This course in an intensive marine-based introduction to the scientific method and experimental biology taught a Shoals Marine Laboratory. The course takes advantage of the unique learning opportunities afforded by the pristine marine environment (especially the intertidal) around Appledore Island. The overall course philosophy is to allow students to learn the scientific method by doing it themselves under the guidance of veteran marine biologists. The course is structured around two class projects that are designed to expose students to concepts and techniques in marine ecophysiology and biomechanics. Permission required. Special fee. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.)

In this course students develop the capacity to solve increasingly challenging problems with greater independence. Students fill their science communication "tool box," learning how to engage a nonscientist audience. They will be introduced to video production, podcasts, Wikipedia editing, public science events, social media platforms, blogging and press release writing. After gaining basic skills with these communication platforms and tools, students will apply their skills to a topic of their own research interest on the island. Students will actively participate in a local public science event (Rock talks) and learn how to start a science cafe on their own. Students will receive feedback from their peers and their instructors, and by the end of this course they will become more effective science communicators. Skills gained in this course in this unique environment can be applied to any research field and are essential for every scientist. Prereq: BIOL 411, BIOL 412. Special Fee. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.)

This course will focus on one of the most diverse and fascinating groups of marine organisms: parasites. The course will explore marine parasites and pathogens at multiple levels, including: (1) the evolutionary perspective with an emphasis on coevolutionary relationships; (2) parasitic diseases and life cycles (from simple to complex); (3) taxonomic and phylogenetic understanding of parasite and host groups (with a focus on metazoan parasites and hosts); (4) ecological implications of parasitism in marine systems at the population, community, and ecosystem levels; and (5) the effects of human induced global change on parasitism in marine communities. Prereq: Biol 411, BIOL 412. Special Fee. (Summers only at Shoals Marine Lab.)

This course challenges students with real-world problems in the Gulf of Maine related to ecosystem research and management. Students learn the tools to conduct field and laboratory research and how to apply these tools in a real-world conservation management problem. Students work in small groups to design and implement and short research project. Results are presented to local and regional conservation practitioners in the Gulf of Maine. One semester of college biology should be taken prior to this course. Special Fee.