Biology 394: Caribbean Marine Biology
Field Trip to Roatan
March 15 - 22, 2008

Course Instructors:
Dr. Don Sakaguchi, GDCB, Rm. 502 Sci. II, Ph. 294-3112, (dssakagu@iastate.edu)
Dr. Dusan Palic, BMS and NREM, Rm. 2160 CVM, Ph. 294-7632, (dulep@iastate.edu)

BIO 394: COURSE SYLLABUS

Biology 394a (Sect. HN): Pre-trip Course Syllabus (1 credit)
Class meets on ThursdayÕs, 7:00-9:00 AM, in Rm. 115 Science II (unless an alternate location is specified).

Course schedule/syllabus (Subject to change)

DATE

TOPIC OF DISCUSSION

Jan. 17

Introductions: meet your classmates
Field trip organization and logistics. Fill out ADD slips to register for course.
Reef creature identification quiz.

Jan. 24*

Health considerations while traveling abroad: Presentation by Mary Fosse ISU Student Health
Center representative.*Note: Class will meet in the lobby of the Student Heath Center at 7:00 AM.
Please be prompt.

Jan. 31

Introduction to marine biology and coral reef biology: Dusan Palic
Introduction to your research projects: How to select projects

Feb. 7

Coral reef diseases: Dusan Palic
Discussion of your research projects.

Feb. 14*

Fish diseases: Dusan Palic
Pre-departure Orientation Program, by the Study Abroad Office
 *Note: Class will meet in room 3224 Memorial Union at 7:00 AM.
Please be prompt!!

Feb. 21

Reef fish biology 1: Don Sakaguchi
Marine invertebrates-Scallops: Dr. Jeanne Serb (EEOB)
Discussion of your research projects.

Feb. 28

Reef fish biology 2; Discussion of your research projects.

Global weather-related issues: Dr. Gene Takle, University Honors Program; Atmospheric Sciences; Agricultural Meteorology

Mar. 6

“A day in the life of a Bio 394 student”
Discussion of your research projects. Finalize projects. Field trip organization and logistics.
Marine invertebrates-Sponges: Dr. Dennis Lavrov (EEOB)

Mar. 13

Discussion of your research projects.  Finalize projects.
Field trip organization and logistics.

Mar. 15-22

Marine Biology Field Trip to Roatan

Mar. 27

No class. However, get your film developed or prepare digital slide presentations to share with the

Class on April 10.

Apr. 3

ISU Biology 394 Research Symposium:  Student presentations
Hand-in your Course Notebook/Field trip journals

Apr. 10

Post trip evaluation and discussions.

Apr. 17

Final papers are due by 5:00 PM in room 502 Sci II.

Apr. 24

 

Assignments:
1) Numerous assignments to collect information about Roatan (marine environment, ecosystems, culture, history, economy, etc.). Information may be obtained from various resources: library, World Wide Web-based, etc.

2) Conduct research projects on site on the coral reefs surrounding Roatan Island. Projects will be discussed during 394a class - projects must be approved by the course instructors.

3) Oral presentation (10-15 minutes) on a selected topic in coral reef marine biology. To be presented during our Research Symposium on April 3, beginning at 7:00 AM. Presentations will be based on field observations of the marine environment.

4) Course Notebook/Field trip journal: You are required to maintain a Course Notebook/Field Trip Journal. These journals will be collected in class on April 3, 2008.

5) Term paper on a selected topic dealing with some aspect of coral reef marine biology. Papers must be at least 10 pages double-spaced (12 page maximum) and include at least 10 references. Topics for these papers must be approved by the course instructors. Final papers are due by 5:00 PM in room 502 Sci II.

Marine Biology Field Trip homepage is located at the following web address: http://www.public.iastate.edu/~zoogen/Bio394/Bio394.html

Attendance at the seminar is compulsory unless you have a non-resolvable conflict. Anyone who will miss a seminar should Email Don Sakaguchi (dssakagu@iastate.edu) with the reasons before the seminar.

Those enrolled in the SCUBA class through the City of Ames Parks and Recreation, class meets on Tuesday and Thursday nights promptly at 7:00 PM (Beginning January 15, 2008).

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