Námskeiðslýsing

Marine conservation biology is increasingly important for society, as evidenced by frequent media coverage. Students who take this class will be exposed to multiple perspectives on important scientific issues in marine conservation and gain valuable experience in critical thinking, communication skills, and the use of science in effective debate. This course covers a variety of topics pertaining to the conservation of marine biodiversity and living resources. The class includes lectures, library research, student-led debates, and discussions of timely, controversial issues involving science. Topics will likely include fisheries and sustainable seafood, oil and gas development, coral reefs, invasive species, and ocean acidification.

Hæfniviðmið

By the end of this course, all students will have demonstrated their ability to:

• Acquire data and information on current scientific issues regarding the conservation of biodiversity in the sea, including topics such as overfishing, invasive species, eutrophication, marine pollution, and global warming (knowledge)
• Classify the strength of scientific inference regarding threats to marine biodiversity and solutions (comprehension).
• Apply skills in verbal and written communication in the context of scientific debate (application)
• Analyze both sides of scientific debates regarding threats to marine biodiversity and solutions (analysis)
• Arrange and summarize data and information gathered in library research in a logical manner (synthesis)
• Appraise the pros and cons in scientific debates regarding threats to marine biodiversity and solutions (evaluation)

Námsmat

• Pro-con arguments for each topic 25%
• Debate preparation documents 25%
• Final debate 30%
• Final debate summary 20%

Kennari

Dr. Scott Heppell
My research interests are the physiological ecology of fishes, in particular how physiology, behavior, and life history traits affect the interactions between fish populations and their respective fisheries. I have worked on bluefin tuna on the Atlantic high seas, Mediterranean, and east coast of the United States, on groupers throughout the southeast Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico, on rockfish in Oregon and Alaska, and on trout, steelhead, and salmon in Japan and the high deserts of eastern Oregon and Northern Nevada. I collaborate with academic scientists, state and federal agencies, foreign agencies and universities, and commercial and recreational fishermen, working together to try and address issues related to the sustainability of marine and freshwater resources and their ecosystems. At Oregon State University I teach classes in fish physiology, fishery biology, and management of salmon in the Pacific Northwest, and each year Selina and I teach an international short course in Conservation Biology in Rovinj, Croatia.

Dr. Selina S. Heppell
I devote most of my research to some of the oldest and slowest-growing animals in the sea: sea turtles, sharks, sturgeon, and U.S. west coast rockfish (scientifically known as Sebastes, which means "magnificent"). These marine animals commonly share three traits: long lifespans, late age at maturity, and threats from overharvest. I primarily use computer models and simulations to help us understand how populations respond to human impacts and to guide research and management policy towards their recovery. I am particularly interested in how these animals will respond to climate change and increasing human populations on our coastlines, and in finding ways to protect species and habitats while supporting local fisheries. My current teaching at Oregon State University includes courses on Marine Conservation Biology, Introduction to Population Dynamics, and Ecology and Management of Marine Fishes. I am Chair of the Ecosystem Management Subcommittee for the Science and Statistical Committee of the Pacific Fishery Management Council, a member of the Science and Technical Advisory Committee for Oregon's Ocean Policy Advisory Council, and a member of the Marine Turtle Specialists Group of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Gestafyrirlesari

Ítarefni