The information on this site is an archived previous calendar for the 2023-2024 academic year.

The current University Calendar is available at https://www.mun.ca/university-calendar/ 

13.10 Ocean Sciences

Ocean Sciences courses are designated by OCSC.

OCSC 1000 Exploration of the World Ocean

is an introductory course covering the major ocean sciences (biology, chemistry, geology, physics) at a level sufficient for science majors but accessible to non-science majors. It explores phenomena occurring from the shoreline to the abyss and from equatorial to polar regions. It also examines principles of marine ecology as well as how the marine environment affects humans and vice versa. The course is offered either in a blended format (combining face-to-face lectures and online interactive activities in the form of virtual oceanographic expeditions) or exclusively online.

LC:
a maximum of 1.5 hours per week
OR:
a maximum of 3 hours per week of online interactive activities
OCSC 2000 Introductory Biological Oceanography

provides a general understanding of the biological processes that occur in coastal and oceanic environments. It introduces students to the major groups of bacteria, phytoplankton, invertebrates and fish, emphasizing the biotic and abiotic factors controlling primary production and marine biomass. It shows how the physical, chemical, and geological environments interact with biology to define processes and patterns affecting nutrients and life in marine ecosystems.

PR:

OCSC 1000 and another 1000-level course in one of Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences or Physics (or BIOL 1001 and 1002)

OCSC 2001 Introduction to Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture

introduces students to the breadth of aquaculture and fisheries science and the variety of animal species cultured and harvested. Basic aspects of aquaculture and fisheries and the links between the two are covered, including production systems, capture fisheries, environmental interactions, and the physiology, ecology and reproduction of finfish and shellfish in the context of their culture and harvest.

PR:
OCSC 1000 or Biology 1002
OCSC 2100 Introductory Chemical Oceanography

(same as Chemistry 2610) provides an introduction to the fundamental chemical properties of seawater and the processes governing the concentrations of elements and compounds in the oceans. It is an introduction to the sources, distribution, and transformations of chemical constituents of the ocean, and their relation to biological, chemical, geological, and physical processes. Topics include: controls on average concentration of chemicals in the ocean; vertical and horizontal distributions of ocean constituents; air-sea interactions; production, export, and remineralization of organic matter; the ocean carbon cycle; human-induced changes; stable isotopes; and trace elements.

CR:
Chemistry 2610
PR:
the former CHEM 1011 or 1051 or 1001 which may be taken concurrently
OCSC 2200 Introductory Geological Oceanography

(same as Earth Sciences 2919) is a study of the formation and evolution of oceans, including plate tectonics, mid-ocean ridges (birth place of oceans), subduction zones (where oceans are consumed), sedimentary environments such as estuaries, deltas, beaches and barrier islands, continental shelves, slopes and deep abyssal plains and special topics, including anoxic events, evolution of tides, atmosphere-ocean interactions, formation of banded iron formations, snowball Earth, black and white smokers, and how Earth modulates its climate through atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and lithosphere interactions.

CR:
Earth Sciences 2919
PR:
Earth Sciences 1000 with a grade of at least 55%
OCSC 2300 Introductory Physical Oceanography

(same as Physics 2300) provides an introduction to general oceanography with a primary focus on physical oceanography. Topics include how oceans form and evolve on a planetary scale. Ocean characteristics studied include: the properties of seawater; elementary dynamics of fluids on the rotating Earth; ocean circulation; wind-forcing in the ocean; tides and waves. Contemporary methods used in oceanographic study are covered including satellite oceanography. Interactions that occur between physical and chemical processes and biological activity are reviewed.

CR:
Environmental Science 2371, Physics 2300
PR:
6 credit hours in any first-year courses in Physics
OCSC 2500 Introduction to Practical Ocean Sciences

explores the instruments, techniques and analytical methods commonly used to study marine life and processes, chiefly focusing on the interaction between living organisms and their chemical, physical and geological environment. The course combines ship-based or shore-based sampling and data collection with laboratory investigation in an intensive 2-week long format. It is primarily intended for mid-level undergraduate students majoring in Ocean Sciences or Marine Biology. This course will either be offered during a special session following the Winter semester, or in the Spring semester.

AR:
attendance is required. Failure to attend may result in a failing grade or withdrawal from the course.
PR:
Science 1807 and Science 1808; OCSC 1000, and at least three of OCSC 2000 (or Biology 3710), 2001, 2100, 2200, 2300
OCSC 3000 Aquaculture Principles and Practices

emphasizes the techniques and methods used to culture finfish and shellfish, with a primary focus on Canadian aquaculture species. Basic aspects of aquaculture will be covered, including the design and maintenance of production systems, culture techniques, and the nutrition, health, physiology and reproduction of finfish and shellfish. The laboratory portion of this course will provide students with practical experience in the maintenance of land-based aquaculture production systems and in the husbandry/culture of aquatic organisms.

