[Coral-List] FHL summer classes

Gustav Paulay paulay at flmnh.ufl.edu
Fri Jan 21 07:06:11 EST 2011


Dear All,

Please excuse the cross posting.

Applications are open for summer classes at the Friday Harbor 
Laboratories, a marine lab in the San Juan Islands of Washington State. 
  The following full immersion, 9-credit classes are offered in marine 
science, in two 5-week sessions:

A TERM: June 20-July 22:
Marine Invertebrate Zoology
Experimental Approaches to Understanding Ocean Acidification
Comparative Invertebrate Embryology
Marine Bioacoustics

B TERM: July 25-August 26:
Evolution and Development of the Metazoans
Fish swimming: Kinematics, ecomorphology, behavior, and environmental 
physiology
Marine Algae
Marine Birds and Mammals

For further information visit 
http://depts.washington.edu/fhl/studentSummer2011.html and see below. 
Applications are due Feb 1, but will be accepted beyond that date in 
courses where space is available.

Cheers – Gustav
Gustav Paulay
Florida Museum of Natural History
University of Florida
Gainesville FL 32611-7800 USA
Email: paulay at flmnh.ufl.edu
Phone: 1 (352) 273-1948
FAX: 1 (352) 846-0287


MARINE INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY - BIOL 432
Session A; Gustav Paulay & Jonathan Geller
This course takes advantage of the rich marine biota of the Friday 
Harbor region to teach experientially about marine biodiversity. 
Alternating with two lectures a day, students will study living 
representatives of most major groups of marine animals in the 
laboratory, and through fieldwork in diverse marine habitats. The course 
reviews the diversity of animal life in an evolutionary and ecological 
context, focusing on a comparative study of form, function, and life 
history. We will review all animal phyla, and also explore diversity 
within phyla based on available exemplars.
Biodiversity is one of the most topical subjects in biology, partly 
because of its accelerating erosion as a result of increasing human 
pressures and global change. Having a working knowledge of the diversity 
of life is also fundamental to the study of any subject in biology. Over 
90% of the macroscopic species in the marine biosphere are 
“invertebrates”. This course introduces students to this diversity 
through a study of living exemplars of most major groups of marine 
animals. FHL is the best location in the US for such a course, given the 
wealth of local diversity and accumulated knowledge built over a century 
of investigations.
Applications are welcome from undergraduate students, 
post-baccalaureates and graduate students. Prior coursework in 
invertebrate biology or animal diversity is advisable but not essential.
Enrollment is limited to 20 students.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHES TO UNDERSTANDING OCEAN ACIDIFICATION - BIOL 533
Session A; Michael O'Donnell & Terrie Klinger
As new researchers turn their attention to studying the effects of ocean 
acidification on a broad range of biological systems they are frequently 
stymied by the inherent complexities of manipulating and documenting 
experimental conditions. The purpose of this course is to provide 
students with the skills to design and conduct experimental 
manipulations of biological systems that are consistent with the current 
state of the field.
This course will consist of three main components.
First, it will serve as a rapid indoctrination into essential topics in 
geochemistry, de-mystifying this essential piece of ocean acidification 
research. This module will include lectures on fundamental topics, 
practical discussions of measuring techniques and equipment and 
extensive laboratory experience with the critical measurement tools.
Secondly, students will gain experience with a range of techniques for 
conducting experimental manipulations of environmental conditions. 
Through lectures, demonstrations, and independent research, students 
will develop skills to design their own experiments. Students will work 
with a variety of experimental equipment, including laboratory and 
in-water mesocosm systems. This module will provide practical exercises 
for designing experimental systems.
Finally, the course will bring students up-to-date on the rapidly 
changing state of the field. Lectures, independent readings, and 
discussions will help the class synthesize a bourgeoning body of 
research. The ocean acidification literature is growing at an 
exponential pace, and the focused efforts of the entire class will help 
bring everyone up to speed on the most relevant papers.
The course will consist of lectures, laboratory exercises and 
discussions. Students will practice lab skills while documenting the 
carbonate chemistry of the local waters. During the later part of the 
course, students will engage in short research projects. However, the 
emphasis will be primarily on careful experimental design and execution 
(monitoring and troubleshooting carbonate chemistry manipulations).
Applications are welcome from graduate students at all levels. 
Potentially, exceptionally qualified undergraduates or postdocs with 
special interests may also be admitted. This course would be ideal for 
students at the early stages of designing a research program around 
ocean acidification.
Enrollment is limited to 15 students.

