Course Descriptions
Introduction to Marine Science Field Laboratory (MARE 101L) Drs. Dudley & Turner
Map the sea floor of Hawaii’s bays from aboard a UHH research vessel. Collect samples of marine sediments using a corer and investigate ocean currents by tracking drogues as they drift along the island’s shores. Plot oceanographic data on a computer and interpret the results using the latest scientific software. Map the temperature and salinity patterns in scenic Hilo Bay. Collect plankton from a UHH research vessel and identify them in the laboratory. Learn to identify many of the common Hawaiian reef fishes, and have the opportunity to practice in situ techniques used to visually census fishes. Participate in a cooperative field research study of the endangered green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas, involving their capture, tagging, and subsequent release. This is an introductory first course, with no prerequisites.
Marine Biology (MARE 171) Ms. Turner
This course provides a comprehensive examination of the exciting world beneath the waves. Subjects include an introduction and history of marine biology, how organisms deal with the marine environment, marine ecological concepts, and factors involved with reproduction, migration, and dispersal of marine larvae. Important marine taxonomic groups and processes will be investigated across a diverse landscape of aquatic habitats including open ocean, deep sea, benthic, and coastal ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrasses, mangroves, and estuaries. Aspects of human impact upon the marine environment and the management and conservation of marine resources will be discussed. This is an introductory course, however a previous biology course is recommended.
Hawaii Marine Field Experience (MARE 190) Captain Childers
This special course consists of five full-day marine-oriented field trips to unique sites around the island of Hawaii. Travel to Kailua-Kona to visit the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii and learn about state-of-the-art technology in ocean thermal energy conversion and aquaculture systems. Dive into the clear blue waters off Kailua aboard a submersible vessel. See the world’s newest coastline, freshly formed from molten lava, after visiting the Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Learn about ancient Hawaiian aquaculture systems, and snorkel among some of the most beautiful shoreline coral reefs in the Pacific. Descend into historic Waipio Valley (the idyllic “dry land”at the end of the film “Waterworld”) and study its mile-long deserted beach nestled between sheer thousand foot cliffs. Take a boat trip along the Kona coast to observe offshore marine life while snorkeling over reefs in crystal clear water. Your experienced instructor will accompany you to teach and answer your questions. This is an introductory first course, with no prerequisites.
Introduction to Hawaiian Coral Reefs (MARE 194 & 194L) Ms. Turner
Explore the underwater world of the Big Island of Hawaii while learning about unique marine ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth. Students will acquire an appreciation for local aquatic fauna in the classroom including the basics of marine biology and natural history. Then they will enter the natural laboratory that is Hawaii and investigate coral reefs, coastal beach, and tide pool systems with mask, snorkel, and fins. Learn to identify common marine inhabitants while enjoying an unparalleled educational experience under the sea. This is an introductory course and lab with no prerequisites.
Oceanography (MARE 201) Dr. Lundblad
Learn basic scientific principles of the global oceans with vivid, first-hand examples. See what the oceans are like, with emphasis on understanding how they work. Study ocean basins and plate tectonics while living atop an active mid-Pacific “hot spot”. Geological histories of Pacific islands, as well as coastal processes will be illustrated by active local examples. Learn about the earth’s winds and ocean currents and understand how they work and relate to global climate. Study ocean waves in a location known for large surf and destructive tsunamis. Learn the principles making the ocean a special place for life, and why sea life shows major, fascinating differences from that on land. Study the major groups of marine plants and animals, how they live and interact, and look at interesting natural histories of specific examples. This is an introductory first course, with no prerequisites and has been approved for the Hawaii Running Start program.
Quantitative Underwater Ecological Survey Techniques - QUEST (MARE 264)
Team Students who enroll in QUEST will learn commonly utilized nearshore underwater ecological surveying techniques and then apply them in the field using SCUBA as a research tool. Students will learn to identify common Hawaiian reef invertebrates, fishes, and seaweeds, and will also learn basicreef geomorphology, sedimentology, and physical oceanography of coral reef systems. Lectures will also cover basics in experimental design, statistical analysis, and graphical representation. Finally, students will be introduced to a variety of surveying techniques including: visual surveying of fishes, surveying of benthic invertebrates, and video and still photographic surveying of fish and invertebrates. The entire course will be held at Halau Maluhia on the south shore of Kealakekua Bay in Kona. Lectures on techniques will be followed by SCUBA dives utilizing those techniques to survey the coral reefs in Kealakekua Bay. The course will culminate with comprehensive survey dives on the coral reefs off Puako and Pauoa Bay, Hawaii. Data will be logged, analyzed, and presented in oral and written reports. This class affords students a unique opportunity to learn and apply diving research techniques in a truly beautiful environment. Admission by advance consent of the instructors.
Small Boat Operation in Marine Research (MARE 294) Captain Childers
This course is intended to provide the novice boater with the skills needed to safely operate and conduct research from a small boat. Topics include; boating terminology, state and federal regulations, safety, weather, lines and knots, Rules of the Road, navigation, small boat handling, and conducting research operations including the support of SCUBA diving, the use of portable electronic sampling gear, and the collection of samples. The course will consist of lectures, lab sessions, and time on the water in a small boat. Participants must be able to swim. Admission by advance consent of the instructor.
