Summer Session

MAR 104: Oceanography

Undergraduate 3 credits

DEC: E SBC: SNW

An examination of the World Ocean and the chemical, geological, biological, and physical processes that control its major features and the life that inhabits it. Students will also explore human interactions with the marine environment. This course has an associated fee when offered during the summer. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

MAR 106: Life in Our Ocean

Undergraduate 3 credits

SBC: SNW

This course dives into the basic concepts of marine biology, the study of the ocean and the diverse life forms that reside in the distinct habitats found there, with an emphasis on community- level relationships and interconnectedness. The course will also include an extensive discussion on ocean conservation, including threats facing marine life and policy solutions. This course is designed for an introductory level class for majors or non- science majors.

MAR 110: Shark Biology & Conservation

Undergraduate 3 credits

SBC: SNW

Sharks have lived in New York waters for millions of years and play an important role in balancing our intricate marine ecosystems. MAR 110 provides an in-depth exploration of the diversity, biology, and conservation of sharks, focusing on current scientific research and practical skills development. This short-term intensive course is specifically designed for both undergrads & motivated high school students wishing to earn college credit.

MAR 201: The Jaws Effect

Undergraduate 3 credits

SBC: STAS

In 2014, Christian Neff coined the term, "The Jaws Effect" - the trifecta of beliefs that sharks intentionally bite humans, that shark bites are always fatal, and that sharks should be killed in order to prevent future attacks. This course provides a review of why sharks are important to our marine ecosystems, the influence of the media on public perceptions, and the challenges behind shark conservation.

MAR 340: Envir Problems & Solutions

Undergraduate 3 credits

Prerequisites: U3 or U4 standing; one course in chemistry or biology

DEC: H SBC: STAS

A detailed examination of the scientific, social, and legal aspects of important environmental problems, including global climate change, the depletion of atmospheric ozone, acid rain, rain forests and the loss of biodiversity, and energy conservation, as well as case histories of problems such as the use of DDT, environmental carcinogens, and lead poisoning.

MAR 373: Marine Apex Predators

Undergraduate 3 credits

Prerequisite: BIO 201 and either BIO 202 or BIO 203

The removal of apex predators is one of the most pervasive impacts of humans on Earth's ecosystems. In the past few decades we have started to recognize how the loss of these species has caused substantial changes in terrestrial ecosystem diversity and function, mediated by changes in prey population dynamics and behavior. It is only recently that we have realized that changes in the abundance of apex predators in the ocean (e.g., sharks, marine mammals, tuna and other large predatory bony fish) may be causing similar changes in coastal and pelagic marine ecosystems. In this course we will (1) review the biology of key marine apex predators, (2) explore how 'top down' processes (predation and intimidation of prey) can influence marine ecosystems and (3) review the status of marine apex predators and how this relates to the current state of ocean ecosystems. We will draw from the primary literature, from both the terrestrial and marine realms, and host outside speakers who study these animals in the field.

MAR 392: Waste Management Issues

Undergraduate 3 credits

Prerequisites: GEO 101 or CHE 131 or ENS/PHY 119

DEC: H SBC: STAS

Conventional and innovative approaches to waste reduction, recycling, and reuse. The environmental impacts of waste on the terrestrial and marine environment are introduced as are the complex social, political, and scientific issues of making sound policy decisions.

MAR 531: Long Island Marine Habitats

Graduate 3 credits

Focusing on six representative marine environments around Long Island, this course emphasizes the natural history of local marine communities, as well as quantitative ecology, hypothesis testing, and scientific writing. Students visit the sites, measure environmental parameters, and identify the distribution and abundance of common plants and animals. Using qualitative and quantitative methods in the field and laboratory, the class determines major factors that control the community structure in each habitat. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information. Summer, 3 credits, ABCF grading