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Course Description: The ocean is a unique place, and Marine Science represents a special opportunity to learn about the least-explored place on Earth-- less than 5% of it has been explored. It is estimated that one out of every six jobs in the United States is marine-related, and that 75% of Americans will live in coastal areas by 2025.

Marine Science builds on the physical science and life science concepts learned in previous science courses and applies that knowledge to the exploration of the living and nonliving environments of our bays and oceans. The first semester focuses on various aspects of oceanography: chemistry, plate tectonics, sediments, ocean and atmospheric circulation, waves, tides, and coastal processes. The second semester will focus on marine biology: plankton, algae, plants, animals, marine ecosystems, and ecology.

Students will participate in a variety of learning experiences, including laboratory experiments, discussions, appropriate use of community resources. Ethical and social issues related to the marine environment and anthropogenic-induced climate change will be addressed.

The Marine science course includes physical aspects of the planet, and the ocean realm, as well as environmental aspects of the ocean environment, and finally the marine life- plant and animals.  Topics include but are not limited to: