University of New Hampshire           1

MARINE, ESTUARINE, ANDFRESHWATER BIOLOGY(MEFB)The marine, estuarine, and freshwater biology (MEFB) B.S. program isdesigned to provide a broad background for undergraduates interestedin marine, estuarine, and freshwater biology, aquaculture, and fisheries.The program integrates theoretical and practical (hands-on laboratoryand field) courses. Students are encouraged to become involved in one ormore of the numerous undergraduate research opportunities available inthe marine, estuarine, and freshwater sciences.

UNH is located on a seacoast that provides an extraordinary diversityof marine and estuarine habitats. It is also only a short distance frommountain streams, rivers, marshes, bogs, ponds, and lakes. All of thehabitats provide outstanding resources for field courses and research.The marine, estuarine, and freshwater faculty are spread across all threedepartments of the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture. UNH is aSea Grant university and has an international reputation for teaching andresearch in aquatic sciences. UNH has aquaculture facilities, and coastaland estuarine research laboratories. In collaboration with Cornell, UNHjointly administers the summer undergraduate programs at the ShoalsMarine Laboratory on Appledore Island, seven miles off the coast of NewHampshire and Maine.

http://colsa.unh.edu/dbs/mefb

Programs

• Marine, Estuarine and Freshwater Biology Major (B.S.) (http://catalog.unh.edu/undergraduate/life-sciences-agriculture/programs-study/marine-estuarine-freshwater-biology/marine-estuarine-freshwater-biology-major-bs)

• Marine Biology Minor (http://catalog.unh.edu/undergraduate/life-sciences-agriculture/programs-study/marine-estuarine-freshwater-biology/marine-biology)

Courses

Marine Estuarine and Freshwater Biology(MEFB)MEFB 401 - Marine Estuarine and Freshwater Biology: Freshmen SeminarCredits: 1The purpose of this course is threefold: First to acquaint freshmen MEFBmajors to the wide range of topics that are included in the broad areaof marine, estuarine and freshwater biology. Second, to introduce newUNH students to many of the MEFB faculty at UNH and give them theopportunity to become aware of the types of research that is beingconducted at UNH. Finally, to begin teaching freshmen how to read theprimary literature, write concise summaries of papers they read, give oralpresentations to their peers, and understand how scientific knowledgeis acquired and disseminated. Students attend a series of seminarspresented by a wide range of MEFB faculty. The topics presented varyfrom year to year depending on the faculty that agree to participate. Inaddition students are required to read the current literature, write shortpapers and give presentations to the class. Cr/F.

MEFB 403 - Investigative Marine Biology LaboratoryCredits: 2-4This course in an intensive marine-based introduction to the scientificmethod and experimental biology taught a Shoals Marine Laboratory. Thecourse takes advantage of the unique learning opportunities affordedby the pristine marine environment (especially the intertidal) aroundAppledore Island. The overall course philosophy is to allow students tolearn the scientific method by doing it themselves under the guidanceof veteran marine biologists. The course is structured around twoclass projects that are designed to expose students to concepts andtechniques in marine ecophysiology and biomechanics. Permissionrequired. Special fee.

MEFB 410 - Marine ImmersionCredits: 2An intensive 2-credit course for incoming freshmen, surveying a rangeof marine-related fields (with an emphasis on biology and ecology),research approaches, and organisms. The course is based at the ShoalsMarine Laboratory on Appledore Island, where students, and somefaculty, will be in residence. "Marine Immersion" introduces studentsto the breadth, excitement, and challenges of marine sciences throughlectures, demonstrations, and field experiences offered by a cohort ofUNH faculty, and through short research projects carried out on theisland. It also introduces them to resources and opportunities availableat UNH, provides an opportunity to get to know some of their professors,and lets them begin building a network among their peers even beforethey arrive in Durham. Special fee.

MEFB 500 - Coastal Habitat Field Research MethodsCredits: 2A one-week introduction to research and assessment methods ofterrestrial and aquatic plant communities of the Isles of Shoals inthe context of island biogeography. GIS-based mapping of plantcommunities, rare plant species, and the management of invasive plantspecies. Through both field and classroom exercises, we use a variedof sampling protocols to document the existing plant communities,investigate the floristic changes the Isles experienced from past and topresent, and use data we collect in the field to predict trends into thefuture to help preserve their unique flora. Prereq: BIOL 411 or BIOL 412.Permission required. Special fee.

