SMS 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 111: Concepts in Oceanography Laboratory (1 credit)

This course will support SMS 110: Concepts in Oceanography through laboratories on physical, chemical, and biological oceanography topics.  Labs will include studies of marine organism from the Gulf of Maine, computer-based labs using online data, and use of laboratory equipment to measure various parameters.  May not be used for credit in the Marine Science major. (Offered at the Fredrick Hutchinson Center, Belfast through the Continuing Education Division.) Course will include field trips during class hours and on weekends.

 

 

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 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 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 Officer (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 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.

SMS 374: Deep Sea Biology (3 credits)

70% of this planet is ocean, and 90% of that ocean lies at depths beyond human reach without significant technological help.  The Deep-sea is arguably the largest ecosystem on the planet. This course will provide an introduction to scientific exploration and study of deep ecosystems and organisms around the world. Topics considered will be broad, covering historical aspects of deep-sea discovery, the physical environment, how organisms function at depth, specific environments and ecosystems (e.g. hydrothermal vents, seamounts, cold-water coral ecosystems) and human uses of the deep-sea.

Prerequisites: BIO 100 or BIO 222 or SMS 100

SMS 375: Introduction to Marine Science Data Analysis and Computer Programming (3 credits)

An introduction to the exploration, management, analysis, and graphical visualization of large data sets used in marine sciences and the computer programming tools that make this possible. Focuses on the widely used programming language and data analysis package MATLAB. A hands-on skills-oriented course with no exams: uses explanatory lectures, on-line and in-class tutorials/exercises and a student-driven term project.

Prerequisites: STS 232 and SMS 204 or permission

400 level courses

SMS 400: Capstone Research Experience in Marine Science (1-3 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 junior or senior standing.

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

Seminar required of all SMS students, preferably in the junior year 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.

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 their senior year

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 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 483: Ecology of Zooplankton and Ichthyoplankton (4 credits)

This course presents the world of zooplankton (including larval fish), how we study it, and our current understanding of zooplankton’s role in marine ecosystems. Students receive training in taxonomy and identification, sampling techniques and measurement of rate processes used in determining zooplankton fluxes and population dynamics. Fundamental concepts about biodiversity, trophic ecology, population dynamics, recruitment, and the influence of climate change on pelagic ecosystems are examined. Students participate in plankton monitoring at coastal stations and learn to sample and identify local zooplankton and planktonic stages of fish. Readings include research in the primary literature. The goal is to provide students with an experience of the richness and complexity of zooplankton in their natural environment while learning ecological concepts, methodology, and critical analysis of data.

This course fulfills 20 hours of the SMS field requirement.

SMS 483 was offered previously as SMS 491 (Special Topics). Students may not take this course for credit if they already took the Special Topics version with the same title.

Prerequisites: SMS 100, MAT 126, and STS 232

SMS 484: Estuarine Oceanography(4 credits)

The course examines the principles of oceanography as seen in estuaries, with emphases on land-sea interactions and human impacts. We address how geomorphology, rivers, tides, and human alterations control the physical and biological properties of estuarine water column and benthic habitats. Fieldwork in mid-coast Maine estuaries includes visits to various habitat types, especially those with human impacts, and hydrographic surveys that use various water, sediment and biota samplers, field sensors, laboratory and modeling approaches. Students will emerge with the environmental context that controls growth of estuarine organisms – both wild and cultured.

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 (Arr.)

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.

500 level courses

SMS 500: Marine Biology (4 Credits)

Examines the biology of marine organisms including their diversity, disstribution, form, and function within a broader context of evolutionary adapttion to the marine environment. Emphasizes scaling of physiological and ecological processes and the biology of facclimation and adaptation in representative marine taxa including microbes, primary producers, invertebrates, fishes, and marine mammals. Includses one weekend field trip to Darling Marine Center.

Prerequisites & Notes: Required for Marine Biology graduate students. Open to other graduate students in related disciplines and exceptionally well-prepared undergraduates with permission from instructor.

SMS 501: Biological Oceanography (3 Credits)

Marine organisms and their interrelationships with chemical, geological and physical aspects of their environments.

