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John Sparks

This course is about life in the oceans, from the sunlit surface to the inky depths, from microscopic phytoplankton to the great blue whale. The ocean is among the world’s most inhospitable environments for scientific research, which is why we know as much about the surface of the moon as we do the bottom of the sea. This course uncovers the evolutionary history of marine organisms, adaptations to life in water, the behavior and functional morphology of sea animals, interactions between species, and current threats. Throughout the course, we meet scientists who are developing ingenious solutions for overcoming challenges and are making remarkable discoveries. By evaluating these cases and analyzing real scientific data, we come to understand some of the ways that life has adapted to diverse ocean habitats, how it interacts with the physical environment and with other organisms, and why it matters to us.

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Syllabus

How have organisms adapted to living in the ocean?
Did life on Earth begin in the ocean? How diverse are marine organisms, compared to those on land? What are the forces that shaped their evolution, and what threats do they face? We begin our course by investigating questions whose answers are far less straightforward than you might think. Here we will meet our course authors and look through a porthole onto their scientific research. We will learn how destructive fishing techniques are affecting the ecosystems of squid species and how biofluorescence and bioluminescence help mysterious deep-sea creatures survive and reproduce.
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What are the physical properties of the marine environment and how do they affect life?
Just as life on land depends on the air we breathe, life in the ocean depends on water. What are the properties of seawater, and how are they important to life? This week we will examine seawater’s chemical and physical characteristics—things like temperature, salinity, acidity, pressure, and the transmission of sunlight—that profoundly affect the organisms living in it. We’ll study how water moves through the ocean and beyond, in a great global cycle that includes internal motion like tides and currents, but also processes like evaporation, precipitation, and wind, which take place outside the ocean. Then we will look at how organisms take advantage of all this motion. How do the water’s properties allow marine life to find food, escape from predators, meet mates, and spread their offspring? Finally, we will a visit with a bioengineer who designs her own equipment to create pulsing images of a previously little-studied organism, a gelatinous filter-feeder that’s enormously important in its ecosystem.
How do species interact in the ocean?
This week we will examine another aspect of motion underwater: how matter and energy move through marine ecosystems, from the photosynthetic organisms that capture sunlight at the base of the food pyramid to the huge predators at the top, as well as the organisms that cycle waste and dead creatures back into the system. What lives where, and why? How do the movement of matter and energy affect the patterns of life in the ocean?We will take a closer look at principles of ecology and how they apply in marine environments. How do species interact within a community? How do they help and harm one another, and how do their interactions drive their evolution? In a case study, we will visit a marine scientist who studies dolphins that herd their prey and find out about the daily migrations those prey species make between deep and shallow waters.
Giants of the Sea: How did Blue Whales Get So Big? (A Case Study)
Blue whales are the largest animals that ever lived and have among the longest migrations of any mammalian species. Their massive body size and range bring with them a unique set of challenges. How do blue whales get enough energy feasting on just tiny krill? A group of scientists, including biologist Jeremy Goldbogen at Hopkins Marine Station at Stanford University, has revolutionized the study of whale behavior by developing and deploying multi-sensor tags on whales. The scientists look for patterns in their data in order to understand what whales are doing during their deep dives, and what this behavior reveals about the ecosystems the whales inhabit.
How are Marine Ecosystems Important?
The threats to ocean life are numerous and dire, but they are not foretold. For example, “super corals” appear to be resistant to warming waters and scientists are successfully replanting samples in vulnerable reefs. This week we investigate the relationship between humans and the ocean: the services the oceans provide, how those services are threatened by human activity, and what might be done to mitigate these threats. We also look at a number of other scientists who are working from many disciplines on conservation strategies.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by John Sparks, a respected whale biologist with extensive research experience
Examines diverse marine life, including microscopic organisms, squid, and blue whales
Develops understanding of marine ecosystem dynamics and the role of humans in ocean conservation
Uses real-world case studies and research examples to illustrate concepts
Appropriate for students and professionals with an interest in marine biology or oceanography
Requires no prerequisites, making it accessible to learners of various backgrounds