LH:
3
PR:
OCSC 2001, or OCSC 1000 and Biology 1002
OCSC 3002 Aquaculture and Fisheries Biotechnology

is an introduction to biotechnology and genetics as they are applied to aquaculture and fisheries. Topics covered include genetic variation; genetic structure of fish and shellfish populations; the genetic basis of aquaculture traits; finfish and shellfish genomic research; marker-assisted selection in aquaculture; manipulation of ploidy; genetic engineering in aquaculture; and techniques used to study the responses of aquatic animals to external stressors such as hypoxia, temperature stress, acidification, and pathogens.

PR:

Biology 2250 or Human Biosciences 2004 or the former Biochemistry 2100 or 2200

OCSC 3600 Marine Microbiology

provides an overview of microbial activity in the ocean, both in natural and applied settings. The focus is on interactions between microorganisms and other biota, ranging from deep-sea vent invertebrates to commercially cultured fish species. Prospective topics include effluent discharge, water quality, bacterial metabolism and nutrient cycles, bacteria-virus and bacteria-host interactions (including symbioses and pathogenesis), and marine microbial biotechnology.

CO:

Biology 2250 or Human Biosciences 2004 or the former Biochemistry 2100 or 2200

OCSC 3640 Environmental Physiology of Animals

covers physiological adaptations of animals facilitating their survival in natural environments with emphasis on physiological and biochemical responses of animals to extreme environments. Starting with the fundamental basis of physiological mechanisms, the course explores various aspects and the integration of major physiological processes (metabolism, respiration, osmoregulation) and how these relate to ecological niche.

CR:

the former Biology 3403 or the former Biology 4455

EQ:

Biology 3640

PR:

Biology 2060; Human Biosciences 2003 or the former Biochemistry 3106 or 3206

UL:

may not be used to fulfill the physiology course requirement for a Biology major, honours or joint honours program

OCSC 3710 Laboratory Methods in Biological Oceanography

uses a practical laboratory-based approach to investigate interactions between marine life and their ocean environment and is intended for students of biology and ocean science. Both experimental and computer-based modelling labs will cover topics such as historical and modern approaches for investigating planktonic life, life in and near the seafloor, and life in the sea surface microlayer.

EQ:

Biology 3710

PR:

Science 1807 and Science 1808; Ocean Sciences 2000

OCSC 3711 Principles of Marine Biology

is an introductory course in biology of the oceans. Introduces students to marine habitats and the organisms that inhabit them, emphasizing functional morphology, physiology, biodiversity, phylogeny, and ecology. Also includes introduction to marine biogeography, conservation, fisheries and pollution.

EQ:

Biology 3711

LC:

either three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week or a two-week field course that embodies equivalent instructional time

LH:

either three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week or a two-week field course that embodies equivalent instructional time

PR:

Science 1807 and Science 1808; Biology 2122, Biology 2600

OCSC 3714 Estuarine Fish Ecology Field Course

examines community structure, function and distribution of northern coastal fishes in fjords and estuarine environments. Emphasis on sampling, field techniques, taxonomy, quantitative characterization, adaptations and habitat relationships. A comparative approach will contrast fish communities from other areas. To be held as a two week field course.

EQ:

Biology 3714

PR:

Science 1807 and Science 1808; Biology 2600

OCSC 3715 Ecology and Evolution of Fishes

examines the evolutionary history and ecology of the world’s fishes, with particular emphasis on those of ecological, economical and cultural importance to Eastern Canada. Topics will include taxonomy, life histories, behaviour, zoogeography, evolutionary ecology, population biology, contemporary evolution, and conservation biology.

EQ:

Biology 3715

LH:

3

PR:

Science 1807 and Science 1808; Biology 2600 and 2900

OCSC 4000 Scientific Diving Methods

is an in-depth study and application of methods routinely employed for data collection in underwater scientific research. Aspects covered include habitat mapping; installation and use of instrumentation; still and video camera techniques; planning and execution of surveys and experiments in major subtidal habitats; as well as data analysis and interpretation. Participants are trained in accordance with Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Guide for Diving Safety and the Canadian Association for Underwater Science (CAUS) standards to meet the criteria for Scientific Diver I rating. This course is normally offered at the Ocean Sciences Centre in a special 2-week session at the beginning or end of the Spring semester.

