Marine Science Courses
Department of Biological Sciences | Faculty of Science
丁香园AV Calendar 2012 Summer
The following are all the courses offered in this area. To view the current course catalog and/or course schedule on the Student Information System, visit (select "Class Search/Course Schedule" on the left menu).
Marine science programs may include both BISC and MASC courses to fulfil upper division biological sciences requirements.
MASC courses are offered on Vancouver Island鈥檚 Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre in conjunction with universities in summer and fall in three or six week blocks. See the department in January for courses, and their use as substitutes for upper division BISC courses in major, minor or honours programs.
Course entry requires application through the Department of Biological Sciences well in advance of course commencement because candidate selection is limited. For information, consult the biological sciences department. To complete marine science courses, students must apply for university admission through the usual procedures, and be accepted (See ). Also see the list of MASC courses below.
MASC course offerings may vary because instructors are drawn from different universities so prerequisites may vary slightly. Generally, upper division standing in biology is required; admission is competitive. Consult the brochure published each fall by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre which is available from the Department of Biological Sciences. Periodically, graduate courses will be offered.
Marine science courses, which may be included in a biology graduate program at Bamfield, BC, are offered in conjunction with certain other universities. They are available for graduate credit for MSc and PhD students on recommendation of the supervisory committee.
MASC 400-6 Directed Studies
A course of directed studies under the supervision of a member of faculty. The study will involve a research project approved by the supervisor in the field of interest of the student, and will be designed to take maximum advantage of the laboratory and/or field opportunities offered by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
MASC 401-3 Directed Studies in Marine Sciences
A course of directed studies under the supervision of a member of faculty. The study will involve a research project approved by the supervisor in the field of interest of the student, and will be designed to take maximum advantage of the laboratory and field opportunities offered by the Marine Sciences Centre. Prerequisite: Offerings of the MASC courses may vary from summer to summer because instructors are drawn from different universities. For that reason, prerequisites may vary slightly. In general, upper division standing in biology is required, and admission is usually competitive. Students are encouraged to consult the brochure published each fall by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre for full and specific details. The brochure will be available from the Department of Biological Sciences.
MASC 410-6 Marine Invertebrate Zoology
A survey of the marine phyla, with emphasis on the benthic fauna in the vicinity of the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. The course includes lectures, laboratory periods, field collection, identification, and observation. Emphasis is placed on the study of living specimens in the laboratory and in the field. Prerequisite: Offerings of the MASC courses may vary from summer to summer because instructors are drawn from different universities. For that reason, prerequisites may vary slightly. In general, upper division standing in biology is required, and admission is usually competitive. Students are encouraged to consult the brochure published each fall by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre for full and specific details. The brochure will be available from the Department of Biological Sciences.
MASC 411-6 Comparative Embryology of Marine Invertebrates
A comprehensive study of development of marine invertebrates available at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre including all major phyla and most of the minor phyla. Lectures will cover gametogenesis, fertilization, regeneration, cell lineage, mosaic and regulated development, larval development and metamorphosis of the different groups. Laboratory work will include methods and techniques of obtaining and handling gametes, preparation and maintenance of larval cultures and observation of development up to metamorphosis if possible. Some selected and clearly defined classical experiments will be performed. Efforts will also be made to study various pelagic larvae. Prerequisite: Offerings of the MASC courses may vary from summer to summer because instructors are drawn from different universities. For that reason, prerequisites may vary slightly. In general, upper division standing in biology is required, and admission is usually competitive. Students are encouraged to consult the brochure published each fall by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre for full and specific details. The brochure will be available from the Department of Biological Sciences.
MASC 412-6 Biology of Fishes
Classification, physiology, ecology, behavior and zoogeography of fishes with particular emphasis on those in the marine environment of the British Columbia coast. Local collections from a variety of habitats will be used for experimental studies. Prerequisite: Offerings of the MASC courses may vary from summer to summer because instructors are drawn from different universities. For that reason, prerequisites may vary slightly. In general, upper division standing in biology is required, and admission is usually competitive. Students are encouraged to consult the brochure published each fall by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre for full and specific details. The brochure will be available from the Department of Biological Sciences.
