY 121, PHY 122.

SMS 350: Undergraduate Seminar (1-3 credits)

Literature review of topics selected from the current marine literature leading to the preparation and presentation of written and oral papers. Emphasis on synthesizing information from other courses offered as part of the marine science degree to provide an overall appreciation of the field of marine sciences.

Prerequisites & Notes: junior or senior standing.

SMS 352: Semester-by-the-Sea: Marine Ecology (4 credits)

Marine communities and ecological interactions are studied through lectures, field trips along the rocky shore of Maine and laboratories. Concepts of bio-diversity, the food web and the role of physical and biological limiting factors are developed. Critical and creative thinking and problem solving are enhanced by designing and conducting experiments to test hypotheses. Data analysis and report writing are emphasized. (Taught at the Darling Marine Center.) Lec 2, Lab 4.

Prerequisites & Notes: none.

SMS 354: Thinking About the Ocean: A Question-based Approach to Learning Marine Sciences (3 credits)

The purpose of the course is to challenge students to apply their knowledge of the marine science to answer questions about the ocean. The course is organized around a broad theme such as whales. Students then select a few broad questions such as “why do whales migrate” and “how will bowhead whales respond to climate change?” Students will work together to answer the questions, and will be encouraged to apply information from their introductory coursework and readings from the primary literature. These questions are designed to connect the theme to basic concepts from oceanography and biology, and topics will include: ocean biology and productivity, climate change, and evolution.

Prerequisites & Notes: BIO 100, SMS 100 and SMS 201.

SMS 373: Marine and Freshwater Algae (4 credits)

A comprehensive introduction to the algae (freshwater and marine), including their evolution, physiology, life histories, and ecology. All aspects of the course emphasize the fundamental roles of the algae in shaping the evolution of other life on Earth and determining characteristics of different ecosystems and foodwebs. Laboratory work will emphasize the study of living material and include special projects and field trips. Students will become competent microscopists.

Prerequisites & Notes: BIO 200 or SMS 201 or permission.

400 level courses

SMS 400: Capstone Research Experience in Marine Science (1-4 credits)

Capstone research project or research paper for students obtaining the Bachelor of Science in marine science or in aquaculture. Marine Science majors must complete at least three credits of SMS 400 and one credit of SMS 404 to satisfy the Capstone requirement for graduation. Aquaculture majors opting for SMS 400 must also take SMS 401 to meet the requirements for the Capstone Experience. SMS 400 and SMS 404 or SMS 401 together satisfy the General Education Writing Intensive and Capstone Experience Requirements.

Prerequisites & Notes: 12 credit hours of SMS courses and a minimum of 60 credit hours in all university courses (junior standing); students are advised to complete SMS 400 and SMS 404 during the senior year.

SMS 401: Critical Issues in Aquaculture (1 credit)

Current and historically important issues facing the development of the aquaculture industry. Issues related to aquaculture will be researched by students who will present the issues in a series of debates. Lec 1.

Prerequisites & Notes: SMS 211, SMS 409 and SMS 420.

SMS 402: Oceans and Climate Change (3 credits)

Stresses the interdisciplinary nature of marine science by focusing on comprehensive oceanographic and marine ecosystems that reinforce geological, chemical, physical and biological principles and their linkages. Roles of oceans in regulating global climate will be emphasized. Climatic forcing and its impact on ocean environments and marine ecosystems will be discussed. Variability in the oceans and processes at a range of spatial and temporal scales are considered. Topics include: global carbon cycle and climate change, thermohaline circulation, influence of oceanic and climatic processes on marine populations, world fisheries and marine ecosystems, El Nino and decadal climate variability, Gulf of Maine oceanography and living marine resources, human activities and their impact on the environment. Lec 3.

Prerequisites & Notes: SMS 100 and juior or senior standing.