MEFB 503 - Introduction to Marine BiologyCredits: 4Emphasizes the organization of marine biological communities. Variousmarine environments pelagic, benthic, temperate, tropical, and theircharacteristic communities. Major emphasis on the approaches (e.g.,analysis of energy flow and predator-prey interactions) used to analyzemarine communities as well as the sampling techniques employed foreach approach and the characteristic habitat type. Prereq: BIOL 411 andBIOL 412. Special fee.

MEFB 504 - Field Wildlife ForensicsCredits: 2Introduction to forensic science and the utilitzation of marine biologywithin the justice system. Comprehensive instruction concerningthe recognition, documentation, collection, and preservation ofphysical evidence. Students develop practical incident response, scenemanagement, and forensic teamwork skills. Prereq: BIOL 411 or BIOL 412.Special fee. Permission required.

2        Marine, Estuarine, and Freshwater Biology (MEFB)

MEFB 510 - Field OrnithologyCredits: 4Introduces field ornithology focusing on the biology, ecology, andbehavior of avifauna on the Isles of Shoals. Includes such ornithologicalfield methods as censuring techniques, territory mapping, banding,behavioral observation, and creating a field notebook. Fieldworkis designed to supplement many classroom concepts, includingterritoriality, breeding biology, and survivorship. Prereq: one year ofcollege-level biology. Lab. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.) Specialfee. Permission required.

MEFB 515 - Marine Environmental Science and ConservationCredits: 4Focuses on the major principles of conservation biology and methodsto bring human communities into a better relationship with naturalresources: Coastal ecosystem processes; coastal biodiversity; threatsto coastal ecosystems; species conservation conserving ecosystemfunction and services. Projects: construct management goals/actions forloval land owners. Prereq: BIOL 411 or BIOL 412. Special fee. Permissionrequired.

MEFB 525 - Introduction to Aquatic BotanyCredits: 4This team-taught course introduces students to microalgae, seaweeds,and vascular aquatic plants with an emphasis on unique habitats andplant adaptations to the aquatic environment. Students survey thediversity of algae and aquatic plants spanning fresh, estuarine, andmarine habitats through a combination of lecture, field, and laboratoryexercises. Special fee.

MEFB 527 - Aquatic Animal DiversityCredits: 4Provides a survey of aquatic animal groups from the simplestmulticellular forms to birds and mammals. The emphasis is oncomparing the basic functional systems (i.e., skeletal, digestive,reproductive, etc.) between groups and to illustrate how they changewith increasing complexity and to describe adaptations to freshwater,estuarine and marine environments and the roles the groups play inaquatic communities. Special fee.

MEFB 530 - Evolution and Marine DiversityCredits: 4Patterns of diversity and processes of evolution. Topics include thediversity of life, the fossil record, macro-evolutionary patterns, thegenetics and developmental basis of evolutionary change, processes atthe population level, evolution by natural selection, modes of speciation,long-term trends in evolution, and human evolution. Prereq: BIOL 411 orBIOL 412. Special fee. Permission required.

MEFB 535 - Marine Mammal BiologyCredits: 4This course explores the biology and conservation of the whales andseals, with a particular focus on species of the Gulf of Maine. Lecturesexamine many facets of marine mammal science including: taxonomyand species diversity, morphological and physiological adaptations forlife in the sea, foraging ecology and behavior, reproductive cycles, bio-acoustics, anthropogenic interactions, and management of threatenedspecies. Land and open water observations of whale and seal behaviorgive students hands on opportunities to study marine mammals in thefield. Prereq: BIOL 411 or BIOL 412. Special fee. Permission required.

MEFB 540 - Introductory Field OceanographyCredits: 2 or 4Over 70% of the earth's surface is covered by oceans. Students in thiscourse will gain familiarity with the basic concepts and field techniques(and equipment) used by biological oceanographers as we explore theGulf of Maine waters using the Isles of Shoals as our base. Minimallecture time, maximum boat time is the theme of this field immersioncourse. Special fee. Prereq: BIOL 411 or BIOL 412. Permission required.

MEFB #609 - Biology of the LobsterCredits: 3An introduction to the biology of the American lobster, Homarusamericanus. The course includes an overview of this ecologically andeconomically important species, and covers several major topics indepth, each taught by a lobster biologist expert in that field. Topicsmay include life history, larval development and metamorphosis,anatomy, physiological adaptation, fisheries and fishing methods, feedingmechanisms, ecology, and behavior. Lecture, laboratory, discussion, andfield work. Special fee. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.) Prereq: oneyear college level biology.

