SMS 374 - Deep Sea Biology

70% of this planet is ocean, and 90% of that ocean lies at depths beyond human reach without significant technological help. The Deep-sea is arguably the largest ecosystem on the planet. This course will provide an introduction to scientific exploration and study of deep ecosystems and organisms around the world. Topics considered will be broad, covering historical aspects of deep-sea discovery, the physical environment, how organisms function at depth, specific environments and ecosystems (e.g. hydrothermal vents, seamounts, cold-water coral ecosystems) and human uses of the deep-sea.

General Education Requirements: Population and Environment and Applied Science

Prerequisites: BIO 100 or BIO 122 or SMS 100

Course Typically Offered: Spring and Summer

Credits: 3