OR:

The following documentation must be provided to the course instructor at least four months before the first day of the course. It must be in effect until at least the last day of the course. Submission of this documentation does not guarantee acceptance into the course. Aside from course prerequisites, acceptance will be based on successful completion, before the course begins, of a diving fitness and skills evaluation in a pool environment and demonstration of understanding of the MUN Diving Safety Manual, physics and physiology of diving, and use of recreational dive tables. Nationally recognized scuba diver certification with diver rescue and accident management techniques; diver medical examination by a licensed physician knowledgeable in diving medicine; First Aid (basic), CPR (basic), and DAN oxygen first aid for scuba diving injuries administration cards; DAN membership and insurance or medical insurance covering hyperbaric treatment; diver’s log book with at least 12 dives in the last 12 months including one dive in the last six months and four dives in cold (<10°C) water; cold-water scuba diving equipment complete with proper hydrostatic/VIP service tags on diving cylinders and overhaul/service receipts on regulators and buoyancy compensator devices.

PR:

OCSC 2000 (or Biology 2122 and 2600; or Biology 3709; or Biology 3710; or Biology 3711; or Environmental Science 2371), Statistics 2550 or equivalent

OCSC 4605 Statistics in the Biological and Environmental Sciences

is quantitative reasoning using verbal, graphical and statistical models of scaled quantities (units and dimensions). Exploratory and confirmatory analysis of field and laboratory data. Hypothesis testing, randomization tests, and likelihood ratios. Topics include the general linear model (t-tests, ancova etc), correlation, multivariate methods, mixed models, Poisson and logistic regression.

EQ:

Biology 4605

LH:

3

PR:

Statistics 2550 or any of the courses listed in the credit restrictions of Statistics 2550 or permission of the instructor

OCSC 4122 Advanced Studies in Marine Animal Diversity

(same as Biology 4122) provides an in-depth examination of cellular, physiological, behavioural and ecological adaptations in marine animals. Lectures will be combined with discussions of relevant papers from the primary literature on topics of current interest which may relate morphology, ecology, evolution, natural history, species interactions and practical applications. Students will also gain hands-on experience by designing and conducting research projects involving live or preserved animals.

CR:
Biology 4122
LC:
either three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week or a two-week intensive course that embodies equivalent instructional time
LH:
either three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week or a two-week intensive course that embodies equivalent instructional time
PR:
Science 1807 and Science 1808; OCSC 2000 and 2500 (or Biology 2122), and Biology 2600
OCSC 4200 Marine Omics

provides an overview of marine genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, glycomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics. Omics-based studies of a variety of marine organisms (e.g. fungi, algae, animals), as well as several industrial applications (e.g. biofuel, nutrigenomics, pharmacogenomics, aquaculture and fisheries), will be considered.

PR:

OCSC 1000 and Biology 2250 (or Human Biosciences 2004 or the former Biochemistry 2100 or 2200), or OCSC 3002

OCSC 4300 Climate Change and Global Marine Fisheries Dynamics

explores the effects of ocean-atmosphere dynamics on large scale marine ecosystem domains, with a special focus on assessing the impact of anticipated climate change on global fisheries production. The course uses a blend of lectures and computer simulation laboratories to familiarize students with current research on fisheries and climate change.

LH:
3
PR:
OCSC 1000, 2000 (or Biology 3710) and 2001
OCSC 4400 Deep-Sea Ecology

provides an overview of the physical and chemical environment of the deep sea, including hydrothermal vents and seeps, to explore adaptations in deep-sea organisms and biodiversity in this key oceanic system. The course combines lectures, seminars, discussions and computer-based laboratory tools, such as dive logs from remotely operated vehicles and data from underwater cabled observatories. It introduces students to emerging research, cutting-edge technologies, as well as natural and human impacts in the deep sea.

LH:
3
PR:
OCSC 2500 and at least one course in Ocean Sciences at the 3000 or 4000 level
OCSC 4500 Experimental Marine Ecology

(same as Biology 4710) is a two-week intensive course that examines the ecology of cold oceans, focussing on energy flux through Newfoundland waters, and how the dynamics of this environment influence linkages among organisms in different habitats. The course is field and lab intensive, with lectures and a strong hands-on component. Students will collect field samples, identify local organisms from the plankton or the benthos, plan and conduct an experiment, and learn to interpret and present the gathered results. This course is offered during two weeks of the Spring or Fall semesters.

CR:
Biology 4710
PR:
Science 1807 and Science 1808; Biology 2600 or at least three of OCSC 2000 (or Biology 3710), 2001, 2100, 2200, 2300
OCSC 4600 Crustacean Biology

is designed to give students exposure to all aspects of crustacean biology including, but not limited to classification, anatomy and morphology, physiology, behaviour, fisheries and aquaculture. The lectures are combined with interactive activities where students can look at representative specimens, learn through dissection and simple behavioural experiments.

