Module #1 Introduction to Marine Ecosystems Overview of the importance of marine ecosystems, their unique characteristics, and the impact of human activities on marine biodiversity.
Module #2 Oceanography and Marine Habitats Exploration of ocean currents, ocean chemistry, and the different types of marine habitats, including coral reefs, estuaries, and deep-sea environments.
Module #3 Phytoplankton and Primary Production The role of phytoplankton in marine food webs, factors affecting primary production, and the importance of photosynthesis in marine ecosystems.
Module #4 Zooplankton and Marine Food Webs The diversity of zooplankton, their role in marine food webs, and the impact of changes in zooplankton populations on marine ecosystems.
Module #5 Marine Macroalgae and Seagrasses The ecology and importance of marine macroalgae and seagrasses, including their role in coastal ecosystems and as habitat for marine species.
Module #6 Coral Reefs:Structure, Function, and Importance The biology and ecology of coral reefs, including coral-algal symbiosis, reef structure, and the importance of coral reefs in marine ecosystems.
Module #7 Coral Reef Ecology:Predators, Prey, and Nutrient Cycling The interactions between predators and prey on coral reefs, nutrient cycling, and the impact of human activities on coral reef ecosystems.
Module #8 Estuaries and Coastal Ecosystems The ecology and importance of estuaries, including their role in coastal ecosystems, nutrient cycling, and as habitat for marine species.
Module #9 Deep-Sea Ecosystems:Hydrothermal Vents and Cold Seeps The unique characteristics of deep-sea ecosystems, including hydrothermal vents, cold seeps, and the organisms that thrive in these environments.
Module #10 Marine Biodiversity:Species, Habitats, and Conservation An overview of marine biodiversity, including the importance of species, habitats, and conservation efforts to protect marine ecosystems.
Module #11 Fisheries Management and Sustainable Fishing Practices The principles of fisheries management, sustainable fishing practices, and the importance of conservation efforts to protect marine fish populations.
Module #12 Marine Mammals:Ecology, Behavior, and Conservation The ecology, behavior, and conservation of marine mammals, including whales, dolphins, and seals.
Module #13 Sea Turtles:Ecology, Conservation, and Human Impacts The ecology, conservation, and human impacts on sea turtle populations, including habitat destruction, bycatch, and climate change.
Module #14 Marine Invasive Species:Ecological and Economic Impacts The ecological and economic impacts of marine invasive species, including the effects on native species, ecosystems, and human communities.
Module #15 Climate Change and Ocean Acidification The impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems, including ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and changes in species distribution and abundance.
Module #16 Pollution and Marine Ecosystems The impacts of pollution on marine ecosystems, including oil spills, plastics, and chemical pollutants, and the importance of pollution mitigation and remediation.
Module #17 Coastal Development and Habitat Destruction The impacts of coastal development on marine ecosystems, including habitat destruction, coastal erosion, and the importance of sustainable coastal planning.
Module #18 Marine Protected Areas:Design, Implementation, and Effectiveness The design, implementation, and effectiveness of marine protected areas, including their role in conserving marine biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Module #19 Marine Conservation Policy and International Agreements The importance of marine conservation policy, international agreements, and collaborative efforts to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
Module #20 Citizen Science and Community Engagement in Marine Conservation The role of citizen science and community engagement in marine conservation, including participatory research, education, and outreach.
Module #21 Marine Ecosystem Services:Provisioning, Regulating, and Cultural The importance of marine ecosystem services, including provisioning services, regulating services, and cultural services.
Module #22 Economic Valuation of Marine Ecosystems The economic valuation of marine ecosystems, including the importance of incorporating ecosystem services into decision-making and policy development.
Module #23 Marine Ecological Restoration:Principles and Practices The principles and practices of marine ecological restoration, including habitat restoration, species reintroduction, and ecosystem recovery.
Module #24 Marine Biodiversity and Human Health The connections between marine biodiversity and human health, including the discovery of new medicines, disease mitigation, and ecosystem services.
Module #25 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity career
