Fisheries and Marine Sciences
B.A., B.S., M.M.P., M.M.S, M.S., Ph.D. Degrees, Minors
B.A., Fisheries; B.S., Fisheries and Marine Sciences
The undergraduate programs in the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences offer students broad education and training, in the fields of fisheries biology, ecology and human dimensions, marine biology and oceanography. In addition to rigorous scientific coursework, students work with professionals from local, state, federal, tribal, university and private organizations during a required internship or research project.
The B.S. degree in fisheries and marine sciences prepares graduates to work as professionals in fisheries and aquatic management, research, conservation, education, policy, and industry organizations. Typically, fisheries and marine sciences graduates obtain employment with state, federal, provincial, Alaska Native, Native American, university and nongovernmental organizations in Alaska and throughout North America. The program also provides a solid foundation for graduate study for students contemplating careers in advanced research, management, administration and teaching.
The B.A. degree in fisheries prepares graduates to work as professionals in fishing and seafood processing, marketing and business industries, community and tribal development organizations, subsistence research and management, social sciences and other human dimensions of fisheries in Alaska and throughout North America. Typically, fisheries graduates obtain employment with fisheries governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations in the areas of fisheries business administration, policy, education, social science, rural development and extension. The program also provides a solid foundation for graduate study for students contemplating careers in advanced research, management, administration and teaching.
The undergraduate program is administered through the Fairbanks campus. All fisheries and marine sciences courses are offered via distance education for students in outlying areas.
Minimum Requirements for Fisheries and Marine Sciences Bachelor's Degrees: 120 credits
Learn more about the bachelor’s degree in fisheries, including an overview of the program, career opportunities and more.
Learn more about the bachelor’s degree in fisheries and marine sciences, including an overview of the program, career opportunities and more.
M.S., Ph.D., Fisheries
Fisheries graduate students take classes and undertake research on a diverse set of fisheries-related topics. Program strengths include quantitative fisheries science, fisheries management and human dimensions, and biology and ecology. Students are typically based in Juneau or Fairbanks, but most courses are video-delivered to locations throughout Alaska.
Students at each location are engaged in a wide variety of research topics in marine and freshwater ecosystems. All locations have excellent laboratory facilities, access to pristine environments and healthy fisheries, and strong connections to local and tribal partners, state and federal agency scientists and managers, as well as participants in commercial, sport and subsistence fisheries.
Most students are supported as research assistants for some or all of their tenure. Agencies such as the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game are collaborators on research projects and employ many of our graduates.
Minimum Requirements for Fisheries Degrees: M.S.: 30 credits; Ph.D.: 36 credits
M.S., Ph.D., Marine Biology
The marine biology graduate program focuses on the biology, ecology, physiology and biodiversity of marine organisms. Students may pursue either an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in marine biology. Our graduate students are afforded excellent opportunities for laboratory and field research. Our faculty conduct research in Fairbanks, the Kasitsna Bay Laboratory near Homer, the Juneau College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences at Lena Point, the Seward Marine Center and the Alaska SeaLife Center. Students may conduct fieldwork in a variety of locations, including but not limited to the Beaufort and Chukchi seas, the Aleutian Islands and other coastal areas around Alaska. Our college also operates the coastal research vessel Nanuq and the ice-capable Sikuliaq, a University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System vessel.
Students considering graduate study in marine biology should have a strong background in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, ecology, evolution or a related field. Students are admitted on the basis of their academic qualifications, research experience and the ability of the program to provide mentorship in their particular area of research interest. The Marine Biology Department is an equal-opportunity program, and we encourage students from diverse backgrounds to apply. We review requests for admission throughout the year. Students must contact potential faculty advisors before applying.
Minimum Requirements for Marine Biology Degrees: M.S.: 30 credits; Ph.D.: 18 thesis credits
M.M.S., Marine Studies
The M.M.S. degree offers a broad degree program, which can include topics such as marine ecology, organismal biology, ecosystem processes and oceanography. Students will select courses offered by the graduate program in marine sciences and limnology and a variety of electives, which can also be from the fisheries program or the statistics or biology and wildlife departments. While the M.M.S. degree is primarily based on a project instead of a research-oriented thesis, M.M.S. graduate students still are afforded excellent opportunities for laboratory and field experiences through the Institute of Marine Science. Laboratory facilities are available in Fairbanks, the Seward Marine Center, the Juneau Center and the Kasitsna Bay Laboratory.
Students considering an M.M.S. degree should have a strong background in the various fields of oceanography, ecology, biology, molecular biology or biochemistry. Students are admitted on the basis of their ability and the capability of the program to meet their particular interests and needs. Faculty review requests for admission throughout the year. There is no financial support for students in this program.
Minimum Requirements for Marine Studies Master's Degree: 30 credits
M.M.P., Marine Policy
The design and implementation of effective marine policy entail quantitative and qualitative analyses pertinent to the oversight and management of marine resources: the study of the potential and actual social, economic, legal, environmental and ecological consequences of alternative policies; an objective exploration of what is, what was, and what could be. Graduates will be equipped with the tools and background to conduct prospective analyses of the anticipated outcomes of alternative management actions and retrospective analyses of actual outcomes of management actions.
The M.M.P. degree program engages students in a curriculum that instills an integrated background in four core dimensions of marine policy, (1) living marine resources and their management, (2) analytic methods, (3) law and policy, and (4) economics, development, and sustainability. The wide selection of courses that satisfy these core and elective requirements facilitates the individualization of the curriculum to support each student’s goals. Courses are drawn from the Alaska Native Studies, Anthropology, Arctic and Northern Studies, Biology, Cross-cultural Studies, Economics, Fisheries, Geography, Marine Science and Limnology, Natural Resource Management, Political Science, Public Administration, Rural Development, and Statistics programs at UAF and UAS. Because most of these courses are already offered in remote sites through video-conferencing, this degree program serves students throughout Alaska and beyond.
The M.M.P. degree is jointly offered by UAS and UAF, with UAF acting as the lead institution. Graduates will receive a diploma indicating that the degree is awarded jointly by UAF and UAS. Applications for admission to the M.M.P. program will be processed through UAF. Enrolled students may select from various required and elective courses offered by UAF or UAS. Most of these courses can be taken in person or remotely via synchronous or asynchronous modalities. UAF tuition and fees apply to courses taken through UAF, while UAS tuition and fees apply to courses taken through UAS. M.M.P. program students are advised by the program coordinators.
Minimum Requirements for Marine Policy M.M.P.: 30 credits
M.S., Ph.D., Oceanography
The M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are offered in several concentration areas of oceanography: physical, chemical, biological, geological and fisheries oceanography.
Oceanography is both interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary. The M.S. and Ph.D. degrees emphasize processes that influence the ocean as a system, including its circulation, composition, biological productivity and geology. Students considering graduate study in oceanography should have a strong background in physics, chemistry, biology, geology or mathematics and a working familiarity with the other subjects.
Opportunities for laboratory and fieldwork are available through the Institute of Marine Science, the research unit of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. Research facilities are located in Fairbanks, the Seward Marine Center, the Kasitsna Bay Laboratory and Juneau. Facilities include the Ocean Acidification Research Center, the Alaska Stable Isotope Facility, seaside laboratories with running seawater systems, small boats, autonomous undersea vehicles and a variety of instrumentation for research in water circulation, marine particle dynamics, nutrient and trace metal chemistry, genomics, zooplankton ecology and other fields. The College operates the R/V Sikuliaq, a 261-foot ice-capable oceanographic research ship owned by the National Science Foundation. Oceanography faculty and students are regular users of Sikuliaq and other ships for high-latitude research, not only in the Alaska region and the Arctic but also in the Antarctic/Southern Ocean, Greenland, the North Pacific and elsewhere.