EQ:

Biology 4600

LH:

3

PR:

OCSC 2000; Biology 2122 and 2600

OCSC 4601 Functional Biology of Fish

(same as Biology 4601) is an introduction to anatomical, physiological and cellular processes in the life cycle of fishes.

CR:
Biology 4601
PR:
Biology 2060, 2210; Biology 3401 or 3640 is recommended
OCSC 4602 Reproductive Strategies of Marine Animals

explores the principles and tactics of reproduction in an evolutionary ecology context, with an emphasis on adaptations to the marine environment. It focuses on the behavioural, ecological and life-history means by which marine animals maximize their lifetime reproductive success. The course covers such topics as sex determination, hermaphroditism, sex ratio, reproductive allocation, mating systems, sexual selection, sexual dimorphism, and parental investment. Various reproductive strategies are exemplified in the major groups of marine animals.

LH:

3

PR:

OCSC 1000, Biology 2600 and 2900

OCSC 4603 Immunobiology of Aquatic Organisms

provides an overview of immunology of aquatic organisms. The focus is on comparative immunology, immune response to infections and environmental stressors (e.g. temperature, pollutants), and vaccinology of commercially cultured fish species. This course also covers topics related to the origin of adaptive immunity, antigen recognition and antibody diversity, memory immune response, and vaccine development. Lab visits and mini-labs are part of this course.

CO:

Biology 2060

LH:

3

PR:

Biology 2250 or Biochemistry 2100 or Biochemistry 2200

OCSC 4700 Hot Topics in Oceanography

focuses on areas of study of heightened current interest to both oceanographers and the public. Examples include changes in ocean conditions under global warming and degradation of the marine environment by polluting plastics. This course provides students with current information on a Hot Topic and prepares them for public speaking. Students are encouraged to think about relevant issues from both a scientific and societal perspective.

LH:

3

PR:

OCSC 1000 and a minimum of 3 credit hours at the 3000 level in any Science course

OCSC 4910-4919 Special Topics in Ocean Biogeochemistry

are advanced courses for senior undergraduate students that cover one or several subjects related to environmental changes and the flow of major elements in marine systems.

PR:
to be determined at the time of offer
OCSC 4920-4929 Special Topics in Marine Ecology

are advanced courses for senior undergraduate students that cover one or several subjects related to evolutionary and ecological principles at the organisimal and ecosystem levels in marine systems.

PR:
to be determined at the time of offer
OCSC 4930-4939 Special Topics in Experimental Marine Biology

are advanced courses for senior undergraduate students that cover one or several subjects related to research in marine biology, such as field and laboratory experimental design, data analysis and modeling.

PR:
to be determined at the time of offer
OCSC 4940-4949 Special Topics in Applied Ocean Sciences

are advanced courses for senior undergraduate students that cover one or several subjects of special interest in applied fields of ocean sciences, such as fisheries, conservation, aquaculture, and biotechnology.

PR:
to be determined at the time of offer
OCSC 499A/B Honours Dissertation

is a two-semester linked course based on independent research conducted under the supervision of an academic supervisor, who is normally a faculty member of the Department of Ocean Sciences. This dissertation is mandatory for students pursuing the Honours in Ocean Sciences. It can also be used towards the requirements of the Joint Honours in Marine Biology. A grade of PAS in 499A is required to proceed to 499B. The final written dissertation is normally submitted before the end of the tenth week of the second semester and an oral presentation of the completed research is delivered before the end of the semester.

CH:
6
PR:
Honours students in their final year or permission of the Head of the Department; Science 1807 and Science 1808

AR = Attendance requirement as noted.

CH = Credit hours: unless otherwise noted, a course normally has a credit value of 3 credit hours.

CO = Co-requisite(s): course(s) listed must be taken concurrently with or successfully completed prior to the course being described.

CR = Credit restricted: The course being described and the course(s) listed are closely related but not equivalent.  Credit is limited to one of these courses.  Normally, these courses cannot be substituted, one for the other, to satisfy program requirements.

EQ = Equivalent: the course being described and the course(s) listed are equal for credit determination.  Credit is limited to one of these courses.  These courses can be substituted, one for the other, to satisfy program requirements.

LC = Lecture hours per week: lecture hours are 3 per week unless otherwise noted.

LH = Laboratory hours per week.

OR = Other requirements of the course such as tutorials, practical sessions, or seminars.

PR = Prerequisite(s): course(s) listed must be successfully completed prior to commencing the course being described.

UL = Usage limitation(s) as noted.

The information on this site is an archived previous calendar for the 2023-2024 academic year.

The current University Calendar is available at https://www.mun.ca/university-calendar/ 

Copyright © 2023 Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
calendar.editor@mun.ca