ZOO4956: Introduction to Marine Biology
1st Module: Intro to Oceanography
Our course was divided into two sections: the first being introduction to oceanography, and the second being introduction to marine biology. In the oceanography section, we learned about the physical geography of the ocean floor, the properties of sea water and sand, and the important discoveries that were made of said categories. I learned about many relevant features in the Mediterranean as well as features in my own "home" ocean, the Atlantic, including how plate tectonics form critical mid-oceanic ridges and trenches. I also learned about the important of salinity, pH, and temperature for life in the ocean, and how climate change is impacting the pH (making the ocean more acidic), and the temperature (water is more hot) of the ocean. For this section, I did a presentation of Aristotle, who was deemed the first marine biologist.
2nd Module: Intro to Marine Biology
In this section of the course, we learned about all the phylums of animals present on Earth, focusing on oceanic animals. We identified Arthropoda, Mollusca, Cnidaria, Ctenophora, Porifera, Anellida, Nemertea, Echinodermata, Pisces, Aves, Mammalia, and Reptilia. We also went on a field trip to the Bay of Ieranto, where we snorkeled and sea kayaked. Here, we observed many species in they natural environment, including sea cucumber, different species of fish, sea stars, different types of algae, and corals. We also discussed the importance of conservation efforts; specifically how behind Italy is in terms of conservation. Unlike America where we have had established marine areas, the Italian diet, tourism, and livelihood is based around seafood and the ocean in every coastal area. As such, the government is reluctant to protect it. I felt happy that I had the amazing opportunity of exploring the Bay of Ieranto, which is an incredibly preserved and protected inlet. For this section of the course, I did a presentation on my favorite marine organism, the Whale Shark.