COMPARATIVE INVERTEBRATE EMBRYOLOGY: BIOL 536
Session A: Richard Strathmann & Christopher Lowe
This course provides extensive hands-on laboratory experience with the 
fertilization and development of diverse animals. Phyla represented 
usually include the Porifera, Cnidaria, Ctenophora, Platyhelminthes, 
Nemertea, Mollusca, Annelida, Brachiopoda, Phoronida, Bryozoa, 
Echinodermata, Chordata, Chaetognatha, and Arthropoda.
In addition to the basics of invertebrate reproduction and development, 
lectures will also include analysis of morphogenetic processes, 
evolutionary changes in development, and functional consequences of 
different modes of development. Much of lab time will be devoted to 
observing and drawing embryos. Lecture and lab practice will also 
introduce various techniques Field collecting trips to diverse habitats 
will acquaint students with the environments in which reproduction and 
development occur and diverse sources of embryos.
The course is intended to serve both marine biologists who wish to 
understand diversity in modes of development for ecological and 
evolutionary studies and developmental biologists who wish to broaden 
their knowledge of embryos because of the resurgent interest in the 
evolution of developmental mechanisms.
Enrollment is limited to 12 students.

MARINE BIOACOUSTICS: FISH 507
Session A: Charles H. Greene, John Horne & Louise McGarry
The primary goal of this course is to provide students with a broad 
understanding of underwater acoustics as well as the acoustic and other 
complementary methods used to study the distribution, behavior, and 
community ecology of marine animal populations. By bringing together 
many of the top researchers in marine bioacoustics, biological 
oceanography, and marine mammal biology, considerable cross-disciplinary 
exchange will occur. The students will have a unique opportunity to work 
side by side with active scientists using state-of-the-art tools and 
techniques. The course also will act as a research magnet, attracting 
scientists to conduct their own research in a creative teaching 
environment that catalyzes interactions across disciplines.
Topics will include: Principles of Underwater Sound, Signal Processing, 
Zooplankton & Fisheries Acoustics, Marine Mammal Bioacoustics, Acoustic 
Tracking, Assessing Distribution & Abundance, Predator-Prey Ecology & 
Behavior, Data Management, Analysis & Visualization.
Enrollment limited to 18 students.

EVOLUTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE METAZOANS: BIOL 533
Session B: Billie Swalla & Kenneth Halanych
During this course, we plan to review the current hypotheses of metazoan 
phylogenies and have the students learn a bit about how to construct 
molecular phylogenies, using datasets pulled from the databases. Then, 
we will learn about developmental genes and learn how to examine 
temporal and spatial expression of a gene by in situ hybridization. 
Finally, we will allow the students to complete a mini-project, where 
they choose a question about morphological evolution and clone a gene 
for phylogeny and expression studies. We do not expect this course to be 
concentrated only on molecular evidence. We are interested in functional 
morphologies of marine organisms, and we hope to stimulate students to 
think in terms of why certain morphologies evolve repeatedly in marine 
organisms due to selective constraints of the marine environment.
Our understanding of metazoan relationships has been changing, as 
molecular phylogenies have been constructed and refined. Our current 
understanding of metazoan relationships allow new hypotheses to be 
constructed about how body plans have evolved. Advances in Developmental 
Biology have shown that the metazoans use similar signaling molecules 
and transcription factors during development in order to elaborate 
particular morphologies. The cloning and expression of these homologous 
genes in different organisms allows one to make predictions about how 
evolutionary processes work during embryonic development. Additionally, 
rapid advances in genomic sciences have allowed researchers to start 
unlocking the mysteries of development and organismal evolution in novel 
ways. One of the objectives of this course will be to introduce students 
(i.e., future researchers) to the technological and theoretical 
potential of genomic tools on marine organisms. However, this course 
will differ from other evolution of development courses in that it will 
stress a stronger understanding of organismal and comparative biology. 
Teaching this course at FHL, allows use arguably the best venue for 
integrating the molecular aspects of the course with organismal biology 
for a variety of animals. This course clearly draws a mix of students, 
as previous times we have taught this course we have had both students 
who had no molecular experience and students who had not previously had 
organismal experience.
Enrollment limited to 15 students.

FISH SWIMMING: KINEMATICS, ECOMORPHOLOGY, BEHAVIOR, AND ENVIRONMENTAL 
PHYSIOLOGY: FISH 565
Session B: Paolo Domenici & Dr. John F. Steffensen
Fish swimming is a multidisciplinary area of research that encompasses 
biomechanics, physiology, evolution, ecology and behavior. Knowledge of 
fish swimming is relevant both for students interested in mechanisms of 
locomotion, and those interested in locomotor adaptations to the 
environment. The course will reflect the multidisciplinary nature of 
fish swimming. The main subjects treated in the course will be: (1) The 
kinematics and performance of swimming in fish using various locomotory 
modes (2) The ecomorphology of fish locomotion (3) Locomotor strategies. 
(4) Metabolic aspects of fish swimming (5) The effect of various 
environmental factors on fish swimming.
Specific lectures will be given on the following topics: Introduction to 
local fish fauna, Introduction to fish hydrodynamics, Fish swimming 
kinematics and biomechanics (steady and unsteady), Fish swimming 
performance (steady and unsteady), Scaling of swimming performance, 
Predator-prey encounters. Fish functional morphology and swimming, 
Schooling behaviour, Respiratory physiology, Principle of respirometry, 
Ecophysiology of fish swimming, Metabolism and exercise physiology, The 
effect of environmental factors on fish swimming, Video analysis 
techniques, kinematic analysis, circular statistics, respirometry 
techniques.
These topics will be treated in lectures and laboratory/field sessions. 
Students will learn laboratory techniques of video analysis, kinematics, 
energetics and respirometry. The first half of the course will have an 
emphasis on lectures and explanations of techniques for studying fish 
swimming in the laboratory and in the field. In the second half of the 
course, emphasis will be placed on laboratory and field work. Students 
will pursue independent research projects. These will be discussed 
between each student and the instructors. Based on past experience from 
previous courses taught at FHL, a number of projects will be proposed 
and rated in terms of their feasibility, their originality and 
scientific interest. Original projects on fish locomotion, based on the 
student’s personal background and interest, will also be welcomed. 
Regular morning meetings will be held in order to discuss various issues 
such clarifying lecture material, planning logistic matters (fishing, 
sharing equipment), defining/assigning and updating each project. At the 
end of the course, students are expected to present the results of their 
independent projects orally and as a written report in the format of a 
scientific paper.
Enrollment limited to 15 students.