MEFB #615 - Field and Experiment OceanographyCredits: 3Intended for mid-upper division undergrads, this course provides afoundation in oceanography (the four oceanographic disciplines:geological, chemical, physical, and biological) applied in experimentaland field settings. Includes two oceanographic trips in the Gulf ofMaine. Student groups develop a small oceanographic project whileon Appledore Island, carry it out, and present their study to the Shoalsacademic community. The course integrates investigative, practical, andtheoretical aspects of oceanography. Prereq: one term college biology orpermission. Special fee.

MEFB #616 - Tropical Coastal Plant EcologyCredits: 4A field-based course taught on location in Grenada, West Indies, providingan introduction to the physical chemical and biological processes thatform and sustain tropical coastal plant communities with an emphasis onmangroves and seagrasses. Plant adaptations to various environmentalstresses will be examined over a range of habitats spanning a gradientof salinity from fresh to saline environments. As a dynamic ecosystemaffected by both natural and anthropogenic disturbances from hurricanesto large-scale development, major environmental impacts and pressureswill be examined first hand, and conservation and management actionswill be discussed. A variety of on-going, community-based coastalhabitat restoration and ecological monitoring sites will be visitedthroughout Grenada. Student participation in management actionswill be encouraged through interaction with students from St. GeorgesUniversity, local volunteers, and representatives from governmentalenvironmental agencies and local non-governmental organizations. Thecourse material is relatively specialized and is appropriate for juniorsand seniors with interest/background in botany, coastal ecology andrestoration, and conservation. Prereq: BIOL 411 and BIOL 412.

MEFB 625 - Introduction to Marine BotanyCredits: 4Life history, classification, and ecology of micro- and macroscopic marineplants, including phytoplankton, seaweed, and salt marsh plants, and theinteractions between humans and marine plant communities. OccasionalSaturday morning field trips. Prereq: BIOL 412 or PBIO 412 or permission.Special fee. Lab.

University of New Hampshire           3

MEFB 630 - Biodiversity and Biology of Marine InvertebratesCredits: 4An introduction to the biology and evolution of the major invertebratephyla, concentrating on marine representatives. Emphasis placed on theevolution of form and function, and the ecology, behavior, physiology,chemical ecology, and natural history of invertebrates. Appledore Island'sunique location provides an excellent venue for the study of freshlycollected and in situ representatives of most of the major phyla. Specialfee. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.) Prereq: one year college levelbiology. Permission required.

MEFB 674 - Ecology and Marine EnvironmentCredits: 4Introduces the marine sciences with an emphasis on field work innatural habitats. Examines aspects of the systematics, morphology,physiology, behavior, and ecology of marine organisms, includingintertidal plants and invertebrates, fishes, marine mammals and birds;fisheries biology; oceanography, marine geology; and human impactson the marine environment. Sessions include lectures, discussions,field work, experience aboard a coastal research vessel, and excursionsto distinctive habitats. Offered in cooperation with Cornell University.Students may not take Field Marine Science after taking Field MarineBiology and Ecology. Prereq: one full year of college-level biology/or permission. Special fee. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.)Permission required.

MEFB 702 - Sustainable Marine FisheriesCredits: 4An intensive course for undergraduate students that introduces studentsto the complex challenges facing today's fishing industry, which isbeing asked to simultaneously sustain the livelihood of fishermenwhile meeting long-term conservation goals. The course is held both atthe UNH Campus and at the Shoals Marine Laboratory. New Englandfisheries are used as a case-study for this course through global fishingmanagement, trends, and issues are also discussed. Special fee.Permission required.

MEFB 714 - Field Animal BehaviorCredits: 4An animal's behavioral patterns represent its abilities to deal withthe environment dynamically. Course focuses on ecological andevolutionary significance of behavioral patterns found in all organisms,particularly those animals that inhabit coastal marine environments.Strong emphasis on methods of behavioral research and interpretationof behavioral patterns using field observations of diverse fauna ofAppledore Island and surrounding waters. Prereq: one year collegebiology or permission. Special fee. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.)Permission required.

MEFB 717 - Lake EcologyCredits: 4Introduces the ecology of freshwater systems with emphasis on lakes.Origins of lakes and the effects of watersheds on lake chemistry andnutrient cycling are explored. Other topics include the impact of humandisturbances on productivity and aquatic food webs and methods usedfor the management and restoration of lakes. Comparisons are madeof the structure and functions of lake ecosystems found in temperate,tropical and arctic regions. Prereq: general biology.

