Marine Science (MARE) Courses

MARE 100 Marine Option Program Seminar (1) (other) Orientation to the Marine Option Program with statewide overview of ocean issues and organizations involved with marine activities, management, education, research, and business. Exploration of opportunities for internships, research projects, independent study and careers. Portions on HITS with participation of students and faculty from throughout the UH system. CR/NC only. Repeatable one time.

MARE 101L Intro Marine Sci Field Lab (2) (lab) A basic introduction to field techniques in marine science including: the use of marine charts, measuring bathymetry, marine sediment sampling, techniques for measuring salinity, temperature, and ocean circulation, plankton sampling and identification, marine fishes and invertebrates, and marine wildlife management techniques used in tagging sea turtles. Field trips required.

MARE 103 Marine Option Program Proposal (2) Introduction to the fundamentals of proposal writing and project development. Students will incorporate topics from MARE 100, identify a faculty mentor, and expand the project into a written proposal. This proposal is a prerequisite for the completion of a marine skills project required for the Marine Option Program Certificate. Pre: MARE 100 or instructor's consent.

MARE 104 Marine Option Program Project (2) Fundamentals of proposal writing and project development. Students assistance of a mentor and MOP coordinators. This course will provide strategies, methods, and techniques for successful project completion. Pre: MARE 100 or instructor’s consent. Repeatable twice for a maximum of 6 credits.

MARE 105 Marine Option Presentation (1) A continuation of the marine skills project completed in MARE 104. Students expand their marine skills project, required for the Marine Option Program Certificate, into an oral or poster to be presented at the annual MOP symposium. This course will provide instruction on creating effective presentations, developing scientific posters, and explaining scientific results to both peers and the general public. Pre: MARE 100, MARE 103, MARE 104, or instructor's consent.

MARE 110 Current Issues in Marine Sci (3) Introduction to marine science via the controversies and problems facing our ocean environment. Topics may include coastal population growth, sonar, fisheries, dolphin-safe tuna, cruise ship waste, global warming, mercury in fish, beach erosion, alien species, and coral reef decline. Designed for non-majors. This course applies toward general education requirements in the Natural Sciences. (Attributes: DB)

MARE 140 Intro to Hawaiian Coral Reefs (3) Explore the underwater world of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi while learning about unique marine ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth. Students will acquire an appreciation for local aquatic fauna in the classroom including the basics of marine biology and natural history. Pre: concurrent enrollment in MARE 140L required. (Attributes: DB, GAHP, HPP)

MARE 140L Intro Hawaiian Coral Reefs Lab (1) (lab) Students will enter the natural laboratory that is Hawaiʻi and investigate coral reefs, coastal beaches and tide pool systems with mask, snorkel and fins. Learn to identify common marine inhabitants while enjoying an unparalleled educational experience under the sea. Concurrent enrollment in MARE 140 is required. (Attributes: DY, GAHP, HPP)

MARE 156 Nat Hist & Conservatn Hawn Isl (3) The formation of the Hawaiian Islands, establishment and evolution of their native terrestrial and marine flora and fauna, and human impacts and conservation. (Same as BIOL 156). (Attributes: GAHP, HPP)

MARE 171 Marine Biology-Diversity (3) Marine organisms: classification, structure, physiology, ecology and adaptations to the marine environment. This course satisfies College of Arts and Sciences General Education Natural Science requirement. (Attributes: DB)

MARE 171L Marine Biology Laboratory (1) (lab) Provide students with direct exposure to the biota of Hawaiʻi via laboratory and field trips to sites around Hilo. The course focuses on identification, natural history, and ecology of common marine organisms. Pre: Current or previous enrollment in MARE 171. (Attributes: DY)

MARE 172 Marine Biology-Cellular Proc (3) Introduction to the fundamentals of biology as they pertain to marine organisms. Principles of cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry. Focuses are biological molecules, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function, basic metabolism, and cellular processes. Emphases will be given to cellular level adaptations to marine environment. Pre: High school Biology; or BIOL 101 and high school Chemistry; or CHEM 151 recommended. (Attributes: DB)

MARE 201 Oceanography (3) Geological, chemical, physical and biological aspects of the ocean; structure, formation, and features of ocean basins; seawater's properties and their distribution; currents, waves; tides; characteristics of marine organisms; marine ecological principles. Pre: Two high school or college science courses recommended. (Attributes: DP)