Advanced Quantitative Underwater Ecological Survey Techniques (MARE 364)
Team Students who have completed MARE 264 with at least a “B” grade may apply for admission to Advanced QUEST. Applicants who are accepted will be assigned as dive team leaders for the basic QUEST course (MARE 264). In this leadership role, advanced QUEST students will work with the diving safety officer to monitor the safe diving practice of each member of their team, supervise the dive team’s recording of data in the field as well as its reduction and analysis, and anchor the team’s written and oral presentations. Team leaders will also assist in training students in identification of organisms.
Tropical Marine Research Investigations (MARE/BIOL 366) Dr. Lundblad
This course affords undergraduates the unique opportunity to get “hands-on” experience doing scientific research on marine-related problems. Research projects will be selected from a list of field-oriented investigations. Students will do a thorough literature search prior to developing an experimental design for the project, write a research proposal, and then will collect and analyze their data. At the end of the summer session, students will prepare a final written report, and give an oral presentation of their findings. Typical projects involve beach, plankton, or coral reef studies. Successful completion of this course meets the skill project requirement for the Marine Option Program Certificate. Prior college-level marine biology recommended.
Biology of Marine Mammals (MARE 394M & 394N) Dr. Turner
This course will study a diverse group of highly adapted marine vertebrates which cover several taxonomic groups and span all ocean systems. Comprehensive investigations of cetaceans, pinnipeds, sirenians, as well as the representative mustelid and ursid will be conducted. Subjects will include evolution, taxonomy, anatomy and physiology, behavior, reproductive ecology, diving adaptations, echolocation, conservation and management, and the history of human interactions with these unique mammals. Lecture will include discussions of current research papers along with group research projects. Laboratory sessions will enable students to participate in the field and lab techniques employed by professional marine mammal biologists throughout the Big Island of Hawaii. Prior college-level marine biology recommended.
Sharks and Rays of Hawaii (MARE 394T) Mr. Heckman & Mr. Crow
This is a hands-on field course at Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, Coconut Island. Participants will assist with the completion of a stingray research project, then help initiate a study with a new target species, either eagle rays or smooth hammerheads. Working from boats, in the water or on land, participants will learn shark and ray natural history and field research methods, including passive and active tracking techniques. Expect to get wet. Diving available for UH-certified scientific divers, snorkel/free dive options available for other participants. Lab fees are variable depending on residence on Coconut Island (suggested). Course starts Sunday afternoon and ends Saturday mid-day. Tuition $292 for 2 credits. Lab fee: $425 with rooming on Coconut Island, $325 without, lunches and breakfast included. Call Mark Heckman at 808-440-9006 for information.
Teaching Marine Science (MARE 434) Ms. Parr & Ms. Stewart
Particularly designed for in-service middle school teachers, Teaching Marine Science is an intensive, week long immersion program with classroom, laboratory and field components. Activities will take place in the UH Hilo Marine Science department labs, at Ke Ana La’ahana charter school and fish pond, at local beaches and on the University’s research vessel, the R/V Four Winds. Field trips to local marine oriented facilities will also be included. Teachers will return to their classrooms with a dramatically increased knowledge base in marine science content and skills, with practice in developing process oriented, inquiry based lesson plans linked to the Hawaiian Content and Performance Standards, and with an introduction to upcoming State of Hawaii Science Field Testing requirements. A strand running through the course will link Hawaiian navigation, sustainability practices, and relationship to the marine environment to other course content. Course is designed for in-service middle school teachers. Personal snorkeling gear is required.
Marine Field Experience for Teachers - (MARE 435) Ms. Parr & Ms. Stewart
This companion course to MARE 434 is the second week of intensive marine science instruction designed for in-service, middle school teachers. A primary focus of this course is the development of safe and successful field activities for students. Our base for the week will be Halau Maluhia on the rim of Kealakekua Bay. Participants will camp at the halau and instruction will focus on the extensive coral reefs and tidepools at the site, and will incorporate nearby sites important in Hawaiian culture, sustainability practices and voyaging tradition. Course is designed for in-service middle school teachers. Personal snorkeling gear is required.
Marine Reptile Conservation and Ecology (MARE 494 & 494L) Dr. Turner
This course gives students an all-encompassing look at the exceptional natural history of these ancient marine vertebrates. Topics will include investigations of all seven species of sea turtle along with sea snakes and marine iguanas throughout the world. Subjects will incorporate conservation and management, human impacts, reproductive and feeding ecology, evolution, taxonomy, and anatomy and physiology of these inimitable marine animals. Lecture will include discussions of current research topics and conservation efforts along with group research projects. Laboratory sessions will enable students to participate in a cooperative field research study of the endangered green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas, involving their capture, tagging, and subsequent release. Prior college-level marine biology recommended.