MEFB 719 - Field Studies in Lake EcologyCredits: 4Ecology of lakes and other freshwater habitats examined through fieldstudies. Emphasizes modern methods for studying lakes; analysisand interpretation of data; and writing of scientific papers. Seminarson research papers and student presentations of class studies. Fieldtrips to a variety of lakes, from the coastal plain to White Mountains;investigate problems, such as eutrophication, acidification, biodiversityand biotoxins. Capstone experiences include interaction with stateagencies, lake stakeholders and the submission of written manuscriptsfor publication. Prereq: introductory biology. Special fee. Writingintensive.Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

MEFB 722 - Marine PhycologyCredits: 4Identification, classification, ecology, and life histories of the majorgroups of marine algae, particularly the benthonic marine algae of NewEngland. Periodic field trips. Prereq: BIOL 412 or BIOL 703. Lab. (Offeredalternate years.) Special fee.

MEFB 725 - Marine EcologyCredits: 4Marine environment and its biota, emphasizing intertidal and estuarinehabitats. Includes field, laboratory, and independent research project.Prereq: general ecology; permission. Marine invertebrate zoology,oceanography, and statistics are desirable. Special fee. (Offered alternateyears.)

MEFB 727 - Algal PhysiologyCredits: 3Survey of major topics in the physiology and biochemistry of marine andfreshwater algae including: nutrition, metabolic pathways, reproductivephysiology, storage and extracellular products, cell inclusions, growth anddevelopment. Prereq: plant physiology or introductory biochemistry orpermission. (Not offered every year.)

MEFB 730 - Underwater ResearchCredits: 4Hypothesis testing and experimental design, theoretical and practicalaspects of sampling, and critiques of current research papers. Includesspecial problems of conducting research underwater (diving physicsand physiology, theory and use of diving tables, hyperbaric medicine)and underwater techniques (underwater photography and video, photoquadrates, tagging and marking, cages and enclosures). Students mustsupply their own equipment. Students with special research interestsare encouraged to enroll in an additional third week of independentunderwater research. Prereq: recognized scuba certification, a medicalexamination, one year of biology or other supporting science. (Summersonly at Shoals Marine Lab.) Special fee. Permission required.

MEFB 732 - Lake ManagementCredits: 4Lectures and seminars on interpreting lake water quality, developinga natural history inventory for lakes, the process of creating a lakemanagement plan, and resolution of conflicting uses of lakes. Studentsdevelop lake management plans in cooperation with governmentalagencies and lake associations. Guest speakers from state agenciesand non-governmental organizations. Introduces use of GIS (GeographicInformation Systems) methods for the analysis of lakes and watersheds.Presents lake management issues from scientific and social sciencepoints of view. Open to students from all disciplines. (Also offered asZOOL 732.) Special fee. Lab.

4        Marine, Estuarine, and Freshwater Biology (MEFB)

MEFB #734 - Diversity of FishesCredits: 3Emphasizes the diversity of fishes in two aspects: diversity ofevolutionary solutions to problems faced by fishes and the great diversityof different types of fishes that inhabit the world. Prereq: one full year ofcollege level biology; background in vertebrate biology is recommended,but not required. Special fee. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.)

MEFB 747 - Aquatic Plants in Restoration/ManagementCredits: 4A field-intensive class focusing upon freshwater and marine vascularplants with an emphasis on species commonly associated withecological restoration, the identification and conservation of rarespecies, and the adaptations and management of invasive speciesof aquatic habitats in New England. Field trips emphasize the flora ofvarious wetland habitats, including open water and vegetated freshwater wetlands, as well as coastal and estuarine habitats. Lecturesand readings examine the current trends in research and managementfocusing upon specific taxa and pertinent facets of their taxonomy,physiology, and natural history. Prereq: PBIO 566 or permission. Specialfee.

MEFB 751 - Research in Marine BiologyCredits: 4Introduces the adaptations of organisms to marine environments andthe role these adaptations have in structuring marine communitiesusing an experimental approach. Emphasizes experimental design,implementation, data analysis, and scientific presentations. Prereq:one year of college-level biology or permission. Additional experiencein biology, ecology or physiology is recommended. Prereq: BIOL 411,BIOL 412. Special fee. (Summers only at Marine Lab.)

MEFB 754 - Anatomy and Function of Marine VertebratesCredits: 4The course is designed to introduce students to a comparative study ofthe principal organ systems of vertebrates (i.e., fishes, sea turtles, marinebirds, marine mammals) that are specifically adapted to the marineenvironment. Rather than focusing only on description of anatomicalstructure, the anatomy of structures are investigated with function,biological role, and evolutionary relationships. Laboratory exercisescover osteology, dissection, behavior and biomechanics. Special fee.(Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.) Prereq: one year college biology/orpermission. Permission required.

Faculty

http://colsa.unh.edu/faculty/all