MARE 201L Oceanography Lab (2) (lab) The basic techniques of oceanography including; marine charts and navigation , bathymetry, marine sediments, techniques for measuring salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and surface and deep circulation, light and sound in seawater, wave dynamics, tides, plankton sampling and identification. In-class field trips required. Pre: Concurrent or previous enrollment in MARE 201. (Attributes: DY)

MARE 240 Small Boat Operations/Research (3) (lecture/lab) This course is intended to provide the novice boater with skills needed to safely operate and conduct research from a small boat. Topics include: state and federal regulations, safety, navigation, small boat handling, and conducting research operations. The course will consist of lectures, lab sessions, and time on the water in a small boat. Participants must be able to swim. Pre: Instructor's consent.

MARE 250 Statistical Apps in Marine Sci (3) Hands-on approach to designing field experiments, collection of ecological data, analysis of data on computers using statistical methods, and presentation of results. Requires completion of a project using data collected in the field followed by the preparation of both written and oral reports. Pre: MARE/BIOL 171 or MARE 201, or instructor's consent. (Attributes: GQ)

MARE 264 Quest (3) The application of commonly utilized nearshore underwater ecological surveying techniques using SCUBA. Intensive two-week course combining lecture and field work. Data will be collected in the field, reduced, analyzed and presented in an oral report. Pre: Authorization as a scientific diver in training before start of course and instructor's consent.

MARE 265 Marine Ecology and Evolution (3) Principles of ecology and evolution for Marine Science majors stressing integrative approach and recent advances. Topics include but are not limited to evolutionary mechanisms, macroevolution, systematics and the origin of life, population and community ecology and ecological processes, marine communities, dispersal, biodiversity and biogeography. Pre: MARE 171/171L, MARE 172 and MARE 201 or instructor's consent.

MARE 282 Global Change (3) Principal components of global change and impacts on the marine environment. Course focuses on the interdisciplinary nature of global change and interrelationships to biological, physical, anthropological, economic, and political concepts. Pre: College-level science course. (Attributes: DP)

MARE 282L Global Change Lab (1) (lab) Elements of global change in the physical, chemical and biological properties of the Hawaiian Islands using laboratory exercises and field trips. Involves shipboard water sampling and analysis, snorkeling on coral reefs, and hiking in rain forests. Pre: MARE 282 or concurrent enrollment.

MARE 310 The Atoll Ecosystem (3) Formation, structure, distribution, oceanography, biota and ecology of atolls. Human interactions, historical and modern, with atoll ecosystems. Atoll resource management issues and actions. Pre: MARE/BIOL 171, MARE 201, or BIOL 156 or instructor's consent. (Attributes: GAHP, HPP)

MARE 325 Coral Reef Ecology (3) Provides a background in evolutionary and natural history of tropical reefs, coral reef community structure and interactions, and coral reef ecosystem processes/functions. Students will learn ecology of Hawaiian and global coral reefs. Students will review information on the increasingly important conservation issues related to tropical reef systems and review present management strategies employed. Pre: C- or better in MARE 265 or instructor's consent.

MARE 350 Coastal Methods and Analyses (3) Planning of field and laboratory data collection and experimentation in the coastal environment. Course covers hypothesis development, experimental design, statistical analysis of data, data interpretation, scientific writing, and presentations. Pre: junior standing; a grade of C- or better in MARE 201, BIOL/ MARE 250; MARE 265; CHEM 162, and must be taken concurrently with MARE 350L. Offered Fall semester only.

MARE 350L Coastal Methods & Analyses Lab (2) (lab) Implementation of field and laboratory data collection and experimentation in the coastal environment. Techniques include measuring geological, chemical and physical coastal properties; estimating the abundance and diversity of plankton, nekton, and benthos; and use of modern data recording and analyzing systems. Pre: junior standing; a grade of C- or better in MARE 201, BIOL/MARE 250; MARE 265; CHEM 162; must be taken concurrently with MARE 350. Offered fall semester only.

MARE 353 Pelagic Methods and Analyses (3) Planning of field and laboratory data collection and experimentation in the neritic and pelagic marine environment from an oceanographic vessel platform. Course covers hypothesis development, experimental design, statistical analyses of data, data interpretation, scientific writing, and presentations. Pre: junior standing; a grade of C- or better in MARE 201; BIOL/MARE 250; MARE 265; CHEM 162; must be taken concurrently with MARE 353L. Offered Spring semester only.

