-introduce students to the physical and biological components of marine biology.

-stimulate students to think about the complexities of the marine environment.

-to learn, understand and appreciate the vast species richness of the world ocean.

-to explore the intricacies of marine habitats and their associated biota.

-to understand that the world ocean is not an infinite resource.

-to understand how over-fishing, pollution and habitat destruction detrimentally affect marine populations.

Over the course of the semester, each student pair will lead a (5-7 min.) discussion of a marine biological topic they have chosen.

To prepare, each student pair will use the internet, Wofford library biological search databases (e.g., First Search), etc., to identify current scientific literature (e.g., primary review or research articles) that pertain to the subject.

Next, each pair will obtain these references via interlibrary loan, off the internet, etc.

1. An Introduction (or background) of the subject.

2. Current research studies and findings.

3. Our understanding of the topic and what areas or questions remain to be explored.

To make this an educational exercise for us all, everyone will be expected to ask questions present ideas and opinions.