Semester Description:
This special semester is intended for undergraduate students in their 3rd or 4th year of a Biology program. The semester will introduce students to many facets of Marine Biology through a rich blend of lecture, laboratory and field instruction. The course will operate from the UNBF campus with trips to many ecologically diverse sites throughout the Bay of Fundy including visits to the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in scenic St. Andrews. Courses will emphasize biological diversity in the marine environment, ecological methods in the intertidal and pelagic habitats, methods in physiological and molecular research pertinent to studying marine organisms, and aquaculture. This broad range of disciplines encompasses many of the key skills and knowledge areas necessary for the contemporary marine biologist and will assist students in identifying appropriate specialties for further studies at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
BIOL 4221 Diversity of Marine Algae. 4Ch
(2C/4L) Dr Gary W. Saunders. This course will survey 
the diversity of
marine plants (seaweeds & phytoplankton) relative to one another
and the other key lineages of life; exploring their diverse anatomical,
cytological, life history and ecological attributes. In the laboratory
students will use microscopy to explore vegetative and reproductive features
of the various marine plants in our area. Emphasis will be placed on
the use of molecular tools for the identification of morphologically
cryptic species to assist in accurate biodiversity surveys, and to explore
and discuss aspects of algal biogeography and speciation.
BIOL 4851 Ecology of Marine Birds. 4Ch (2C/4L) Dr Tony Diamond. This course treats seabirds as important components of marine food-webs. Fundamental adaptations (structure, function, physiology, life-history) of seabirds will be linked to the ecological processes driving them. The influence of major oceanographic patterns (bathymetry, currents, upwellings) on seabird distribution and numbers will be explored. Through exploration of the role of seabirds as predators of other marine biota, and in nutrient transfer between marine and terrestrial systems, students will gain a thorough understanding of the roles played by seabirds in marine and coastal systems. Examples will be drawn from current seabird research.
BIOL 4641 Coastal Marine Ecology. 4Ch (2C/4L) Dr Myriam Barbeau. This course examines the ecology of shorelines, with a focus on the Atlantic coast. Topics include the setting (continental drift, sea level, species origins, water movement), primary and secondary production, reproduction and recruitment, patterns (zonation) and processes (competition, mutualism, predation, disturbance), and main habitats (rocky shores, mudflats, salt marshes).
BIOL 4631 Biological Oceanography. 4Ch (2C/4L) Dr Janice Lawrence. This course considers how oceans, which cover more than 70% of the earth’s surface, act as a dominant environmental force. It examines the processes regulating the abundance, diversity, distribution and production of microbes, phytoplankton, zooplankton and fishes. By exploring the influences of physical factors (ie. tides, waves, upwelling, light), we will see how time and length scales are critical for understanding the living ocean.
BIOL 4991 Aquaculture in Canada. 4Ch (2C/4L) Dr Tillmann
Benfey. This course examines the biological principles and constraints
of commercial and pilot-scale aquaculture in Canada, with 
emphasis on
the Atlantic region. The course begins with an introduction to the characteristics
of water as they relate to culturing aquatic organisms. Major emphasis
is placed on salmon aquaculture, including captive reproduction, applied
genetics, stress and disease management, nutrition and feeding, biotechnology
and systems design. Unique attributes of non-salmonid fish species are
then examined in comparison to the salmon model. The same approach is
used to provide an overview of bivalve aquaculture, with emphasis on
mussel culture. Finally, there is an overview of current approaches to
the culture of other relevant aquatic organisms, including seaweeds.
BIOL 4211 Research Experience. 2Ch (4L average/week
throughout semester)
Students enrolled in the Marine Semester will be introduced to the research
themes and practices in the laboratories of their professors. Groups
of students will cycle through all of the marine research labs for hands-on
research experience throughout the semester. Students will be expected
to compile short scientific-style reports outlining the results of their
respective projects in each research laboratory experience.
Application Procedure: If you are interested in the Marine Block program, simply go to your eServices portal and register for the courses listed here. You will be temporarily placed on a waiting list for each course while we check your prerequisites for the Block courses. Upon admission to the program you must provide a deposit of $100 to secure a position in the semester. Cost to student: Regular tuition + $650 ($100 deposit plus $550 at the start of the semester) - covers all field trip costs excluding food (except trips to the HMSC for which food is included). If you have any questions please contact Dr. Gary Saunders (email).