MARE 353L Pelagic Methods & Analyses Lab (2) (lab) Implementation of field and laboratory data collection and experimentation in the neritic and pelagic marine environment from an oceanographic vessel platform. Techniques include measuring geological, chemical, and physical properties; estimating the abundance and diversity of plankton, nekton and benthos; and use of modern data recording and analyzing systems. Pre: junior standing; C- or better in MARE 201; BIOL/MARE 250; CHEM 162; MARE 265. Must be taken concurrently with MARE 353. Offered Spring Semester only.

MARE 360 Marine Resources (3) A survey of human use of the marine environment including physical and biological resources. Topics covered include: fisheries, mariculture, marine mineral and energy resources, chemical resources of sea water, the use of coastal Islands and waste disposal in the sea. Pre: MARE 201 or BIOL/MARE 171, or instructor's consent. (Same as BIOL 360)

MARE 364 Advanced Quest (3) Students lead a dive team learning underwater ecological surveying techniques; supervise field data collection, data reduction and analysis, and team presentation of written and oral reports; and assist in training students in identification of marine organisms. Pre: BIOL/MARE 264, authorization as a scientific diver in training before start of course, and instructor's consent. Student receives CR/NC for the course.

MARE 366 Trop Marine Research Investiga (3) Research projects on marine-related problems. Students will do a literature search; develop experimental design; collect, reduce and analyze data; do a written final report; and present findings at a symposium. Projects will be selected from a list of topics or can be original with the consent of the instructor. Pre: instructor's consent (Same as BIOL 366).

MARE 371 Biology Of Marine Invertebrate (3) A survey of the major groups of invertebrates focusing on those dominant in the marine environment. Students will learn methods used to identify and classify invertebrates and will survey the anatomy, physiology, and natural history of the major groups. Pre: MARE 265 or BIOL 172 or equivalent, and concurrent enrollment in MARE 371L. (Same as BIOL 371)

MARE 371L Bio Of Marine Invertebrate Lab (1) (lab) The course will provide direct exposure to the major groups of invertebrates in the marine environment through laboratory exercises and field trips around the island. Students will learn to identify and classify invertebrates and will survey the anatomy and natural history of the major groups. (Same as BIOL 371L).

MARE 372 Biology Of Marine Plants (3) Diversity, distribution and ecology of marine macroalgae and seagrasses. Students will learn methods to identify common marine plants of the Hawaiian Islands and the tropical Pacific. Marine plants and their relation to human affairs will be discussed. Pre: MARE 171 or BIOL 171 or instructor's consent. Concurrent enrollment in MARE 372L.

MARE 372L Biology of Marine Plants Lab (1) (lab) Laboratory activities relating to the taxonomy, biology, chemistry, physiology and human uses of seaweeds and seagrasses. Includes field trips. Pre: concurrent enrollment in MARE 372.

MARE 375 Applied Informatics (3) Introduction to the theory and application of informatics tools used in Marine and Natural Sciences. Students will learn the fundamentals of data management, data analytics, ecoinformatics, bioinformatics, and data visualization. Pre: C or better in CS 171 or CS 172, C or better in MATH 271 or MARE 250 or Instructor's Consent.

MARE 380 Nat. Hist. of Sharks and Rays (3) This course will examine the natural history of the Elasmobranchs, an ancient group of fishes that have existed for almost 450 million years. Comprehensive investigations of sharks, rays, skates, sawfishes, and chimera, along with representative species from Hawaiʻi, will be conducted. Subjects will include evolution, taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, ecology, conservation and management of these unique animals. Discussions of current research papers along with group research projects will be covered during lectures Pre: MARE 171 or instructor's consent. Concurrent enrollment in MARE 380L.

MARE 380L Nat. Hist. of Sharks Lab (1) (lab) This course will further examine Elasmobranchs using a hands-on approach to compliment the work done in Lecture using both laboratory and field-based activities. Laboratory sessions will involve detailed dissections of shark, ray, skate, and chimera functional anatomy. Students will also participate in a tagging study of coastal shark species throughout the Big Island of Hawaii. Pre: Concurrent enrollment in MARE 380.

MARE 390 Biology of Marine Mammals (3) Comprehensive investigation of a diverse group of highly adapted marine vertebrates. Whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, walruses, manatees, dugongs, sea otters and polar bears will be covered. Focus will be on taxonomy, anatomy and physiology, behavior, reproductive ecology, adaptations to the marine environment, and conservation and management. Pre: MARE 171 or instructor's consent. Concurrent enrollment in MARE 390L.