MASC 415-3 Structure and Function in Animals
The course will focus on the structure of marine animals and their adaptations to the marine environment. Neurobiology, developmental biology, functional morphology and other topics will be covered. Prerequisite: Offerings of the MASC courses may vary from summer to summer because instructors are drawn from different universities. For that reason, prerequisites may vary slightly. In general, upper division standing in biology is required, and admission is usually competitive. Students are encouraged to consult the brochure published each fall by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre for full and specific details. The brochure will be available from the Department of Biological Sciences.
MASC 425-3 Ecological Adaptations of Seaweeds
The course will explore morphological physiological, genetic and reproductive adaptations of seaweeds to their natural and man-altered environments. Prerequisite: Offerings of the MASC courses may vary from summer to summer because instructors are drawn from different universities. For that reason, prerequisites may vary slightly. In general, upper division standing in biology is required, and admission is usually competitive. Students are encouraged to consult the brochure published each fall by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre for full and specific details. The brochure will be available from the Department of Biological Sciences.
MASC 430-6 Marine Ecology
An analytical approach to biotic associations in the marine environment. Opportunities will be provided for study of the intertidal realm in exposed and protected areas and of beaches and estuaries in the vicinity of the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre; plankton studies and investigations of the sub-tidal and benthic environments by diving and dredging are envisaged. Prerequisite: Offerings of the MASC courses may vary from summer to summer because instructors are drawn from different universities. For that reason, prerequisites may vary slightly. In general, upper division standing in biology is required, and admission is usually competitive. Students are encouraged to consult the brochure published each fall by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre for full and specific details. The brochure will be available from the Department of Biological Sciences.
MASC 437-3 Marine Population Ecology and Dynamics
An analytical approach to the study of marine ecology and marine populations. Intertidal and subtidal communities will be examined, with emphasis on the biota of the Barkley Sound region. Prerequisite: Offerings of the MASC courses may vary from summer to summer because instructors are drawn from different universities. For that reason, prerequisites may vary slightly. In general, upper division standing in biology is required, and admission is usually competitive. Students are encouraged to consult the brochure published each fall by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre for full and specific details. The brochure will be available from the Department of Biological Sciences.
MASC 440-6 Biology of Marine Birds
The interrelationship of birds and the marine environment. Lectures will emphasize the systematics and ecological relationships, behavior, life histories, movements and conservation of marine birds. Census techniques and methods of studying marine birds in the field will be stressed during field trips in the Barkley Sound region. Seabird identification, classification, morphology, plumages and molt will be examined in the laboratory. Prerequisite: Offerings of the MASC courses may vary from summer to summer because instructors are drawn from different universities. For that reason, prerequisites may vary slightly. In general, upper division standing in biology is required, and admission is usually competitive. Students are encouraged to consult the brochure published each fall by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre for full and specific details. The brochure will be available from the Department of Biological Sciences.
MASC 445-6 Biology of Marine Mammals
A survey course covering systematics and distribution of marine mammals, their sensory capabilities and physiology, with special emphasis on the cetacea. The course includes lectures, laboratory periods and numerous field trips in the Barkley Sound region. The course will involve an independent field study. Prerequisite: offerings of the MASC courses may vary from summer to summer because instructors are drawn from different universities. For that reason, prerequisites may vary slightly. In general, upper division standing in biology is required, and admission is usually competitive. Students are encouraged to consult the brochure published each fall by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre for full and specific details. The brochure will be available from the Department of Biological Sciences.
MASC 446-6 Comparative Ethology
A comparative study of marine animals (vertebrate and invertebrate) emphasizing behavioral description, underlying physiological mechanisms, the biological significance of behavior and behavioral evolution. The course will include independent laboratory and field studies. Prerequisite: Offerings of the MASC courses may vary from summer to summer because instructors are drawn from different universities. For that reason, prerequisites may vary slightly. In general, upper division standing in biology is required, and admission is usually competitive. Students are encouraged to consult the brochure published each fall by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre for full and specific details. The brochure will be available from the Department of Biological Sciences.
MASC 470-3 Special Topics in Marine Biology
Offered, as opportunities arise, by visiting scientists who are working at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and are prepared to offer a course of either three or six weeks. Course will be of a specialized nature. Prerequisite: will vary and will be announced in advance of the course offering. Variable units 3, 6.