MARINE ALGAE: BIOL 539
Session B: Charles O'Kelly & Paul Gabrielson
The theme is “principles, methods, and applications of marine algal 
biodiversity studies”, in particular the macro- and microalgae of 
benthic environments. Students will learn classical and contemporary 
methods for the identification, classification, and phylogenetic 
analysis of algae; the theories underlying the methods; the application 
of biodiversity information in (for example) benthic ecology, cellular 
evolution, and natural products exploration. Students will gain 
practical experience in such tools as: specimen collection, 
preservation, and databasing; light and electron microscopy; DNA 
isolation and sequencing; computational approaches to phylogeny 
reconstruction. Field work will be extensive, as the diverse and 
species-rich aquatic habitats on and around San Juan Island provide 
ideal sites for the examination of both macroalgal and microalgal 
diversity.
We will emphasize the use of combined approaches to answer questions; 
individual and group projects will use morphological, ecological and 
molecular data to assess the diversity of algal populations and 
interpret that diversity in its ecological context. A sample question: 
“What is the best way to find out how many species make up a ‘green 
tide’ algal bloom?” At the end of the course, students should be able to 
use several of the tools now available to identify and classify algae 
and to critically assess the value of these tools in studies of algal 
biodiversity and marine benthic ecosystems.
This is a course appropriate for marine biologists, botanists and 
oceanographers with interests in marine biodiversity, conservation 
biology, coastal ecology with an emphasis on primary producers, and 
commercial applications of algae.
Courses on this general theme have been offered at FHL for many decades, 
and continue to be popular. The course fills a need both for students of 
phycology per se and for marine biology students specializing in some 
other subdiscipline, for whom knowledge of algae and how to work with 
them is, or may become, critical. The Northwest Pacific coast of North 
America is a well-known “hotspot” for algal diversity, and the Friday 
Harbor Laboratories are both uniquely well sited and uniquely well 
equipped to explore this diversity.
Enrollment limited to 15 students.

MARINE BIRDS AND MAMMALS: BIOL 4XX
Session B: Breck Tyler & Eric Anderson
Ecology and Conservation of Marine Birds and Mammals
The Salish Sea supports a diverse community of marine birds and mammals. 
This intensive, field-based course offers motivated students the 
opportunity to learn about these ecologically and culturally important 
animals and the conservation problems they face. Perched at the edge of 
the San Juan Channel, the Friday Harbor Labs are a great place to 
develop the research skills needed to study a range of species including 
eagles, auklets, seals, and porpoises. We are excited to offer this new 
course and welcome applications from undergraduates, 
post-baccalaureates, and graduate students.
This course emphasizes first-hand learning and makes full use of the 
Labs’ research boats and facilities. Students will learn: 1) the 
systematics, morphology, physiology, and ecology of local species; 2) 
field identification and research techniques for studies of populations, 
energetics, and other topics; 3) relationship of tides and other 
environmental variables to animal distribution and abundance; and 4) 
status and conservation of local species. During the first two weeks, 
lectures, lab demonstrations, and field trips will familiarize students 
with the local fauna, their habitats, and relevant research techniques. 
For the next two weeks, students are expected to work in teams to 
conduct independent research on the ecology of local species and 
communities. Projects will cover a variety of topics and will be 
designed to gather data pertinent to pressing conservation problems. 
During the final week, students will present their results and discuss 
their findings in light of these conservation issues.
Recent evidence suggests that populations of many seabirds and marine 
mammals are declining in the Salish Sea. However, available data are 
sparse and much additional study is needed. Student projects will 
contribute to a growing database of population trends in the San Juan 
Island region now being developed by other FHL courses and researchers. 
Cumulatively these data will help us better understand the ecology and 
status of local species.
Enrollment limited to 20.





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