	Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
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BMSC Summer 2009 Course Descriptions (PDF)

Block I: May 4 - June 12 > Block II: June 15 - July 24 > Block III: July 27 - September 4

Marine Invertebrate Zoology (6 weeks) 2009 PHOTO GALLERY
Instructors: Dr. Marjorie Wonham & Dr. Tara Macdonald

Exploration of the ecology, behaviour and functional morphology of marine invertebrates in their natural habitat. The course will offer a strong field and laboratory component, taking advantage of the fantastic diversity of organisms and habitats available near Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
Prerequisites: Introductory invertebrate zoology recommended

Amphibian Biology (3 weeks; May 4 - 22) ...2009 PHOTO GALLERY
Instructor: Dr. Barb Beasley

This new course at BMSC will examine the biology of amphibians, including their life history, morphology, and behavioural ecology, and the numerous causes for amphibian population declines. We will explore global and local conservation measures and relate these topics to the species of amphibians living in a variety of wetland and terrestrial habitats near BMSC.
Prerequisites: Introductory courses in ecology and/or vertebrate zoology, or by permission.

Introduction to Marine Scientific Filmmaking (3 weeks; May 4 - 22) *FULL
Instructors: Dr. Colin Bates, Jeff Morales

An introdcution to the use of video as a means to communicate scientific and natural history information. Topics will include story selection, planning, scripting, camera technique, voiceovers, technical aspects of video and audio production, video and audio editing, project output, and distribution. Opportunities will exist for shooting in the field and studio, and certified divers may have opportunities to try underwater videography.
Prerequisites: Third year standing in biology, or permission of instructors.

Life History Strategies of Marine Organisms (3 weeks; May 25 - June 12)
Instructor: Dr. Don Levitan ...2009 PHOTO GALLERY

A senior undergraduate and graduate level course exploring the evolutionary ecology of marine invertebrates. Lectures and paper discussions will focus on the theory of life history evolution, but the emphasis will be on experimental tests of theory in the laboratory and field.
Prerequisites: Introductory invertebrate zoology.

Scientific Diving (3 weeks; May 4 - 22) *FULL
Instructors: Dr. Isobelle Cote, Tom Bird, and Siobhan Gray

The course will introduce and familiarize certified divers with the practices of scientific diving. Students will learn essential skills and methods used in underwater research, including surveys using transects and quadrats, underwater size assessment, tagging and species identification. Upon successful completion, students will obtain CAUS- Scientific Diver 1 Status. …MORE. …2009 PHOTO GALLERY

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Block II: June 15 - July 3

Biology of Marine Fish (6 weeks; June 15 - July 24) Instructor: Dr. Tim Higham A combined lecture and field course focusing on the evolution, ecology, functional morphology, biomechanics, physiology and conservation of fishes in the North Pacific. Lectures will develop dominant themes with emphasis on current topics/issues in Ichthyology. Field trips supplemented with labs will include identification of intertidal and sub-tidal species of fishes. Students will be responsible for a research project on a topic of their choice or from a suggested list including topics related to the biomechanics of locomotion and feeding, predator-prey interactions, and physiological and morphological adaptations to a range of ecological conditions. On completion, the students will be expected to have a thorough understanding of the morphological, physiological and ecological diversity of intertidal and sub-tidal fishes.. Prerequisites: Introductory ecology and vertebrate biology or special permission.
	Required Textbook: click here to buy from Amazon.com

Biodiversity of Seaweeds (3 weeks; June 15 - July3)
Instructor: Dr. Colin Bates

An introduction to the taxonomic, morphological, and functional diversity of seaweeds, with an emphasis on the flora of the local area (southern Barkley Sound, British Columbia). In addition to this floristic work, we will examine the ecological adaptations to life in the intertidal and evolutionary causes for the observed patterns of diversity. We will survey the cultural and economic importance of algae, invasive algae, and patterns and consequences of anthropogenic stressors on seaweed assemblages. Students should expect to spend a good deal of time in the field, including a multiple-night excursion off station.

Prerequisites: Introductory non-vascular plants with third year standing or permission of the instructor.
Textbook: There is no required text, but the instructor recommends students purchase a field guide to Pacific Seaweeds, available in Scientific Stores at BMSC.

Marine Behavioural Ecology (3 weeks; June 15 - July3)
Instructor: Dr. Brad Anholt

A hands-on introduction to the principles of behavioural ecology. Students will carry out a multi-component group-oriented research project with a focus on marine invertebrates. Students will participate in all aspects of the research including, project planning, experimental design, data collection (in the field and laboratory), analysis, and writing.
Prerequisites: Introductory ecology, vertebrates, and invertebrate zoology.
Textbook: There is no required textbook, readings will be provided by instructor.

Coastal Community Ecology (3 weeks; July 6 - 24)
Instructor: Dr. Kevin Burns

An introduction to the processes structuring ecological communities at the shoreline. The course will cover basic principles of community ecology, specifically how the physical environment and biotic interactions structure assemblages of plant and animal species. We will also investigate how local communities might respond to global climate change and sea-level rise.