Minimum Requirements for Oceanography Degrees: M.S.: 30 credits; Ph.D.: 18 thesis credits
Degrees
- B.A., Fisheries
- B.S., Fisheries and Marine Sciences
- M.M.P., Marine Policy
- M.M.S., Marine Studies
- M.S., Fisheries
- M.S., Marine Biology
- M.S., Oceanography
- Ph.D., Fisheries
- Ph.D., Marine Biology
- Ph.D., Oceanography
Minors
Course Lists by Subject
Fisheries
FISH F100 Skeleton Articulation as an Introduction to Marine Conservation Biology
2 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Course designed for high school students.
Prerequisites: GPA of 2.5 or higher; offered to high school juniors and seniors with at least 1 biology and 1 math class completed.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
FISH F102 Fact or Fishin': Case Studies in Fisheries and Marine Sciences
1 Credit
Offered Fall
This seminar will promote active learning, critical thinking and problem-solving through a series of case studies involving current issues in fisheries and marine sciences conservation and management. Students enrolled in this course will also receive instruction on fundamental skills required to successfully complete a four-year degree at UAF.
Cross-listed with MBI F102; OCN F102.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1.5 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F103 The Harvest of the Sea
2 Credits
Offered Spring
This course will explore the scientific and popular literature related to the exploitation of global marine resources. Specific topics of the course will be based on three core themes: (1) early exploitation of marine resources; (2) overexploitation of marine stocks; and (3) the status and sustainability of marine resources.
Prerequisites: FISH F102; FISH F110; placement in WRTG F111X.
Cross-listed with MBI F103; OCN F103.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F110 Fish and Fisheries in a Changing World
3 Credits
Offered Fall
This course is an exploration of the patterns of fish diversity, and the resilience and sustainability that results. The topics that we will cover are intended to act as foundational principles that fisheries resource professionals will use throughout their careers. Together we will examine the complexity of what constitutes a "fishery" and better understand the factors that have led some fisheries to collapse and others to persist. In addition to lectures, students will read, discuss and write extensively and by doing so, can expect to gain better understanding of the "science of sustainability" with regards to 21st century fisheries in Alaska and beyond.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F192 Seminar
1-6 Credits
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 98 times for up to unlimited credits
FISH F261 Introduction to Fisheries Utilization
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Application of harvesting, processing, preservation and marketing of Alaska's rich fisheries resources. Core course requirement for all B.A. students completing a minor in fisheries and for B.S. fisheries students. Course is offered via videoconference.
Prerequisites: BIOL F103X or CHEM F100X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F288 Fish and Fisheries of Alaska
3 Credits
Offered Spring
An introduction to finfish, shellfish and marine mammals of Alaska, including their biology, ecology, fisheries, uses, management, economics and conservation issues.
Prerequisites: FISH F110.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F292 Seminar
1-6 Credits
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 98 times for up to unlimited credits
FISH F315 Freshwater Fisheries Techniques
3 Credits
Offered Summer Even-numbered Years
Introduction to laboratory and field sampling methods in aquaculture, limnology, and fisheries biology. Emphasis will be placed on the proper care and use of laboratory equipment and field sampling gears, as well as the development of sampling protocols for collecting representative, non-biased fisheries and aquatic sciences data.
Prerequisites: FISH F110; FISH F288; STAT F200X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F320 Salmon, People and Place
3 Credits
Offered Spring
An examination of the deep ties between salmon and Indigenous peoples' food security, subsistence traditions and ways of life; contemporary Western society connections to salmon, including governance structures, recreational and commercial fishing, and global economies; case studies of pressing challenges facing salmon-dependent communities.
Prerequisites: ANTH F100X, FISH F110, WRTG F111X, or FISH F288.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F336 Introduction to Aquaculture
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
Introduction to the species, methodology, economics and environmental impacts of world aquaculture, with a focus on the contribution of Alaska’s aquaculture industries including salmon ocean ranching, shellfish and kelp mariculture. Survey of worldwide production, including an introduction to production systems and familiarization with Alaska systems.
Prerequisites: BIOL F115X.
Special Notes: This course is taught in Juneau.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F340 Seafood Business
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Development and management of a successful seafood business from inception to operation. Practical application of business planning, obtaining financing, accounting, permitting, feasibility analysis, marketing, human resource management, and operational aspects of seafood harvesting and processing using case studies and guest lecturers from seafood industry.
Prerequisites: FISH F261.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F411 Human Dimensions of Environmental Systems
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Study of human-environment relationships and applications to resource management. Draws on a range of social scientific approaches to the study of environmental systems, including: environmental anthropology, environmental history, historical ecology, political ecology, ethnoecology, property theory and environmental justice.
Prerequisites: COM F131X or COM F141X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; F200-level course in cultural anthropology, human geography, sociology or political science.
Stacked with FISH F611.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F412 Human-environment Research Methods
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Basic overview of qualitative and quantitative social science methods for studying human-environment relationships. Introduction to research ethics, research design, data collection, data analysis and data reporting. Methods and data analysis techniques include interviews, text analysis, surveys, scales, cognitive anthropology and ethnoecology, social networks, behavioral observation and visual methods.
Prerequisites: COM F131X or COM F141X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; upper level standing.
Cross-listed with ANTH F412.
Stacked with FISH F613.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F414 Field Methods in Marine Ecology and Fisheries
3 Credits
Offered Summer Odd-numbered Years
Hands-on introduction to ecological methods in fisheries and the marine environment. Class will consist of a series of group field exercises and sampling methods conducted in local marine habitats as well as instruction on experimental designs for testing hypotheses and statistical interpretation of results.
Prerequisites: BIOL F371, MBI F320.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 13.5 + 20 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F425 Fish Ecology
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
An exploration of how fishes interact with and adapt to their physical and biological environments. Examples focus on individual and population level of biological organization. Human impacts to the ecology of major freshwater and marine habitats are examined.
Prerequisites: FISH F110; BIOL F371.
Stacked with FISH F650.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F426 Behavioral Ecology of Fishes
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
This course will provide upper-level undergraduate and graduate students with an advanced understanding of behavioral responses and adaptations of fishes in both freshwater and marine systems to natural and anthropogenic environmental variables. It provides students an option to fulfill upper-level undergraduate and graduate required and elective course work. Before enrolling, students should have a sound understanding of both ecological and biological concepts relating to fishes.
Prerequisites: BIOL F371 or FISH F427.
Recommended: FISH F425.
Stacked with FISH F626.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F427 Ichthyology (n)
4 Credits
Offered Spring
Major groups of fishes, emphasizing fishes of northwestern North America. Classification structure, evolution, general biology and importance to man.
Prerequisites: BIOL F116X.
Cross-listed with BIOL F427.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F428 Physiological Ecology of Fishes
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
An advanced exploration of the physiological responses and adaptations of fishes in both freshwater and marine systems to natural and human-induced environmental changes.
Prerequisites: BIOL F310, FISH F427 or BIOL F427.
Stacked with FISH F628.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F433 Pacific Salmon Life Histories
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
Introduction to the life histories of Pacific salmon. Exploring variation in life history traits within and among species, within and among populations, at each stage of the salmon life cycle. Understanding evolutionary and ecological contexts life histories. Discussing management and conservation of Pacific salmonid species throughout their range- Alaskan focused.
Prerequisites: BIOL F115X; BIOL F116X.
Stacked with FISH F633.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F435 Data Visualization in Fisheries
2 Credits
Offered Spring
Fundamental methods for presenting fisheries data visually, including figures, tables and visual abstracts. Focus will be on effective design and the preparation of publication-ready figures and tables. Student activities will include critiquing figures and tables published in fisheries literature as well as creating their own from existing datasets.
Prerequisites: STAT F200X.