Prerequisites & Notes: BIO 319 or equivalent or permission.

 

SMS 513: Broadening the Impacts of Research (2 credits)

Online community of practice will hone professional skills.  Deconstruction of scientific concepts for broad audiences.  Communication of research using various media.  Designing projects with effective broader impacts components.

Prerequisites and Notes: At least one year of graduate study in science or engineering.

SMS 516: Marine Phytoplankton (3 Credits)

Biology and ecology of marine phytoplankton, (particularly of the Gulf of Maine), with emphasis on quantitative aspects of growth, production and distribution in space and time.

Prerequisites & Notes: MAT 126, SMS 501 or equivalent.

SMS 520: Chemical Oceanography (3 Credits)

Distribution and cycling of elements in the marine system with emphasis on geochemical and biochemical interactions.

Prerequisites & Notes: CHY 121, CHY 123.

SMS 525: Marine Biogeochemistry (3 Credits)

Biogeochemistry and benthic-pelagic coupling of nutrients, organic substances, and trace elements in the marine system. Emphasis on coastal and sedimentary regimes.

Prerequisites & Notes: SMS 520.

SMS 528: Advanced Phycology (3 Credits)

Current and classic discoveries including classification, the theories of primary and secondary endosymbiosis, toxic algae and circadian rhythms.

Prerequisites & Notes: SMS 373 or concurrently, or equivalent, or permission of instructor.

SMS 531: Coral Reefs (3 Credits)

An exploration of the combined geological, physical, chemical and biological factors that make coral reefs among the most diverse and productive systems in the world. Examines biology, taxonomy and ecological interactions of dominant reef organisms. Explores modern reef processes such as primary productivity, competition, predation and herbivory along with some geological processes such as the role of sea level in reef formation and growth.

Prerequisites & Notes: BIO 353 or SMS 480 or permission.

SMS 533: Quantitative Genetics (3 Credits)

Covers the biological and statistical principles underlying the experimental approaches used to distinguish genetic and environmental sources of variation in quantitative traits. Topics include an intensive coverage of quantitative genetic theory, application of statistical methodologies for estimating the genetic contribution to quantitative traits, the application of quantitative genetic methodologies to studies in applied breeding and evolution and advanced topics, such as marker-based analysis and quantitative trait loci mapping.

Prerequisites & Notes: BIO 462 or BIO 465 or SMS 425 or permission.

SMS 540: Satellite Oceanography (3 Credits)

An overview of the use of remote sensing technologies for making measurements of the marine environment. Introduces the various sensors used by oceanographers, their background, the principles behind their operation and measurement retrieval. Emphasis will be placed on readings from the prime oceanography literature and biogeophysical applications of the data, their analysis, advantages and limitations rather than physical/optical theory.

Prerequisites & Notes: SMS 501 and SMS 541 or permission.

SMS 541: Physical Oceanography (3 Credits)

Covers physical properties of sea water, waves and tides, distribution of variables, dynamics, water masses and the general circulation.

Prerequisites & Notes: MAT 126, PHY 121, PHY 122 or permission.

SMS 550: Fisheries Oceanography (3 Credits)

The influences of physical and biological processes at various temporal and spatial scales on survival, growth, abundance, transport, and distribution of marine fishes and invertebrates are studies. Emphasis is on species of commercial or recreational importance. Lec 2, Rec 1.

Prerequisites & Notes: SMS 501 or SMS 541.

SMS 552: Coupled Natural & Human Systems (3 Credits)

This is a strongly interdisciplinary course concerned with the intersection between natural and social systems and is a basic introduction to complex adaptive systems. It addresses the question of how we can use our new understanding of complex systems to better adapt human behavior to the natural environment.

Prerequisites & Notes: Permission

SMS 553: Institutions and the Management of Common Pool Resources (3 Credits)

Focuses on the various social science theories concerning the generation of institutions and rules including action theory, the IAD approach (Institutional Analysis and Development), rational choice theory and topics from political economy. Emphasis will be placed on the development of institutions governing the use of fisheries with some discussion of the management of other common pool resources such as forests, rangeland, air and petroleum reserves. (SMS 553 and ANT 553 are identical.)

Prerequisites & Notes: senior or graduate standing or permission.

 

SMS 557: Coastal Processes and Coastal Zone Management (3 Credits)

Processes in specific near-shore environments like beaches, tidal flats, estuaries and shelves are discussed in terms of historic and encroaching human impacts. Case histories of successes and failures of attempts to live with coastal processes are presented.

Prerequisites & Notes: permission of instructor.

SMS 562: Fisheries Population Dynamics (3 Credits)

Fisheries stock assessment theory and techniques with emphasis on estimating vital fisheries population parameters and biological reference points and conducting stock assessment for commercially exploited marine fisheries populations.

Prerequisites & Notes: A course each in ecology, statistics and calculus.

SMS 567: Knowledge and Participation in the Science Policy Process (3 Credits)

Environmental policy decisions should be based on the best available information, while at the same time allowing for public input.   Stakeholder engagement in science and management is increasingly promoted to improve policy-making outcomes.  This seminar examines these two dimensions of the science policy process: how knowledge is produced and used in decision-making and the role of non-experts, including stakeholders, in this process.  Through readings of the literature and case studies in marine policy, the course will explore topics such as the social construction of scientific knowledge, the role of science and scientists in policy-making, public understanding of science, non-expert participation in science and policy, and local ecological knowledge and other forms of expertise.

Prerequisites and Notes: Graduate student standing or permission.

SMS 585: Marine System Modeling (3 Credits)

Covers ocean circulation models, coupled atmosphere-ocean models, sea ice models, modeling oceanic carbon and nutrient cycles, and marine ecosystem models: beginning with theory, followed by model development and the most recent research results. Examines model representation of interactions among physical, chemical and biological processes in the ocean. Term project required.

Prerequisites & Notes: permission of instructor.

SMS 591: Dynamical Oceanography I (3 Credits)

Covers physical principals fundamental to the study of the oceans; the equations of motion for rotating fluids; circulation theorem and conservation of potential vorticity; scale analysis, boundary conditions; surface gravity waves; rotation effects in homogeneous oceans.

Prerequisites & Notes: SMS 541 or equivalent.

SMS 595: Data Analysis Methods in Marine Sciences (3 Credits)

Provides theoretical and computational guidance on techniques commonly used indataanalysis. The first half of the course covers regression methods and the second half covers time series analysis and digital filters. Real data will be used to illustrate the practical aspects of the subject with emphasis on developing a hands-on understanding of the methods and correct interpretation of results.

Prerequisites & Notes: MAT 126 or equivalent.

SMS 597: Independent Study (1-3 Credits)

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

Prerequisites & Notes: permission of instructor.

SMS 598: Special Topics in Marine Science (1-3 Credits)

A graduate-level readings, lecture, seminar or laboratory course covering timely topics in Marine Science. May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites & Notes: permission of instructor.

600 level courses

SMS 618: Particle Dynamics in Aquatic Systems (3 Credits)

Examines the physical, chemical and biological genesis of particle matter in the ocean and large lake systems, the important role of particle matter in the majority of aquatic biogeochemical processes and the geological significance of particle flux in marine and lacustrine environments.

Prerequisites & Notes: SMS 501, SMS 520.

SMS 683: Internship in Marine Policy (1-6 Credits)

Professional experience with a marine resource management organization. Students must submit a plan approved by the graduate coordinator of the Marine Policy Program and the sponsoring organization. Reports and readings will be required.

Prerequisites & Notes: permission.

SMS 691: Marine Science Seminar (1 Credits)

Student seminars on their own research or current topics in marine science.

Prerequisites & Notes: none.

SMS 692: Problems in Marine Science I (Ar)

Directed studies of current problems in marine science. (Fall.)

Prerequisites & Notes: permission.

SMS 693: Problems in Marine Science II (Ar)

Directed studies of current problems in marine science. (Spring.)

Prerequisites & Notes: permission.

SMS 697: Readings in Marine Science (Ar)

A graduate level reading course on a topic arranged between the instructor and the student. May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites & Notes: permission..

SMS 699: Graduate Thesis / Research (Ar)

Graduate Thesis

Prerequisites & Notes: None.