MARE 390L Biol of Marine Mammals Lab (1) (lab) Field and lab techniques employed by professional marine mammal biologists including shore and boat-based surveys, photo-identification, and acoustic sampling. Investigations will focus on local species of marine mammals. Pre: MARE 390 or concurrent enrollment.

MARE 405 Watersheds (3) This course is designed to provide a mountain to ocean overview of tropical and temperate watersheds with regards to their hydrology, geology, biogeochemistry, and ecology, as well as their function in maintaining environmental quality in freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems. Natural and human disturbances to watersheds will be examined, as well as their impacts on watershed function and downstream riparian, coastal, and marine environments. Restoration and management of watersheds to improve freshwater and coastal environmental quality will be discussed. Pre: CHEM 162.

MARE 410 Marine Debris in the Pacific (3) Scientific study of marine debris issues in the Pacific Ocean, including sources, dispersal, distribution, degradation, effects, persistent organic pollutants, plastic additives, monitoring efforts, and solutions. Pre: MARE 171 and MARE 201, or instructor's consent. (Attributes: GAHP)

MARE 425 Chemical Oceanography (3) Chemical processes occurring in marine and estuarine waters and their impact on the near shore and oceanic environments. Topics include: salinity, chlorinity, major and minor elements, and dissolved gasses in seawater; macro and micronutrients, dissolved and particulate organic matter; geochemistry of marine sediments; radiometric dating and stable isotopes as water mass tracers. Pre: C- or better in CHEM 162 and MARE 201.

MARE 434 Teaching Marine Science (3) Marine science concepts and teaching strategies for pre-service and inservice teachers. Includes geological, chemical, physical and biological topics. Pre: MARE/BIOL 171, MARE 201, and MARE 265. (Attributes: ALEX, GCC)

MARE 435 Marine Field Exper Tchers (3) (other) Training for pre-service and inservice teachers in marine science field experiences content and strategies. Includes geological, chemical, physical and biological topics. Pre: MARE/BIOL 171, MARE 201, and MARE 265. (Attributes: ALEX, GCC)

MARE 440 Physical Oceanography (3) Topics in physical oceanography include: distribution of water characteristics in the ocean; dynamics of circulation; water masses; wave characteristics including formation, propagation, dispersion and refraction; dynamic and equilibrium theories of tides as well as tsunami, seiche, and internal waves; sound and optics; and the latest methods and instrumentation in physical oceanography. Pre: MARE 201, MATH 241, PHYS 170/170L, or PHYS 151/151L, and instructor's consent. Recommended: MATH 242.

MARE 444 Biological Oceanography (3) This course focuses on the interaction of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and pelagic organisms in the open ocean environment. Students will learn aspects of plankton taxonomy, physiology, and pelagic population dynamics. Students will survey the current research status of the field using primary literature. The student's knowledge will then be applied to the study of local and global productivity and trophodymanics. Pre: junior standing, MARE 265 and CHEM 162 or instructor's consent.

MARE 445 Marine Microbial Ecology (3) Marine microorganisms in a diversity of roles within the marine environment including microbial food webs, biogeochemical cycling, symbioses as well as host-pathogen interactions, extreme environments and bioremediation. Microbial interactions in tropical and temperate systems are presented. Pre: MARE 265 or instructor's consent.

MARE 446 Phytoplankton (3) Phytoplankton are the microbial primary producers in marine ecosystems and are sensitive indicators of the ecosystem change. The lecture section will give students baseline information on phytoplankton ecology and their roles in marine ecosystems. We will also discuss phytoplankton in the context of global environmental change. Corequisite: 446L. Pre: MARE 250 and MARE 265.

MARE 446L Phytoplankton Ecology Lab (2) (lab) Phytoplankton are the microbial primary producers in marine ecosystems and are a sensitive indicator of ecosystem change. This laboratory and field-based course will give students hands-on experience with the theory and techniques of phytoplankton ecology. Corequisite: MARE 446. Pre: MARE 250 and MARE 265.

MARE 460 Marine Conservation (3) Concepts and issues in marine conservation and marine resource management. Topics include resource exploitation, invasive species, eutrophication, marine pollution and global climate change. Ecological impacts of resource depletion, environmental modification, and biodiversity loss will be discussed along with methods used to address impacts. Pre: C- or better in MARE 265 or instructor's consent.