Stacked with FISH F635.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F443 Fisheries Oceanography
4 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
Oceanography of marine processes affecting vertebrates and invertebrates. Interactions between fisheries resources and physical and biological oceanography, and climatological and meteorological conditions that support sustainable management. Topics include recruitment, transport, mortality, feeding, distribution, abundance, El Nino/La Nina, regime shifts, and climate change. Global to local scales. Worldwide ecosystems and examples.
Prerequisites: FISH F110 or FISH F288; STAT F200X, OCN F111X, or CHEM F105X; PHYS F123X.
Cross-listed with OCN F443.
Stacked with OCN F643, FISH F643.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 4 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F446 Freshwater Habitat Dynamics
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Theoretical background of habitat dynamics in freshwaters with a focus on the response of biota and practical application of current sampling methods.
Prerequisites: FISH F110, BIOL F371.
Cross-listed with BIOL F446.
Stacked with FISH F646, BIOL F646.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F451 Aquatic Conservation and Management Genetics
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Genetics is one of the most rapidly growing fields of science and is fundamental for ecology, conservation and natural resource management. This course will cover population genetics, molecular ecology, evolutionary theory and quantitative methods, with an emphasis on genomic applications to marine and freshwater resource management.
Prerequisites: BIOL F260; STAT F401 (STAT course may be taken concurrently).
Stacked with FISH F651.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F476 Aquatic Food Web Ecology
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Examines theoretical and applied aspects of aquatic food web ecology, from the ecological processes that give rise to patterns in aquatic communities to the incorporation of trophic interactions into ecosystem-based management. Includes a lecture component focused on peer reviewed studies and a lab component focused on applying concepts with data.
Prerequisites: Upper-level undergraduate standing.
Cross-listed with BIOL F470; MBI F476.
Stacked with BIOL F670; FISH F676; MBI F676.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F487 Fisheries Management (n)
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Theory and practice of fisheries management, including strategies utilized for the management of freshwater and marine fisheries. Application of quantitative methodologies for the assessment and manipulation of aquatic habitats, fish populations and human resource users are considered, as is the setting of appropriate goals and objectives for science-based management.
Prerequisites: COM F131X or COM F141X; FISH F288; STAT F200X.
Stacked with FISH F687.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F490 Experiential Learning: Fisheries and Marine Sciences Internship
1 Credit
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Under the supervision of a faculty member and a fisheries or marine sciences professional, upper-division students gain professional experience through employment. Requirements are decided prior to enrollment based on a 3-way agreement between the employer, student, and faculty member, which contains learning objectives that reflect upper-division credit.
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing plus permission of Faculty Sponsor and the Fisheries Experiential Learning Coordinator/instructor (the Coordinator can be a sponsor as well); signing of a student internship agreement form that contains learning objectives for the internship that reflects upper-division internship credit.
Recommended: FISH F315; STAT F200X; STAT F401.
Special Notes: Can be repeated up to 4 times, each for a different type of employment.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 1-4
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 4 times for up to 4 credits
FISH F492 Seminar
1-6 Credits
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
FISH F492P Seminar
1-6 Credits
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-6 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 6 credits
FISH F498 Senior Thesis Proposal
1-3 Credits
Students will initiate their year-long senior thesis project, crafting a proposal demonstrating their grasp of existing literature, study goals, methods for data collection, analyses and a project timeline. They will also start gathering data and commencing data analysis as part of their exemplary academic journey.
Prerequisites: Fisheries major with senior standing; a GPA of 3.2 or higher and permission of a Fisheries Division faculty mentor and the CFOS Internship Coordinator (the coordinator may also be a mentor); STAT F200X and ENGL F414.
Recommended: FISH F315; STAT F401 or STAT F402.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F499 Fisheries Senior Thesis
2-4 Credits
Students will analyze data from FISH F498, creating a research paper that contextualizes findings within the relevant literature. They will collaborate with a mentor to submit the paper for scientific journal peer review and present their results via oral or poster presentations.
Prerequisites: Fisheries major with senior standing; with a GPA of 3.2 or higher; and permission of a Fisheries Division faculty mentor and the CFOS Internship Coordinator (the coordinator may also be a mentor); FISH F498.
Recommended: FISH F315; STAT F401; STAT F402.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 2-4
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F604 Modern Applied Statistics for Fisheries
4 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Covers general statistical approaches to quantitative problems in marine science and fisheries with guidance on how to collect and organize data, how to select appropriate statistical methods and how to communicate results. A variety of advanced statistical methods for analyzing environmental data sets will be illustrated in theory and practice.
Prerequisites: STAT F200X; STAT F401; proficiency in computing with R.
Cross-listed with MBI F604.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F605 Communicating Science to the Public
2 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
A focus on practical skills in communicating research to peers and public audiences. Short lectures, readings and discussion will focus on communication issues in environmental science and management and best practices for good oral and written communication.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in the sciences.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F611 Human Dimensions of Environmental Systems
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Study of human-environment relationships and applications to resource management. Draws on a range of social scientific approaches to the study of environmental systems, including: environmental anthropology, environmental history, historical ecology, political ecology, ethnoecology, property theory and environmental justice.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Stacked with FISH F411.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F613 Human-environment Research Methods
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Basic overview of qualitative and quantitative social science methods for studying human-environment relationships. Introduction to research ethics, research design, data collection, data analysis and data reporting. Methods and data analysis techniques include interviews, text analysis, surveys, scales, cognitive anthropology and ethnoecology, social networks, behavioral observation and visual methods.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Stacked with FISH F412 and ANTH F412.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F616 Indigenous Fisheries of Alaska
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
Introduces students to the breadth and depth of Indigenous knowledge, practice and governance of fisheries and environmental systems across Alaska. Explores and compares European ontological and epistemological positions that form the base of Western science. This course pairs weekly class meetings with an intensive in-person retreat.
Prerequisites: Permission by Department.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2.64 + 0 + 1.64
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F621 Estimation of Fish Abundance
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
Estimation of abundance of fish and other aquatic populations, using mark-recapture, line-transect, catch-effort and change-in-ratio techniques. Computer lab work and homework from actual and simulated populations.
Prerequisites: MATH F252X; STAT F401.
Recommended: MATH F302; MATH F314.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 2.5 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F622 Quantitative Fish Population Dynamics
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
Modeling fish population mortality, recruitment individual growth and fecundity. Models and assessment techniques for age- and length-structured populations. Biological reference points and management strategies derived from population and harvesting parameters. Computer lab work and homework with data from actual and simulated populations.
Prerequisites: MATH F252X; STAT F401.
Recommended: MATH F302; MATH F314.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 2.5 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F625 Population Dynamics of Vertebrates
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
Sampling vertebrate populations, modeling their population dynamics and the implications for management. Focus will be on study design, model assumptions, estimation of population parameters and inference. State-of-the-art computer applications will be employed in laboratory exercises of actual and simulated data.
Prerequisites: BIOL F371; STAT F401.
Cross-listed with WLF F625.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F626 Behavioral Ecology of Fishes
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
This course will provide upper-level undergraduate and graduate students with an advanced understanding of behavioral responses and adaptations of fishes in both freshwater and marine systems to natural and anthropogenic environmental variables. It provides students an option to fulfill upper-level undergraduate and graduate required and elective course work. Before enrolling, students should have a sound understanding of both ecological and biological concepts relating to fishes.
Prerequisites: BIOL F371 or FISH F427.
Recommended: FISH F425.
Stacked with FISH F426.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F627 Statistical Computing with R
2 Credits
Offered Fall
Using the free, open-source software R to teach computing, programming, and modeling concepts for the statistical computing of fisheries and biological data. Prepares students for other graduate-level, quantitative fisheries courses and covers exploratory statistical and graphical analyses, as well as computer-intensive methods such as bootstrapping and randomization tests.
Prerequisites: STAT F200X; STAT F401; proficiency with Excel.
Cross-listed with MBI F627; OCN F627.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F628 Physiological Ecology of Fishes
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
An advanced exploration of the physiological responses and adaptations of fishes in both freshwater and marine systems to natural and human-induced environmental changes.
Prerequisites: BIOL F310, FISH F427 or BIOL F427; graduate standing.
Stacked with FISH F428.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F631 Data Analysis in Community Ecology
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
This course will provide an overview of statistical methods that have been specifically developed to aid our understanding and interpretation of the structure, abundance, and distribution of species and communities in relation to resources and the environment.
Prerequisites: STAT F200X; STAT F401; FISH F627 (Statistical Computing with R) or familiarity with R, general ecology, graduate standing in fisheries.
Cross-listed with MBI F631; OCN F631.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F633 Pacific Salmon Life Histories
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
Introduction to the life histories of Pacific salmon. Exploring variation in life history traits within and among species, within and among populations, at each stage of the salmon life cycle. Understanding evolutionary and ecological contexts life histories. Discussing management and conservation of Pacific salmonid species throughout their range- Alaskan focused.
Prerequisites: BIOL F115X; BIOL F116X.
Stacked with FISH F433.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F635 Data Visualization in Fisheries
2 Credits
Offered Spring
Fundamental methods for presenting fisheries data visually, including figures, tables and visual abstracts. Focus will be on effective design and the preparation of publication-ready figures and tables. Student activities will include critiquing figures and tables published in fisheries literature as well as creating their own from existing datasets.
Prerequisites: STAT F401.
Stacked with FISH F435.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F641 Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management
2 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
This course examines the theory and practice of ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM). Topics include legal frameworks, principles, governance, approaches, scientific basis, management implementation and outcomes of EBFM. Emphasis is placed on Alaska with other illustrative examples from around the world.
Prerequisites: FISH F487 or graduate standing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F643 Fisheries Oceanography
4 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
Oceanography of marine processes affecting vertebrates and invertebrates. Interactions between fisheries resources and physical and biological oceanography, and climatological and meteorological conditions that support sustainable management. Topics include recruitment, transport, mortality, feeding, distribution, abundance, El Nino/La Nina, regime shifts, and climate change. Global to local scales. Worldwide ecosystems and examples.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Cross-listed with OCN F643.
Stacked with OCN F443, FISH F443.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 4 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F645 Bioeconomic Modeling and Fisheries Management
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
An introduction to analytic and computational models of discrete-time representations of bioeconomic systems, including comparative static and optimal control approaches to optimizing unitary and multiple criteria subject to deterministic and stochastic dynamic processes. Particular attention is given to bioeconomic models of optimal management of exploited populations of fish and shellfish.
Prerequisites: STAT F401; MATH F230X or MATH F251X; graduate standing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F646 Freshwater Habitat Dynamics
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Theoretical background of habitat dynamics in freshwaters with a focus on the response of biota and practical application of current sampling methods.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Cross-listed with BIOL F646.
Stacked with FISH F446, BIOL F446.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F650 Fish Ecology
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
An exploration of how fishes interact with and adapt to their physical and biological environments. Examples focus on individual and population level of biological organization. Human impacts to the ecology of major freshwater and marine habitats are examined.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Stacked with FISH F425.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F651 Aquatic Conservation and Management Genetics
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Genetics is one of the most rapidly growing fields of science and is fundamental for ecology, conservation and natural resource management. This course will cover population genetics, molecular ecology, evolutionary theory and quantitative methods, with an emphasis on genomic applications to marine and freshwater resource management.
Stacked with FISH F451.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F654 Benthic Ecology
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Ecology of marine benthos, from subtidal to hadal zone. Methods of collecting, sorting, narcotizing, preserving and analyzing benthic assemblages, including video analytical techniques from submersibles and ROVs. Hydrothermal vent and cold seep assemblages. Physiology/energetics of benthic organisms, including animal-sediment relationships, feeding, reproduction and growth. Depth, spatial and latitudinal distribution patterns.
Prerequisites: Invertebrate zoology course, marine biology course.
Cross-listed with MBI F654.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F670 Quantitative Analysis for Marine Policy Decisions
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
An introduction to the practical application of mathematical programming, operations research, simulation, cost-benefit analysis, cost effectiveness analysis, regional impact assessment, economic valuation, risk analysis, adaptive management and other decision theoretic tools in preparation of regulatory documents required for the management of living marine resources and for assessment of environmental damages.
Prerequisites: STAT F401; MATH F230X or MATH F251X; graduate standing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F671 Foundations of Marine Policy and Ocean Governance
3 Credits
Offered Fall
This course provides a foundation in developing, analyzing, and enforcing laws and policies that govern the marine environment and living marine resources. Subjects addressed include transportation, environmental protection, energy development, seabed mining, fisheries, mariculture, coastal zone development and hazard mitigation.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F672 Law and Fisheries
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
This course introduces students to the key federal and state laws that govern fisheries in Alaska state waters, U.S. territorial seas, and the U.S. exclusive economic zone off Alaska. In addition, the course introduces students to seminal court rulings that have shaped the application of those laws.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F673 International Maritime Law and IUU Fishing
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
This course introduces students to international maritime law governing territorial seas, exclusive economic zones and the high seas. Particular attention is given to laws and institutions that address illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F674 Economic Development for Fish-dependent Communities
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
An introduction to the economic organization of fishery-dependent communities in Alaska, tools for characterizing community-scale economies, principles of economic development, methods of measuring regional economic impacts of changes in access to fisheries, and a review of policies intended to support the continuity and development of these communities.
Prerequisites: STAT F401 or ECON F227.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F675 Political Ecology
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Introduction to the field of political ecology. Topics include the sociology of scientific knowledge, traditional and local ecological knowledge, politics of resource management, processes of enclosure and privatization, environmental values, conservation, environmental justice, and colonialism and economic development.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Cross-listed with ANTH F675.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F676 Aquatic Food Web Ecology
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Examines theoretical and applied aspects of aquatic food web ecology, from the ecological processes that give rise to patterns in aquatic communities to the incorporation of trophic interactions into ecosystem-based management. Includes a lecture component focused on peer reviewed studies and a lab component focused on applying concepts with data.
Cross-listed with BIOL F670; MBI F676.
Stacked with BIOL F470; FISH F476; MBI F476.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F677 Scientific Writing Techniques
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Students learn to write scientifically with skill and clarity by practicing using easy-to-follow writing techniques to write and rewrite a draft manuscript. Topics include writing approaches, storytelling, outlines, style, grammar, punctuation, and editorial review. Most beneficial for graduate students writing theses, but provides excellent writing experience for new students.
Prerequisites: Graduate Standing.
Cross-listed with OCN F677.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
FISH F681 The North Pacific Fishery Management Council
2 Credits
Offered Summer
This course immerses students into the scientific and policy basis for federal fisheries management in Alaska. Lectures introduce the laws that underlie federal fisheries management of Alaska and issues scheduled for the upcoming NPFMC meeting. Experiential learning will occur through participation in the meeting and discussions with fishery stakeholders.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 12 + 0 + 26
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
FISH F682 Field Course in Salmon Management
4 Credits
Offered Summer Odd-numbered Years
A hands-on study of salmon management, with participation of harvesters, processors, managers and scientists. Students will track the return of salmon to Bristol Bay and estimate the total return as the runs develop. Consists of a combination of lectures, computer laboratories and field experience in data collection.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F683 The Alaska Board of Fisheries
2 Credits
Offered Spring
An experiential immersion into Alaska’s state fisheries management. Classroom sessions explore state and federal laws and fishery management strategies that underpin the management of sport, commercial and subsistence fisheries in Alaska and preview current fishery management issues. Students will experience the decision-making process by observing a BOF meeting.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Special Notes: Students are responsible for their own travel costs.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1.5 + 0 + 2
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
FISH F687 Fisheries Management (n)
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Theory and practice of fisheries management, including strategies utilized for the management of freshwater and marine fisheries. Application of quantitative methodologies for the assessment and manipulation of aquatic habitats, fish populations and human resource users are considered, as is the setting of appropriate goals and objectives for science-based management.
Prerequisites: graduate standing.
Stacked with FISH F487.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
FISH F690 Marine Policy Internship
2-6 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Students of the MMP program participate in internships to broaden their interdisciplinary training, develop new research tools and build expertise outside their home disciplines. Internships require 42 hours of directed professional activity per course credit hour.
Special Notes: Internships must be pre-approved by the MMP program coordinator and require a student internship agreement form signed by the student, the instructor, the MMP program coordinator, and the internship host.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 84-252
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
FISH F691 Marine Policy Capstone
3 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
A directed project or literature review demonstrating a capacity to gather, interpret, synthesize and apply MMP program coursework and internship experience to a contemporary or historic marine policy issue. In addition, this course explores perspectives on research ethics and the responsible conduct of research.
Prerequisites: FISH F671; graduate standing.
Special Notes: FISH F691 is an advanced course taken after completion of at least 9 credits of required or elective MMP program courses.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 10
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
FISH F692 Seminar
0.5-6 Credits
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
FISH F692P Seminar
1-6 Credits
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-6 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 15 times for up to unlimited credits
FISH F698 Non-thesis Research/Project
1-9 Credits
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
FISH F699 Thesis
1-12 Credits
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
Marine Biology
MBI F102 Fact or Fishin': Case Studies in Fisheries and Marine Sciences
1 Credit
Offered Fall
This seminar will promote active learning, critical thinking and problem-solving through a series of case studies involving current issues in fisheries and marine sciences conservation and management. Students enrolled in this course will also receive instruction on fundamental skills required to successfully complete a four-year degree at UAF.
Cross-listed with FISH F102; OCN F102.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1.5 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F103 The Harvest of the Sea
2 Credits
Offered Spring
This course will explore the scientific and popular literature related to the exploitation of global marine resources. Specific topics of the course will be based on three core themes: (1) early exploitation of marine resources; (2) overexploitation of marine stocks; and (3) the status and sustainability of marine resources.
Prerequisites: FISH F102; FISH F110; placement in WRTG F111X.
Cross-listed with FISH F103; OCN F103.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F111L The Oceans Laboratory
0 Credit
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Provides laboratory experience emphasizing insights from biology, physics, chemistry and geology. Topics include the evolution of the ocean basins, seawater composition, generation of ocean currents and waves, and the combined processes that sustain life in the ocean. Societal topics related to climate change.
Co-requisites: MBI F111X or OCN F111X.
Cross-listed with OCN F111L.
Attributes: UAF GER Natural Science Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Non-Graded
MBI F111X The Oceans (n)
4 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Broad study of our ocean through combining insights from biology, physics, chemistry and geology. Topics include evolution of the ocean basins, seawater composition, generation of ocean currents and waves, and the combined processes that sustain life in the ocean. Societal topics related to climate change, fisheries and pollution are discussed.
Prerequisites: Placement in WRTG F111X; placement in MATH F105.
Co-requisites: MBI F111L or OCN F111L.
Cross-listed with OCN F111X.
Attributes: UAF GER Natural Science Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F212 Introduction to Marine Science II
3 Credits
Offered Spring
This course explores the diversity of marine life, from microbes to mammals, and the interactions of marine organisms with each other and with their environment. Topics include primary productivity, marine food webs, physiological adaptations, and ecology of marine habitats from coastal to deep-sea systems.
Prerequisites: OCN F211.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F219 Marine Mammals of the World
2 Credits
Offered Spring
We will go on a tour of the 129 currently recognized extant marine mammal species in the world. We will explore taxonomy, species description and identifying characteristics, distribution, ecology, including feeding strategies, reproduction etc., status, threats and conservation.
Prerequisites: OCN F111X, FISH F102, FISH F103, BIOL F115X or BIOL F116X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F220 Scientific Diving
2 Credits
Offered Spring
Introduction to cold water diving and SCUBA techniques used in the research community. Includes familiarization with Alaska subtidal flora and fauna. Opportunity to work underwater and assist with diving projects conducted by MBI F423 students at the Kasitsna Bay Marine Lab during spring break. Through this course, students also can be certified with a Research Diver Specialty (PADI) and a Dry Suit Specialty (PADI). CPR, First Aid (Red Cross), and Emergency Oxygen Administration (DAN) are available through this course. Special Conditions: Must have current SCUBA physical approved.
Prerequisites: Basic biology/ecology courses, SCUBA (open water) certification.
Special Notes: Completion of this course will allow students to be eligible to join the UAF (AAUS) dive program and to dive on the UAF-sanctioned diving projects and have reciprocity to dive with other universities and other government agencies.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 1 + 8
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 15 times for up to 30 credits
MBI F306 Aquatic Invertebrate Zoology
4 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
We will explore the phylogenetics, life history, reproduction, physiology, morphology and sexual systems of aquatic invertebrates. Hands-on approaches, including a survey and comparison of taxonomic groups using microscopy and visual observations, recorded in a lab notebook, are central to the laboratory component of this course.
Prerequisites: (OCN F211 and MBI F212) or (BIOL F115X and BIOL F116X).
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F317 Introduction to Marine Mammal Biology
3 Credits
Offered Spring
The course will introduce students to the biology and diversity of cetaceans, pinnipeds, sirenians, and other marine mammals. Topics will include evolution, ecology, reproduction, and behavior of marine mammals, their special adaptations, such as diving, osmo- and thermoregulation, and will explore some current conservation and management issues.
Prerequisites: BIOL F116X or MBI F212.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F320 Aquatic Ecology
3 Credits
Offered Fall
An introduction to the relationship between aquatic species and their environment, with an emphasis on biological interactions and environmental factors that structure these communities.
Prerequisites: (OCN F211 and MBI F212) or (BIOL F115X and BIOL F116X).
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F410 Marine Bird Ecology and Conservation
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
This course will introduce students to the biology, ecology and conservation of marine birds, with emphasis on seabirds, sea ducks and shorebirds, especially species found in Alaska and the Northern Hemisphere. Through ecological and evolutionary perspectives, topics will include biodiversity, adaptations, life histories, population ecology, demography, community ecology and conservation.
Prerequisites: BIOL F371 or MBI F320.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F412 Early Life Histories of Marine Invertebrates
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
This course will explore the diversity of reproductive strategies and larval forms in marine invertebrates, and consider selective pressures governing the evolution of these forms. Topics include larval ecology and evolution, environmental constraints on early life histories, reproductive biology, population dynamics, sources of larval mortality, dispersal, and recruitment.
Prerequisites: MBI F212 and upper-division standing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F415 Physiology of Marine Organisms
3 Credits
Offered Fall
We will study the problems and challenges vertebrates and invertebrates are facing in the marine environment, and their responses and solutions. Characteristic issues for marine animals include oxygen supply, salinity, temperature and pressure, and adaptations can vary widely or be remarkably similar.
Prerequisites: BIOL F310, MBI F212 or (BIOL F111X & BIOL F112X).
Stacked with MBI F615.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F421 Polar Marine Science
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
Physical, biological, chemical and geological oceanography of the polar oceans with emphasis on comparing and contrasting the Arctic and Antarctic.
Prerequisites: OCN F211; MBI F212.
Stacked with MBI F621.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F423 Nearshore Ecology Field Course
2 Credits
Offered Spring
Students will propose a hypothesis that they will develop in the first two months of the semester and then experimentally test during a spring break field trip to the Kasitsna Bay Marine Lab. Projects may be subtidal (if the student is a current AAUS diver) or intertidal.
Prerequisites: MBI F220, successful completion of a 200-level marine biology, ecology, or equivalent courses; If the student wants to dive as part of their project, they must be AAUS divers with current CPR, First Aid, O2 Administration certifications, and have a current AAUS medical physical.
Stacked with MBI F623.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 1 + 8
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 15 times for up to 30 credits
MBI F450 Marine Biology and Ecology Field Course
4 Credits
Offered Summer Odd-numbered Years
Advanced understanding of marine organisms in an ecological and evolutionary context through field and laboratory work at the Kasitsna Bay Marine Lab (Kachemak Bay, Alaska). Includes the study of marine macroalgae, invertebrates and plankton and relating their anatomical organization to habitat, lifestyle and ecology.
Prerequisites: One year of biology.
Recommended: Basic courses in ecology and invertebrate zoology.
Stacked with MBI F650.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 6 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F456 Kelp Forest Ecology
2 Credits
Offered Summer Even-numbered Years
Introduction to knowledge, hypotheses and disputes regarding kelp forest ecology, including the environmental and ecological interactions that influence their distribution, structure and function. Course includes lectures, discussions, labs and scuba diving field trips. We take a global perspective but focus on local Alaska subtidal flora and fauna.
Prerequisites: UAF Science Diver certification.
Stacked with MBI F656.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 5 + 35 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F457 Field Techniques in Ocean Acidification Research
3 Credits
Offered Summer Even-numbered Years
An introduction to the design and fabrication of experimental ocean acidification systems and oceanographic pH sensors for the study of ocean acidification. This course will require extra fees to cover laboratory activities, room and board. Students are responsible for the travel to and from Kasitsna Bay Laboratory, near Seldovia, Alaska.
Prerequisites: OCN F211 and MBI F212.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 4 + 3
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F467 Ecology and Physiology of Marine Macroalgae (n)
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
This course will provide an overview of marine seaweed related to their diversity, structure, physiology, ecology, and basic grouping approaches, and marine seaweed's relation to human affairs. This course will allow students to increase their awareness of the ecological and economic relevance of marine seaweeds.
Prerequisites: BIOL F115X; MBI F212.
Stacked with MBI F667.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F476 Aquatic Food Web Ecology
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Examines theoretical and applied aspects of aquatic food web ecology, from the ecological processes that give rise to patterns in aquatic communities to the incorporation of trophic interactions into ecosystem-based management. Includes a lecture component focused on peer reviewed studies and a lab component focused on applying concepts with data.
Prerequisites: Upper-level undergraduate standing.
Cross-listed with BIOL F470; FISH F476.
Stacked with BIOL F670; FISH F676; MBI F676;.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F482 Human Impacts to the Marine Biosphere
3 Credits
Offered Spring
A review of the biological mechanisms that marine species utilize to respond to ocean change focusing on the links between physical, chemical and biological systems and human activities.
Prerequisites: (OCN F211 and MBI F212) or (BIOL F115X and BIOL F116X).
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F492 Seminar
1-6 Credits
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
MBI F498 Research
1-6 Credits
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-6 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
MBI F499 Senior Thesis
3 Credits
Under Marine Biology faculty mentorship, students will undertake a self-designed senior thesis capstone project based on field/lab data collected during a field course or work with their mentor. They must present results at a UAF event or scientific conference and are encouraged to publish in a peer-reviewed journal.
Prerequisites: Permission of a fisheries and ocean sciences faculty mentor.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 9
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 2 times for up to 6 credits
MBI F601 Professional Development
1 Credit
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
Improve ability to make oral and poster presentations and to write resumes and cover letters. Includes lectures, discussions, and four individual projects. Students are encouraged to use their thesis/dissertation material for the posters and oral presentations. Feedback on all projects will be given by both instructor and students. Special Notes:
Recommended: Graduate status.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F602 Proposal Writing
1 Credit
Offered Fall
Familiarize students with the proposal writing process. Writing proposals is a common requirement during graduate school and will be continuing during the career as a scientist and researcher. This class aims to cover some common rules about good proposal writing.
Prerequisites: Recommended: Graduate status.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 3 times for up to 3 credits
MBI F604 Modern Applied Statistics for Fisheries
4 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Covers general statistical approaches to quantitative problems in marine science and fisheries with guidance on how to collect and organize data, how to select appropriate statistical methods and how to communicate results. A variety of advanced statistical methods for analyzing environmental data sets will be illustrated in theory and practice.
Prerequisites: STAT F200X; STAT F401; proficiency in computing with R.
Cross-listed with FISH F604.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F605 Controversies in Marine Science
1 Credit
Offered Fall
Introduction to the idea that science is fluid and controversies and disagreements do occur. These disagreements are often published in the primary literature. This course will be a discussion/debate of various controversial topics in marine science.
Recommended: Graduate status.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
MBI F610 Marine Biology
3 Credits
Offered Spring
This class covers all major marine ecosystems across the globe in a comparative manner. Each system is introduced by its physical setting, then covers important primary producer sources or foundation species, ultimately leading to how ecological concepts structure the communities and food webs in these ecosystems.
Prerequisites: Degree in biology.
Recommended: Courses in invertebrate zoology, ichthyology, and vertebrate zoology.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F612 Early Life Histories of Marine Invertebrates
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
This course will explore the diversity of reproductive strategies and larval forms in marine invertebrates, and consider selective pressures governing the evolution of these forms. Topics include: larval ecology and evolution, environmental constraints on early life histories, reproductive biology, population dynamics, sources of larval mortality, dispersal and recruitment.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F615 Physiology of Marine Organisms
3 Credits
Offered Fall
We will study the problems and challenges vertebrates and invertebrates are facing in the marine environment, and their responses and solutions. Characteristic issues for marine animals include oxygen supply, salinity, temperature and pressure, and adaptations can vary widely or be remarkably similar.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Stacked with MBI F415.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F619 Biology of Marine Mammals
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Introduction to a broad range of research and conservation topics associated with marine mammals. Topics include physiological adaptations, phylogeny and evolution, behavior, ecology, population dynamics and conservation.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing; or upper-division ecology and biology courses.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F621 Polar Marine Science
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
Physical, biological, chemical and geological oceanography of the polar oceans with emphasis on comparing and contrasting the Arctic and Antarctic.
Prerequisites: graduate standing.
Stacked with MBI F421.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F623 Nearshore Ecology Field Course
2 Credits
Offered Spring
Students will propose a hypothesis that they will develop in the first two months of the semester and then experimentally test during a spring break field trip to the Kasitsna Bay Marine Lab. Projects may be subtidal (if the student is a current AAUS diver) or intertidal.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing; MBI F220, successful completion of a 200-level marine biology, ecology, or equivalent courses; If the student wants to dive as part of their project, they must be AAUS divers with current CPR, First Aid, O2 Administration certifications, and have a current AAUS medical physical.
Stacked with MBI F423.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 1 + 8
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 15 times for up to 30 credits
MBI F627 Statistical Computing with R
2 Credits
Offered Fall
Using the free, open-source software R to teach computing, programming, and modeling concepts for the statistical computing of fisheries and biological data. Prepares students for other graduate-level, quantitative fisheries courses and covers exploratory statistical and graphical analyses, as well as computer-intensive methods such as bootstrapping and randomization tests.
Prerequisites: STAT F200X; STAT F401; proficiency with Excel.
Cross-listed with FISH F627; OCN F627.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F631 Data Analysis in Community Ecology
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
This course will provide an overview of statistical methods that have been specifically developed to aid our understanding and interpretation of the structure, abundance, and distribution of species and communities in relation to resources and the environment.
Prerequisites: STAT F200X; STAT F401; FISH F627 (Statistical Computing with R) or familiarity with R, general ecology, graduate standing in fisheries.
Cross-listed with FISH F631; OCN F631.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F650 Marine Biology and Ecology Field Course
4 Credits
Offered Summer Odd-numbered Years
Advanced understanding of marine organisms in an ecological and evolutionary context through field and laboratory work at the Kasitsna Bay Marine Lab (Kachemak Bay, Alaska). Includes the study of marine macroalgae, invertebrates and plankton and relating their anatomical organization to habitat, lifestyle and ecology.
Prerequisites: One year of biology; graduate standing.
Recommended: Basic courses in ecology and invertebrate zoology.
Stacked with MBI F450.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 6 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F652 Marine Ecosystems
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Understanding ecosystems of the sea in the context of evaluating the impact of human activities. Focus on current concepts, trends and perspectives.
Prerequisites: BIOL F472; OCN F620; OCN F650.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F654 Benthic Ecology
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Ecology of marine benthos, from subtidal to hadal zone. Methods of collecting, sorting, narcotizing, preserving and analyzing benthic assemblages, including video analytical techniques from submersibles and ROVs. Hydrothermal vent and cold seep assemblages. Physiology/energetics of benthic organisms, including animal-sediment relationships, feeding, reproduction and growth. Depth, spatial and latitudinal distribution patterns.
Prerequisites: Invertebrate zoology course, marine biology course.
Cross-listed with FISH F654.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F656 Kelp Forest Ecology
2 Credits
Offered Summer Even-numbered Years
Introduction to knowledge, hypotheses and disputes regarding kelp forest ecology, including the environmental and ecological interactions that influence their distribution, structure and function. Course includes lectures, discussions, labs and scuba diving field trips. We take a global perspective but focus on local Alaska subtidal flora and fauna.
Prerequisites: UAF Science Diver certification.
Stacked with MBI F456.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 5 + 35 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F661 Stable Isotope Techniques in Environmental Research
3 Credits
Offered Spring
An examination of the use of added or naturally occurring isotope tracers in ecological studies. Demonstration of equipment and modern techniques.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F667 Ecology and Physiology of Marine Macroalgae
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
This course will provide an overview of marine seaweed related to their diversity, structure, physiology, ecology, and basic grouping approaches, and marine seaweed's relation to human affairs. This course will allow students to increase their awareness of the ecological and economic relevance of marine seaweeds.
Prerequisites: Upper-division standing in a natural science for undergraduates or graduate standing.
Stacked with MBI F467.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F676 Aquatic Food Web Ecology
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Examines theoretical and applied aspects of aquatic food web ecology, from the ecological processes that give rise to patterns in aquatic communities to the incorporation of trophic interactions into ecosystem-based management. Includes a lecture component focused on peer reviewed studies and a lab component focused on applying concepts with data.
Cross-listed with BIOL F670; FISH F676.
Stacked with BIOL F470; FISH F476; MBI F476.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
MBI F692 Seminar
1-6 Credits
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-6 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
MBI F692P Seminar
1-6 Credits
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-6 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
MBI F698 Non-thesis Research/Project
1-9 Credits
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
MBI F699 Thesis
1-12 Credits
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
Oceanography
OCN F102 Fact or Fishin': Case Studies in Fisheries and Marine Sciences
1 Credit
Offered Fall
This seminar will promote active learning, critical thinking and problem-solving through a series of case studies involving current issues in fisheries and marine sciences conservation and management. Students enrolled in this course will also receive instruction on fundamental skills required to successfully complete a four-year degree at UAF.
Cross-listed with FISH F102; MBI F102.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1.5 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F103 The Harvest of the Sea
2 Credits
Offered Spring
This course will explore the scientific and popular literature related to the exploitation of global marine resources. Specific topics of the course will be based on three core themes: (1) early exploitation of marine resources; (2) overexploitation of marine stocks; and (3) the status and sustainability of marine resources.
Prerequisites: FISH F102; FISH F110; placement in WRTG F111X.
Cross-listed with FISH F103; MBI F103.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 2 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F111L The Oceans Laboratory
0 Credit
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Provides laboratory experience emphasizing insights from biology, physics, chemistry and geology. Topics include the evolution of the ocean basins, seawater composition, generation of ocean currents and waves, and the combined processes that sustain life in the ocean. Societal topics related to climate change.
Co-requisites: MBI F111X or OCN F111X.
Cross-listed with MBI F111L.
Attributes: UAF GER Natural Science Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Non-Graded
OCN F111X The Oceans (n)
4 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Broad study of our ocean through combining insights from biology, physics, chemistry and geology. Topics include evolution of the ocean basins, seawater composition, generation of ocean currents and waves, and the combined processes that sustain life in the ocean. Societal topics related to climate change, fisheries and pollution are discussed.
Prerequisites: Placement in WRTG F111X; placement in MATH F105.
Co-requisites: MBI F111L or OCN F111L.
Cross-listed with MBI F111X.
Attributes: UAF GER Natural Science Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F211 Introduction to Marine Science I
3 Credits
Offered Fall
This course introduces students to the geology, chemistry and physics of the ocean and the roles of the hydrosphere, cryosphere and atmosphere in the climate system.
Prerequisites: MATH F151X (may be taken concurrently).
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F303 Data Analysis and Writing for Aquatic Sciences
3 Credits
Offered Fall
In this course, students will develop skills in basic data analysis, scientific writing and interpretation of published research. This course will utilize public data sets and peer-reviewed scientific writing samples drawn from the fields of fisheries, marine sciences and limnology that address an important question in aquatic science.
Prerequisites: STAT F200X, OCN F211, MBI F212.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F315 Marine Geological Drama and Undersea Catastrophes
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Case studies of geological events that disrupt the ocean environment as an introduction to geological oceanography. Geological concepts are covered as part of the background and context for each one. The case studies include everyday geological drama, sudden catastrophes, and slow-motion catastrophes on a geologic time scale.
Prerequisites: OCN F111X or OCN F211.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F419 Concepts in Physical Oceanography
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
This course establishes the physical concepts that drive ocean motion on our rotating earth including the roles of the Coriolis force, ocean stratification, wind driven and thermohaline circulation, tides and why the major ocean gyres exist.
Prerequisites: MATH F251X or PHYS F211X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F425 Subarctic Oceanography Field Course
3 Credits
Offered Fall
This two-week intensive course provides students with skills and techniques for modern oceanographic investigation. Students develop, carry out and present their own field program conducted within fjords surrounding Seward, Alaska. An additional course fee covers ship time, lodging and meals in Seward. Fairbanks-to-Seward return travel costs are covered by students.
Prerequisites: OCN F211; MBI F212.
Stacked with OCN F625.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 11 + 20 + 17
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F443 Fisheries Oceanography
4 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
Oceanography of marine processes affecting vertebrates and invertebrates. Interactions between fisheries resources and physical and biological oceanography, and climatological and meteorological conditions that support sustainable management. Topics include recruitment, transport, mortality, feeding, distribution, abundance, El Nino/La Nina, regime shifts, and climate change. Global to local scales. Worldwide ecosystems and examples.
Prerequisites: FISH F110 or FISH F288; STAT F200X, OCN F111X, or CHEM F105X; PHYS F123X.
Cross-listed with FISH F443.
Stacked with OCN F643, FISH F643.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 4 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F450 Biological Oceanography
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Survey of biological processes emphasizing organic matter synthesis and transfer including topics essential to a basic understanding of contemporary biological oceanography.
Prerequisites: MBI F212 for undergraduate students; upper division standing in a science major.
Stacked with OCN F650.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F453 Zooplankton Ecology
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Survey of marine zooplankton and processes that influence their production and dynamics. Emphasis is placed upon zooplankton communities of northeast Pacific and Arctic oceans. Field and lab methodology reviewed include fixing, preserving, subsampling, identifying and quantifying zooplankton collections. Reviewed laboratory techniques cover culture of zooplankton, including physiological measurements of parameters.
Prerequisites: MBI F212; OCN F211; OCN F450.
Stacked with OCN F653.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F455 Phytoplankton and Marine Microbes
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
An in-depth exploration of microbial life in the marine environment focusing on phytoplankton, microzooplankton, bacteria and archaea. Students will learn the importance of marine microbes, including their impacts on fisheries and biogeochemical cycles. Topics include harmful algal blooms and the impacts of climate change on marine microbial communities.
