School of Ocean Science and Engineering
Summer Field Program — Course Offerings
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June Term Courses:
Marine Science I - Oceanography (COA 300, 300L)
June Full Term
This course provides a multidisciplinary foundation in oceanography, specifically
the terminology, principles, processes, relationships, and phenomena pertaining to
three of its traditional sub-disciplines: physical, geological, and chemical oceanography.
The importance of the interaction of biotic and abiotic processes in the ocean will
be addressed through the exploration of timely issues in ocean science.
Prerequisites: College algebra, 8 hours of chemistry, and 8 hours of biology or permission
of instructor. 5 credit hours (3/2).
Elasmobranch Biology (Shark Biology) (COA 422/522, 422L/522L)
June Full Term
This specialized course will provide students with an overview of elasmobranch (sharks,
skates, and rays) biology, ecology, and taxonomy. Lectures will cover such topics
as evolution, anatomy and physiology, sensory systems, behavior, and ecology. Students
will be introduced to the diversity of elasmobranchs and will learn how to identify
species. Special emphasis will be given to the species common to the Gulf of Mexico.
Laboratory work will consist of several inshore and offshore collecting trips as well
as dissections.
Prerequisites: Three semesters of biology, including Marine Biology, or permission of the instructor. 6 credit hours (3/3)
Marine Invertebrate Zoology (COA 428/528, 428L/528L)
June Full Term
This course is a concentrated study of the marine and estuarine invertebrates from
the Mississippi Sound and the contiguous continental shelf of the northeastern Gulf
of Mexico. Emphasis is on structure, classification, phylogenic relationships, larval
development, and functional processes.
Prerequisites: 16 hours of biology or permission of instructor. 6 credit hours (3/3).
Barrier Island Ecology (COA 448/448L)
June Term Session I
This course will familiarize students with concepts of coastal ecology with emphasis
on the diversity of plant and animal communities unique to the northern Gulf of Mexico
barrier islands.
Prerequisites: Background in biology, botany or geology recommended. This course runs
the first half of Session I.
Cetacean Behavior (COA 444)
June Term Session II
Students will learn tools and techniques used in the systematic observation and documentation
of delphinid behavior in the wild. Course includes both classroom lecture and field
studies focused primarily on dolphins of the Mississippi Sound.
Prerequisites: none. 3 credit hours. This course will run 11 consecutive class days during the SECOND half
of the June term.
Marine Mammals (COA 443/543, 443L/543L)
June ONLINE
An overview of the biology of marine mammals (cetaceans, pinnipeds, sirenians, sea
otters, and the polar bear) including their classification, evolutionary history,
anatomy, physiology, behavior, conservation and management.
Prerequisites: 16 hours of biology or permission of instructor. 5 credit hours (3/2)
July Term Courses:
Marine Science II: Marine Biology (COA 301, 301L)
July Full Term
An ecological approach is taken to understand the biology of marine systems with emphasis
on local organisms; their habitats, life cycles and survival strategies.
Prerequisites: 8 hours of biology or permission of instructor. 5 credit hours (3/2)
Marine Conservation (COA 450/550, 450L/550L)
July Full Term
This course will introduce students to conservation biology and ecology with a focus
on marine and coastal ecosystems. Topics may include biodiversity, marine ecosystem
processes and threats, conservation of habitat and species, and human impacts, solutions,
and policy. The course will consist of lectures, field trips, and laboratory exercises
designed to provide students with hands-on experience in marine conservation biology.
Prerequisites: 2 semesters of biology or permission of instructor. 5 credit hours
(3/2)
Marine Ichthyology (COA 421/521, 421L/521L)
July Full Term
Marine Ichthyology is an intensive marine biological field course which engages students
to collect and identify marine fishes in numerous habitats in the Gulf of Mexico.
Students experience a variety of land-based and vessel-based collection techniques
such as seining, cast netting, hook and line fishing, trawling, trolling, dip netting,
and many others. Students must work effectively alone and in teams and participate
in field expeditions to complete the course objectives. Successful students gain an
appreciation for taxonomic identities of fishes and the synergism between abiotic
and biotic factors that drive marine fish distribution and faunal diversity in northern
Gulf of Mexico.
Prerequisites: 16 hours of biology or permission of instructor. 6 credit hours (3/3)
Marine Toxicology (COA 490/590)
July ONLINE
Marine toxicology is the study of how pollutants and toxins impact the marine environment.
This includes everything from algae to whales. Students will be introduced to the
fundamentals of toxicology, including dose, exposure, and metabolism. Students will
also engage in lectures and open discussions relating to major xenobiotics, current
topics in marine toxicology (oil spills, harmful algal blooms, microplastics, etc.),
molecular and analytical techniques, and experiential design. Lab activities will
focus on experiential design and basic data interpretation.
Prerequisites: 2-semester biology and 2-semester chemistry or permission of Instructor.
5 Credit hours.
The Culture of the Coast (COA 490)
July Term Session II
Explore how coastal processes and habitats shape human communities- especially Indigenous
and European traditions- through literature, music, and visual arts with fieldwork
in natural and built settings.
Prerequisites: None. 3 Credit hours.
Research Study Program
Available in both June and July Sessions, This Research Study Program allows upper-level undergraduate students an opportunity
to gain valuable experience in designing a research project, sampling, analyzing data,
and presenting research findings. Research options encompass a broad spectrum of
disciplines in coastal sciences that include: Marine Aquaculture, Marine Biodiversity,
Marine Biomedicine, Marine Ecology, Marine Education, Marine Fisheries, Marine Pathology,
and Marine Toxicology. This course could easily form the basis of a Senior or Honors
Project. Prerequisites: Four semesters of biology or permission of instructor. Special
Problems: Research. One to six hours credit is available and is assigned by the instructor.
Contact SFP staff for further information at 228.818.8812 or sfpFREEMississippi.
| Online courses will be 100% online and conducted through USM’s online learning platform, Canvas. Students are expected to have access to a computer and reliable internet connection and should expect a combination of synchronous and asynchronous content. |
| Students may take a maximum of 6 credit hours of in-person coursework per term OR a maximum of 11 credit hours of online coursework per term. If taking in-person SFP courses, students are strongly discouraged from enrolling in online classes at another institution simultaneously. |