MARE 461 Geological Oceanography (3) A detailed study of the ocean floor to include marine stratigraphy, plate tectonics, oceanic sediments and paleoceanography. Pre: MARE 201, GEOL 111 and one of CHEM 161, 162 or MARE 440, or instructor's consent.

MARE 463 Fisheries Ecology (3) Case studies, lectures, and class discussions provide an interactive exploration of the ecology of fishes related to management and conservation. Topics include: predator-prey theory, reproduction and early life-history, habitat selection, fish biodiversity, and response to anthropogenic climate change. Pre: MARE 265 or BIOL 281 or instructor's consent. This course is dual listed with CBES 663.

MARE 470 Senior Thesis Research (3) (other) Practical experience in designing and completing a marine-related research project. Students will submit project proposals for evaluation and approval. Once approved, students will do a thorough literature review, develop an experimental design, collect and record data and present preliminary results. Pre: MARE 265, MARE 350 or 353 and ENG 225 or instructor's consent.

MARE 471 Senior Thesis Report (3) (other) Second-semester continuation of MARE 470. Students finish their research projects and prepare a final oral and written report. Pre: MARE 470. (Attributes: ALEX, GCC)

MARE 480 Senior Internship (3) Applications of knowledge and skills in public, private, or government agency involved in marine science education or research. Pre: junior or senior class standing, instructor's consent, and preapproved placement. (Attributes: ALEX, GCC)

MARE 484 Biology Of Fishes (3) The biology of marine and freshwater fishes. Topics covered include: general anatomy, locomotion, respiration, osmoregulation, sensory systems, reproduction, electrosensitive and electrogenic fishes, coloration and bioluminescence in fishes, genetic interrelationships. Pre: C- or better in MARE 171 or BIOL 172 or their equivalent; C- or better in MARE 265 or equivalent; or instructor's consent. (Same as BIOL 484)

MARE 484L Biology Of Fishes Laboratory (1) (lab) Anatomy of jawless, cartilaginous and bony fishes. Review of common local reef fishes. Optional laboratory and field trips for Biology of Fishes. (Same as BIOL 484L).

MARE 488 Kuula: Integrated Science (3) This course will compare content, context, and methodology of Native Hawaiian and Western sciences and explore ways to apply both to understand the environment of Hawaii. Students will be exposed to scientific knowledge and endeavors of Native Hawaiians through field trips and will also explore ways to integrate sciences to address research and management issues facing Hawaii today. Pre: MARE 250 or equivalent and instructor's consent. (Attributes: ALEX, GCC)

MARE 490 Sea Turtle Conserv & Ecology (3) All-encompassing look at the natural history of these ancient marine vertebrates. Topics include investigations of sea turtles, sea snakes, saltwater crocodiles and marine iguanas throughout the world. Subjects will consist of conservation and management, human impacts, reproductive and feeding ecology, evolution, taxonomy, and anatomy and physiology of these unique marine animals. Pre: MARE 265 or equivalent or instructor's consent. Concurrent enrollment in MARE 490L.

MARE 490L Sea Turtle Conserv & Ecol Lab (1) (lab) Field and lab techniques employed by sea turtle biologists including shore and underwater photo-surveys, forage surveys, and evaluation of nests and hatchlings. Investigations will focus on local species of sea turtles. Pre: MARE 490 or concurrent enrollment.

MARE 495 Senior Seminar (3) (other) Lectures, discussions, and research reports of topics in marine science presented by faculty, students, invited speakers, and visiting scholars. Students will be expected to present a seminar, as well as participate in other course activities. Pre: senior standing or instructor's consent. (Attributes: GCC)

MARE 496 Tchg Asst & Tutorng in Mare (1–3) (lab) Practice in individual tutoring, and in the preparation of the selected topics in Marine Science lecture or laboratory courses, under direct instructional supervision. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits and may not be used to replace any specific course or elective requirements of the Marine Science major. Pre: supervising instructor and department chair consent.

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MARE x94 Special Topics in Subject Matter (Arr.) Special topics chosen by the instructor. Course content will vary. May be repeated for credit, provided that a different topic is studied. Additional requirements may apply depending on subject and topic.

MARE x99 Directed Studies (Arr.) Statement of planned reading or research required. Pre: instructor’s consent.