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Marine Biology with these activities:
Learn About Oceanographic Instrumentation
Expand your knowledge of the tools and techniques used to study the marine environment.
Browse courses on Oceanography
Show steps
  • Explore online resources and tutorials on oceanographic instrumentation.
  • Familiarize yourself with the principles behind devices like CTDs, ADCPs, and sonar systems.
Review a basic biology textbook
Understanding basic biological concepts will help you grasp more advanced concepts covered in this course.
Browse courses on Biology
Show steps
  • Locate your required textbook or find alternative free resources online
  • Review Chapter 1: The Basic Principles of Life
  • Review Chapter 2: The Chemical Basis of Life
  • Review Chapter 3: Cells
  • Review Chapter 4: Cell Structure and Function
Practice Identifying Marine Adaptations
Reinforce your understanding of the adaptations that have enabled organisms to thrive in marine environments.
Browse courses on Marine Biology
Show steps
  • Gather a set of images or descriptions of marine organisms.
  • For each organism, identify the specific adaptations that allow it to survive in its marine habitat.
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Design a Poster on Marine Ecology
Enhance your comprehension of the interactions between marine organisms and their environment by creating a visual representation.
Show steps
  • Research the key principles of marine ecology, including food webs, trophic levels, and nutrient cycling.
  • Design a poster that visually depicts these principles and their importance in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.

