BIO 356 - Biology of Plankton and Lab

Institution:

Roger Williams University

Subject:

BIOLOGY

Description:

Fulfills a course requirement in the Biology and Marine Biology Core ConcentrationPrerequisite BIO 103, and BIO 104 or NATSC 103, or consent of instructorDespite their small size, plankton constitute one of the largestcomponents of the world's biomass. As primary producers andprimary consumers, planktonic organisms are the essential foodsource at the base of marine and freshwater food webs. Planktonalso play important roles in nutrient recycling and in regulatingthe concentration of atmospheric gases such as carbon dioxide andoxygen. This survey course will investigate the biology and ecologyof marine planktonic organisms including systematic studies ofselect planktonic groups (e.g. Diatoms, Dinoflagellates, Copepods),ecological studies of marine phyto - and zooplankton (e.g. harmfulalgal blooms, grazing) and discussions of environmental parametersthat affect primary and secondary production and planktondistribution. The laboratory portion of the course will emphasizemethodologies for sampling, collecting, handling and culturingplanktonic organisms. Several class research projects will precedea 4-5 week research project to be completed independently inconsultation with course instructors.

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.rwu.edu

Phone Number:

(401) 253-1040

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Semester

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