MASC 471-6 Special Topics in Marine Biology
Offered, as opportunities arise, by visiting scientists who are working at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and are prepared to offer a course of either three or six weeks. Courses will be of a specialized nature. Prerequisite: will vary and will be announced in advance of the course offering. Variable units 3, 6.
MASC 472-6 Special Topics in Marine Biology
Offered, as opportunities arise, by visiting scientists who are working at the Bamfield Marine Station and are prepared to offer a course of either three or six weeks. Courses will be of a specialized nature. Prerequisite: will vary and will be announced in advance of the course offering. Variable units 3, 6.
MASC 473-3 Special Topics in Marine Biology
Offered, as opportunities arise, by visiting scientists who are working at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and are prepared to offer a course of either three or six weeks. Courses will be of a specialized nature. Prerequisite: Will vary and will be announced in advance of the course offering. Variable units 3, 6.
MASC 474-6 Special Topics in Marine Biology
Offered, as opportunities arise, by visiting scientists who are working at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and are prepared to offer a course of either three or six weeks. Courses will be of a specialized nature. Prerequisite: will vary and will be announced in advance of the course offering. Variable units 3, 6.
MASC 475-6 Special Topics in Marine Biology
Offered, as opportunities arise, by visiting scientists who are working at the Bamfield Marine Station and are prepared to offer a course of either three or six weeks. Courses will be of a specialized nature. Prerequisite: will vary and will be announced in advance of the course offering. Variable units 3, 6.
MASC 476-6 Special Topics in Marine Biology
Offered, as opportunities arise, by visiting scientists who are working at the Bamfield Marine Station and are prepared to offer a course of either three or six weeks. Courses will be of a specialized nature. Prerequisite: will vary and will be announced in advance of the course offering. Variable units 3, 6.
MASC 477-6 Special Topics in Marine Biology
Offered, as opportunities arise, by visiting scientists who are working at the Bamfield Marine Station and are prepared to offer a course of either three or six weeks. Courses will be of a specialized nature. Prerequisite: will vary and will be announced in advance of the course offering. Variable units 3, 6.
MASC 478-3 Special Topics in Marine Biology
Offered, as opportunities arise, by visiting scientists who are working at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and are prepared to offer a course of either three or six weeks. Courses will be of a specialized nature. Prerequisite: Will vary and will be announced in advance of the course offering. Variable units 3, 6.
MASC 479-6 Special Topics in Marine Biology
Offered, as opportunities arise, by visiting scientists who are working at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and are prepared to offer a course of either three or six weeks. Courses will be of a specialized nature. Prerequisite: will vary and will be announced in advance of the course offering. Variable units 3, 6.
MASC 480-3 Seminars and Papers in Marine Science
A series of weekly seminars covering current topics of interest in the Marine Sciences. Seminars will be presented Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre researchers, graduate students and visiting scientists as well as by the students themselves. Prerequisite: Offerings of the MASC courses may vary from summer to summer because instructors are drawn from different universities. For that reason, prerequisites may vary slightly. In general, upper division standing in biology is required, and admission is usually competitive. Students are encouraged to consult the brochure published each fall by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre for full and specific details. The brochure will be available from the Department of Biological Sciences.
MASC 500-3 Directed Studies
A graduate level course of directed studies under the supervision of a member of faculty. The study will involve a research project approved by the supervisor in the field of interest of the student, and will be designed to take maximum advantage of the laboratory and/or field opportunities offered by the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.
MASC 501-3 Special Topics
Course offered, as opportunities arise, by distinguished scientists who are visiting the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and are prepared to offer a course extending over a three week period.
MASC 502-3 Special Topics
Course offered, as opportunities arise, by distinguished scientists who are visiting the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and are prepared to offer a course extending over a three week period.
MASC 503-3 Special Topics
Courses offered, as opportunities arise, by distinguished scientists who are visiting the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and are prepared to offer a course extending over a three week period.
MASC 504-6 Special Topics
Course offered, as opportunities arise, by distinguished scientists who are visiting the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and are prepared to offer a course extending over a six week period.
MASC 505-6 Special Topics
Courses offered, as opportunities arise, by distinguished scientists who are visiting the Bamfield Marine Station and are prepared to offer a course extending over a six week period.
MASC 506-6 Special Topics
Course offered, as opportunities arise, by distinguished scientists who are visiting the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and are prepared to offer a course extending over a six week period.
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