Career center

Learners who complete Marine Biology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Marine Biologist
Marine Biologists study the biology of marine organisms, including their behavior, physiology, and ecology. They also study the interactions between marine organisms and their environment. This course provides a strong foundation in marine biology, covering topics such as the evolution of marine organisms, adaptations to life in water, behavior and functional morphology of sea animals, interactions between species, and current threats. This knowledge is essential for a successful career as a Marine Biologist.
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct scientific research in a variety of fields. They design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and publish their findings. This course provides a strong foundation in marine biology, covering topics such as the evolution of marine organisms, adaptations to life in water, behavior and functional morphology of sea animals, interactions between species, and current threats. This knowledge is essential for a successful career as a Research Scientist who specializes in marine biology.
Marine Conservation Officer
Marine Conservation Officers enforce laws and regulations that protect marine life and habitats. They also educate the public about the importance of marine conservation. This course provides a comprehensive overview of marine biology, including the evolution of marine organisms, adaptations to life in water, behavior and functional morphology of sea animals, interactions between species, and current threats. This knowledge is essential for a successful career as a Marine Conservation Officer.
Aquaculturist
Aquaculturists raise fish and other aquatic organisms for food or other purposes. They develop and implement aquaculture systems, and they monitor the health and growth of their animals. This course provides a strong foundation in marine biology, covering topics such as the evolution of marine organisms, adaptations to life in water, behavior and functional morphology of sea animals, interactions between species, and current threats. This knowledge is essential for a successful career as an Aquaculturist.
Conservation Scientist
Conservation Scientists use their understanding of marine biology and ecosystems to develop and implement conservation plans that protect marine life and habitats. This course provides a comprehensive overview of marine biology, including the evolution of marine organisms, adaptations to life in water, behavior and functional morphology of sea animals, interactions between species, and current threats. This knowledge is essential for developing effective conservation strategies.
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultants advise businesses and governments on how to comply with environmental regulations. They also develop and implement environmental management plans. This course provides a comprehensive overview of marine biology, including the evolution of marine organisms, adaptations to life in water, behavior and functional morphology of sea animals, interactions between species, and current threats. This knowledge is essential for a successful career as an Environmental Consultant who specializes in marine biology.
Biostatistician
Biostatisticians use statistical methods to analyze biological data. They develop and interpret statistical models to help researchers understand the relationships between different variables. This course provides a strong foundation in marine biology, covering topics such as the evolution of marine organisms, adaptations to life in water, behavior and functional morphology of sea animals, interactions between species, and current threats. This knowledge is essential for a successful career as a Biostatistician who specializes in marine biology.
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyers represent clients in cases involving environmental law. They also advise clients on how to comply with environmental regulations. This course provides a comprehensive overview of marine biology, including the evolution of marine organisms, adaptations to life in water, behavior and functional morphology of sea animals, interactions between species, and current threats. This knowledge is essential for a successful career as an Environmental Lawyer who specializes in marine law.
Oceanographer
Oceanographers study the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the ocean. They use this knowledge to understand how the ocean works and how it affects the Earth's climate and weather. This course provides a solid foundation in marine biology, including the evolution of marine organisms, adaptations to life in water, behavior and functional morphology of sea animals, interactions between species, and current threats. This knowledge is essential for a successful career as an Oceanographer.
Marine Engineer
Marine Engineers design, build, and maintain ships and other marine structures. They also supervise the operation of marine engines and other machinery. This course provides a strong foundation in marine biology, covering topics such as the evolution of marine organisms, adaptations to life in water, behavior and functional morphology of sea animals, interactions between species, and current threats. This knowledge is essential for a successful career as a Marine Engineer who specializes in the design and operation of marine vessels.
Science Writer
Science Writers communicate scientific information to the public. They write articles, books, and other materials that explain complex scientific concepts in a clear and engaging way. This course provides a strong foundation in marine biology, covering topics such as the evolution of marine organisms, adaptations to life in water, behavior and functional morphology of sea animals, interactions between species, and current threats. This knowledge is essential for a successful career as a Science Writer who specializes in marine biology.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They make recommendations to policymakers on how to address these issues. This course provides a comprehensive overview of marine biology, including the evolution of marine organisms, adaptations to life in water, behavior and functional morphology of sea animals, interactions between species, and current threats. This knowledge is essential for a successful career as a Policy Analyst who specializes in marine policy.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers write instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documents that explain complex technical information. This course provides a strong foundation in marine biology, covering topics such as the evolution of marine organisms, adaptations to life in water, behavior and functional morphology of sea animals, interactions between species, and current threats. This knowledge is essential for a successful career as a Technical Writer who specializes in marine biology.
Museum curator
Museum Curators care for and manage collections of artifacts. They also design and install exhibits. This course provides a strong foundation in marine biology, covering topics such as the evolution of marine organisms, adaptations to life in water, behavior and functional morphology of sea animals, interactions between species, and current threats. This knowledge is essential for a successful career as a Museum Curator who specializes in marine biology.
Science Teacher
Science Teachers teach science to students at all levels. They develop lesson plans, conduct experiments, and grade assignments. This course provides a strong foundation in marine biology, covering topics such as the evolution of marine organisms, adaptations to life in water, behavior and functional morphology of sea animals, interactions between species, and current threats. This knowledge is essential for a successful career as a Science Teacher who specializes in marine biology.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Marine Biology.
Provides an excellent overview of the biology of the marine environment, with chapters covering everything from plankton to marine mammals. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about marine ecosystems.
Pulitzer Prize-winning account of the history of mass extinctions on Earth. It is written by a leading science writer and provides a sobering look at the current state of the planet.
Thought-provoking exploration of the future of life on Earth. It is written by one of the world's leading biologists and provides a hopeful vision for the future of our planet.
Classic work of environmentalism. It was written by one of the world's leading marine biologists and provides a passionate and eloquent account of the dangers of pesticides and other pollutants to the environment.
Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that tells the story of nine people whose lives are intertwined with trees. It beautiful and thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between humans and the natural world.
Provides a comprehensive overview of coral reefs, from their biology to their ecology. It is written by a leading expert on coral reefs and features stunning photography of coral reef ecosystems.
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Journey through the history of life on Earth. It is written by one of the world's leading naturalists and features stunning photography of plants and animals from around the world.
Fascinating exploration of the hidden life of trees. It is written by a German forester and provides a new perspective on the natural world.

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