SMS 404: Capstone Seminar in Marine Science (1 credit)

Seminar required of all SMS students, preferably in the semester when SMS 400 is first elected. Students will discuss selected special topics in marine sciences with emphasis on principles of scientific communication (e.g., process, traditional and electronic styles of publication, ethics). Students will develop and present synopses of their SMS 400 projects in the seminar using IT tools (e.g. PowerPoint for oral presentations and preparation of poster displays.Together with SMS 400, this course Satisfies the General Education Writing Intensive and Capstone Experience Requirements. Neither course alone fulfills the requirement.

SMS 409: Shellfish Aquaculture (3 credits)

Examination of shellfish production methods (including hatchery, nursery and growout phases) and underlying biological principles. Lec 3. (Spring-odd years.)

Prerequisites & Notes: BIO 100, SMS 211.

SMS 420: Fish Aquaculture I (3 credits)

Part I of a two semester sequence. A comprehensive examination of finfish production methods. Covers aspects of fish anatomy and physiological responses to intensive culture methods. Water sources and water quality parameters and their effects on fish health will be examined. Fish culture systems from extensive pond culture to intensive land based recirculation systems and their effects on the environment will be described. Aspects of fish production at all life stages, beginning with broodstock management in this course and ending with on-growing fish to market the following semester, will be studied. Students will participate in selected techniques in fish aquaculture i.e., anatomy of fish species, live food production for larval fish, diagnostic procedures, drug residue testing, fish handling and anesthesia, spawning techniques, egg incubation techniques and computer applications during five weekday afternoon laboratoreis and two all day field trips. (This course is identical to AVS 420.) (Offered Fall-even years.) Lec 2, Lab/Field 4.

Prerequisites & Notes: SMS 211.

SMS 421: Fish Aquaculture II (3 credits)

A continuation of SMS 420. A comprehensive examination of finfish production methods. Covers aspects of fish production at all life stages, beginning with broodstock management in the first semester course (AVS/SMS 420) and ending with on-growing of fish to market. Aspects of fish production to be studied will cover genetic selection, feeding, health management, fish farm structure, processing fish and environmental factors. Principles and examples of disease prevention and control, such as husbandry, treatment, vaccination, natural defenses and bio-security. Major diseases of farmed fish and control measures will be presented. Students will participate in selected techniques in fish aquaculture i.e., anatomy of fish species, live food production for larval fish, diagnostic procedures, drug residue testing, fish handling and anesthesia, spawning techniques, egg incubation techniques and computer applications during five weekday afternoon laboratories and two all day field trips .(Offered Spring-odd years.) Lec 2, Lab/Field 4.

Prerequisites & Notes: AVS 420 or SMS 420.

SMS 422: Biology of Fishes (3 credits)

A comprehensive course in evolution, morphology, physiology, life histories and ecology of fishes. Emphasis will be integrating knowledge of functional and physiological design to understand how fish function and how they have adapted to diverse environments.

Prerequisites & Notes: BIO 200 or SMS 201.

SMS 425: Applied Population Genetics (3 credits)

Covers the biological, mathematical and statistical principles of population genetics. Topics include a discussion of the role of mutation, migration, selection and inbreeding in structuring the genetic variation for both Mendelian and quantitative traits in natural and artificial populations. Emphasis is placed on both the theoretical and experimental approaches to the study of population genetics and the application and importance of population genetics to disciplines such as marine science, wildlife and conservation biology, ecology and animal husbandry, including aquaculture.

Prerequisites & Notes: BIO 100 or permission.

SMS 449: Engineering in Aquaculture (3 credits)

Introduction to the application of engineering principles and practices to the commercial culture of marine and freshwater plants and animals. No engineering or engineering technology majors. Rec 2, Lab 2.

Prerequisites & Notes: CHY 122 and SMS 211 or permission.

SMS 450: Field Experience in Marine Sciences (1-16 credits)

An approved field, research or work experience that contributes to the academic major and for which academic credit is given. The program of study is agreed upon by the student and the faculty advisor and may include independent research or work experience in the public or private sector. May also be taken as a field or laboratory supplement to an SMS lecture course and as such is required for certain courses offered as part of the Semester-by-the-Sea program. A written report or reports are required. (Pass/Fail Grade Only.)

Prerequisites & Notes: junior or senior standing.

SMS 467: Fish Nutrition and Feeding (3 credits)

Principles of nutrient requirements as they apply to fish. Feeding management of several commercially important species will be discussed.

Prerequisites & Notes: BMB 208 or CHY 122.

SMS 475: Field Marine Ecology (4 credits)

An overview of the major coastal habitats and communities in Maine including: sand dunes, salt marshes, mud flats, sea grass meadows, exposed rocky shores, sheltered rocky shores, tide pools and estuaries. Emphasis will focus on distributions (including disjunct species), natural history, adaptation and ecology of important organisms occupying, influencing or regulating these communities. NOTE: Because of overlap, BIO/SMS 306 and BIO/SMS 475 cannot both be taken for degree credit. (This course is identical to BIO 475.) Satisfies the General Education Writing Intensive Requirement and may be used to satisfy the Capstone Experience Requirement in degree programs in the Department of Biological Sciences. Lec 2, Lab/field 4.

Prerequisites & Notes: BIO 319, SMS 300 or equivalent; one year of biology or equivalent;a course in statistics is recommended.

SMS 480: Semester-by-the-Sea: Biology of Marine Invertebrates (4 credits)

Emphasis will be on body plan and design of marine invertebrates, including investigating how body design facilitates living in selected marine habitats. After a quick review of the marine phyla, lectures will discuss functional organization of invertebrates’ bodies, including embryology and development. Emphasis in the lab sessions is on identification of coastal Maine invertebrates. Lectures, labs and field trips are integrated into a single class experience that is taught one entire day per week at the Darling Marine Center. NOTE: Because of overlap, BIO 353 and SMS 480 cannot both be taken for degree credit.

Prerequisites & Notes: SMS 100 and SMS 201 or BIO 200.

SMS 481: Semester-by-the-Sea: Design of Marine Organisms: Momentum, Mass and Information Transfer (4 credits)

Students use flumes and other flow devices to gain an understanding of the principles of momentum and mass transfer and then to discover how they influence form and function in marine organisms. Lectures prepare students to conduct their own laboratory observations: abiotic flows and model living organisms interacting with flows. A final integration adds sensory ecology and unsteady flow behaviors. Applications range from bacteria to invertebrates and vertebrates. Lecture and laboratory are combined into a day-long class period. Taught at the Darling Marine Center.

Prerequisites & Notes: BIO 200 or SMS 201 and PHY 112 or PHY 122.

SMS 482: Semester-by-the-Sea: Human Impacts on the Ocean (3 credits)

Examines the manner in which humans influence oceanic processes and the ways in which humans can assess these influences. Surveys various case examples of influences (both suspected and well-documented) such as alteration of river inputs to the oceans, contamination by toxic materials, eutrophication and habitat alteration. Focuses on how scientists determine whether or not a perturbation of normal oceanic process has occurred, what the pre-human condition might have been and how we predict future changes. Taught at the Darling Marine Center.Satisfies the General Education Population and the Environment Requirement. Lec 3, field trips.

Prerequisites & Notes: SMS 302 or equivalent or permission.

SMS 485: Comparative Animal Physiology (3 credits)

A comparative approach to the functional adaptations of animals to diverse environments, with emphasis on underlying physiological and biochemical mechanisms. Lec 3.

Prerequisites & Notes: BIO 200 or SMS 201, a year of chemistry and junior standing.

SMS 491: Problems in Marine Science (Ar)

Undergraduate studies of current problems in marine science directed by individual faculty. May be experimental or theoretical independent research or directed readings by an individual student. May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites & Notes: permission of instructor.

SMS 497: Independent Study in Marine Science (1-4 Credits)

A readings, lecture, laboratory or seminar study course arranged between instructor and individual students, covering selected topics or areas within the field of Marine Science. May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites & Notes: permission of instructor.