A large portion of the course will be devoted to a group-oriented research project aimed at generating new insight into the causes and consequences of coastal community structure.
Prerequisites: Introductory ecology.
Textbook: There is no required textbook, readings will be provided by instructor.

Evolution & Development of Marine Organisms (3 weeks; July 6 - 24)
Instructors: Dr. Cory Bishop and Dr. Chris Cameron

A senior undergraduate and graduate level course that will be an introduction into both comparative and experimental embryology with particular emphasis on early development of marine invertebrates in the vicinity of the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. The course will include lectures, field collection, species identification, laboratory observations, embryo and larval rearing, and experimentation. Students will have the opportunity to apply contemporary cellular and molecular marking techniques in their independent projects.

Prerequisites: Introductory invertebrate zoology or permission from the instructor(s).
Textbook: There is no required textbook, readings will be provided by instructor.

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Block III: July 27 - September 4

Biology of Marine Birds (6 weeks; July 27 - September 4)

A study of the inter-relationships of birds and the marine environment. Lectures will emphasize the biology and ecological relationships, behaviour, life histories, movements and conservation of marine birds. Field and laboratory work will stress identification and methods for studying sea birds and marine oriented species in the Barkley Sound region.
Prerequisites: Advanced standing in vertebrate zoology

Sorry, this course has been cancelled.

Coastal Biodiversity and Conservation (6 weeks; July 27 - September 4)
Instructors: Dr. Brian Starzomski and Dr. Tom Okey

This course will examine global, regional, and local patterns of biodiversity and the underlying processes of speciation, migration, and extinction that generate them. We will also explore the impacts and dependence of humans on biodiversity, the evolution of biodiversity value systems, and approaches to monitoring and protecting biodiversity. Group projects focusing on local marine, intertidal, freshwater, and terrestrial systems will allow students to develop biodiversity surveying and monitoring skills.
Prerequisites: Third year standing in biology or permission of the instructor(s).

Required Textbooks:
click on book to order from Amazon.com

(only one of the bird books)

Neuroethology of Marine Invertebrates (3 weeks; July 27 - August 14)

Neuroethology is an integrative approach to understanding the neural control of behaviour by studying environmental stimuli, sensory systems, nervous system structure and function, motor systems, and behaviour. This course will provide an introduction to invertebrate neuroethology and some of the neurobiological and behavioural methods used by researchers. Lecture topics will cover neural conduction, synaptic transmission, neural circuitry, sensory and motor systems, and behaviour . The bulk of the class will be in the laboratory, working with marine invertebrates to learn several techniques: behavioural analysis, neuroanatomy (microscopy), extracellular recordings and intracellular recordings.
Prerequisites: Animal physiology or neurobiology, or permission of the instructor(s)

Sorry, this course has been cancelled.

Models in Ecology (3 weeks; July 27 - August 14) *FULL
Instructors: Dr. Mark Lewis and Dr. Marty Krkosek

This course develops the methods, models and tools for quantitative ecology. Students learn to formulate, analyse, parameterize, and validate quantitative models for ecological processes and data. Applications include population dynamics, species interactions, movement, and spatial processes. Approaches involve classical hypothesis testing, computer simulation, differential equations, individual-based models, least squares, likelihood, matrix equations, Markov processes, multiple working hypotheses, and stochastic processes. A computer lab covers simulation and programming methods. Course discussion entails evaluation and appraisal of current literature.
Prerequisites: Introductory calculus, and statistics/biostatistics, or permission of the instructor(s).

Required Textbook:
click here to order from Amazon.com

Conservation Genetics (3 weeks; August 17 - September 4)
Instructor: Dr. John Nelson

This course is made up of lectures, field work, and a molecular genetics laboratory aimed at exploring evolutionary and ecological questions. Students will learn how to carry out a molecular genetic study from beginning to end. Laboratory instruction will focus on sampling, DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction, and either microsatellite or restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. In this course students will learn the theory behind the use of molecular genetics in ecology and evolution, as well as the practicalities of applying these techniques.
Prerequisites: General Genetics and Introductory Ecology
Textbook: There is no required textbook, readings will be provided by instructor.

Directed Studies in Marine Science (3 or 6 weeks; dates student's choice)

Undergraduate and Graduate Directed Studies may be undertaken at any time during the summer term. Study will involve a research project approved by a supervisor in the student's field of interest. Projects will be designed to take advantage of laboratory and/or field opportunities. Applications should be accompanied by a project outline and a letter from a faculty member willing to supervise. Normal room and board, tuition, and supplemental fees will apply.
Contact the for more information about doing a directed study at BMSC.

Contact

University Programs Coordinator:

(250) 728-3301 ext. 216

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Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
100 Pachena Rd, Bamfield, BC
Canada, V0R 1B0
Phone: (250) 728-3301
Fax: (250) 728-3452

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