Marine biology is a class that must be experienced, not just taught. Living in an city bordered by multiple Marine Protected Areas created a perfect opportunity to step into the field and take our classroom knowledge even further. This class taught the history of ocean exploration and discovery, basic oceanography, marine taxonomy, and aquatic environmental biology. Learning styles included professor lectures, hands-on activities, group presentations, experiential learning, and independent research. 

 

Although I had a bit of a background in marine science already, this class took a more in-depth look at taxonomy classifications and oceanography. These concepts were complemented by kayaking and snorkeling trips to the areas of Baia de Ieranto and Crapolla Cove, so the class was able to observe marine organisms in their natural environment and study how populations truly function. 

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This class utilized the Mediterranean sea as our greatest resource for learning by focusing the class on the local marine life and challenges, as well as the history of European marine innovation and exploration. Specifically, we focused on the endemic Posidonia oceanica species, several local green, red, and brown algae species, and how the landlocked nature of the Mediterranean sea makes its characteristics, like tides, salinity, temperature, and general ecology different from those of other regular open oceans. 

 

In the classroom, we practiced classifying organisms and worked in groups to create presentations about the concepts we learned during the week to show our understanding of the material and expand our knowledge on our own. Below you can see sights from our expeditions as well as the presentations I made during the course.

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