Prerequisites: MBI F212.
Stacked with OCN F655.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F459 Computer Programming for Scientific Applications
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
Introduction to scientific programming techniques and applications. This MATLAB-based course will cover programming fundamentals, input/output operations, and mapping and other data visualization techniques. Students will work with NetCDF and OpenDAP protocols and remote large-volume data repositories. No prior programming experience required.
Prerequisites: Senior or graduate level standing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F460 Chemical Oceanography
3 Credits
Offered Spring
An integrated study of the chemical, biological, geological and physical processes that control the chemical composition of seawater. Boundary interactions with the atmosphere and lithosphere, biogeochemical cycles and tracers of these complex cycles are examined. The marine chemistry of inorganic carbon is considered in detail.
Prerequisites: BIOL F116X; CHEM F106X; upper-division standing.
Stacked with CHEM F660; OCN F660.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F463 Chemical Coastal Processes
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
A study of chemical processes in the coastal ocean, including interactions at boundaries, and physical and biological controls on the chemistry of coastal environments. Key topics include riverine input, coastal acidification, photochemistry, coastal productivity and challenges in coastal management. Intended for students with general chemistry and marine science backgrounds.
Prerequisites: CHEM F105X; CHEM F106X; OCN F111X or (OCN F211; MBI F212); upper-division standing.
Stacked with OCN F663.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F481 The Ocean and Global Change
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Explores how human activities are affecting Earth's oceans. Topics include climate change, sea-level rise, coastal erosion, declining sea ice, shifting ecosystems, ocean acidification, pollution and various mitigation proposals. The course will investigate the causes and effects of these changes and consider the challenges and opportunities that arise from them.
Prerequisites: Upper-division standing.
Stacked with OCN F681.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F492 Seminar
1-6 Credits
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
OCN F498 Research
1-6 Credits
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-6 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
OCN F499 Senior Thesis
3 Credits
Under Oceanography faculty mentorship, students will undertake a self-designed senior thesis capstone project based on field/lab data collected during a field course or work with their mentor. They must present results at a UAF event or scientific conference and are encouraged to publish in a peer-reviewed journal.
Prerequisites: Permission of a fisheries and ocean sciences faculty mentor.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 9
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 2 times for up to 6 credits
OCN F620 Physical Oceanography
4 Credits
Offered Fall
Physical description of the sea, physical properties of seawater, methods and measurements, boundary processes, currents, tides and waves, and regional oceanography.
Prerequisites: MATH F253X; PHYS F123X or PHYS F211X; science or engineering degree.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F625 Subarctic Oceanography Field Course
3 Credits
Offered Fall
This two-week intensive course provides students with skills and techniques for modern oceanographic investigation. Students develop, carry out and present their own field program conducted within fjords surrounding Seward, Alaska. An additional course fee covers ship time, lodging and meals in Seward. Fairbanks-to-Seward return travel costs are covered by students.
Stacked with OCN F425.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 11 + 20 + 17
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F627 Statistical Computing with R
2 Credits
Offered Fall
Using the free, open-source software R to teach computing, programming, and modeling concepts for the statistical computing of fisheries and biological data. Prepares students for other graduate-level, quantitative fisheries courses and covers exploratory statistical and graphical analyses, as well as computer-intensive methods such as bootstrapping and randomization tests.
Prerequisites: STAT F200X; STAT F401; proficiency with Excel.
Cross-listed with FISH F627; MBI F627.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1 + 3 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F630 Geological Oceanography
3 Credits
Offered Spring
Topography and structure of the ocean floor. Theory of plate tectonics. Geology of ocean basins, continental slope, shelf and coastal environments. Major sediment types and distributions. Sediment transport and deposition. Interaction between seawater, rock, and sediment. Paleoceanography. Upper-division standing are invited to contact the instructor.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F631 Data Analysis in Community Ecology
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
This course will provide an overview of statistical methods that have been specifically developed to aid our understanding and interpretation of the structure, abundance, and distribution of species and communities in relation to resources and the environment.
Prerequisites: STAT F200X; STAT F401; FISH F627 (Statistical Computing with R) or familiarity with R, general ecology, graduate standing in fisheries.
Cross-listed with FISH F631; MBI F631.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F643 Fisheries Oceanography
4 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
Oceanography of marine processes affecting vertebrates and invertebrates. Interactions between fisheries resources and physical and biological oceanography, and climatological and meteorological conditions that support sustainable management. Topics include recruitment, transport, mortality, feeding, distribution, abundance, El Nino/La Nina, regime shifts, and climate change. Global to local scales. Worldwide ecosystems and examples.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Cross-listed with FISH F643.
Stacked with OCN F443, FISH F443.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 4 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F650 Biological Oceanography
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Survey of biological processes emphasizing organic matter synthesis and transfer including topics essential to a basic understanding of contemporary biological oceanography.
Prerequisites: Upper-division standing in a science major.
Stacked with MBI F450.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F653 Zooplankton Ecology
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
Survey of marine zooplankton and processes that influence their production and dynamics. Emphasis is placed upon zooplankton communities of northeast Pacific and Arctic oceans. Field and lab methodology reviewed include fixing, preserving, subsampling, identifying and quantifying zooplankton collections. Reviewed laboratory techniques cover culture of zooplankton, including physiological measurements of parameters.
Stacked with OCN F453.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F655 Phytoplankton and Marine Microbes
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
An in-depth exploration of microbial life in the marine environment focusing on phytoplankton, microzooplankton, bacteria and archaea. Students will learn the importance of marine microbes, including their impacts on fisheries and biogeochemical cycles. Topics include harmful algal blooms and the impacts of climate change on marine microbial communities.
Stacked with OCN F455.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F660 Chemical Oceanography
3 Credits
Offered Spring
An integrated study of the chemical, biological, geological and physical processes that control the chemical composition of seawater. Boundary interactions with the atmosphere and lithosphere, biogeochemical cycles and tracers of these complex cycles are examined. The marine chemistry of inorganic carbon is considered in detail.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Cross-listed with CHEM F660.
Stacked with OCN F460.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F663 Chemical Coastal Processes
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
A study of chemical processes in the coastal ocean, including interactions at boundaries, and physical and biological controls on the chemistry of coastal environments. Key topics include riverine input, coastal acidification, photochemistry, coastal productivity and challenges in coastal management. Intended for students with general chemistry and marine science backgrounds.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Stacked with OCN F463.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F677 Scientific Writing Techniques
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Students learn to write scientifically with skill and clarity by practicing using easy-to-follow writing techniques to write and rewrite a draft manuscript. Topics include writing approaches, storytelling, outlines, style, grammar, punctuation, and editorial review. Most beneficial for graduate students writing theses, but provides excellent writing experience for new students.
Prerequisites: Graduate Standing.
Cross-listed with FISH F677.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
OCN F681 The Ocean and Global Change
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Explores how human activities are affecting Earth's oceans. Topics include climate change, sea-level rise, coastal erosion, declining sea ice, shifting ecosystems, ocean acidification, pollution and various mitigation proposals. The course will investigate the causes and effects of these changes and consider the challenges and opportunities that arise from them.
Stacked with OCN F481.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
OCN F692 Seminar
1-6 Credits
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-6 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
OCN F692P Seminar
1-6 Credits
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-6 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
OCN F698 Non-thesis Research/Project
1-9 Credits
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
OCN F699 Thesis
1-12 Credits
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
Ana Aguilar-Islas
Associate Professor
OceanographyFairbanks
amaguilarislas@alaska.edu
Shannon Atkinson
Professor
FisheriesJuneau
shannon.atkinson@alaska.edu
Courtney Carothers
Professor
FisheriesAnchorage
clcarothers@alaska.edu
Keith Criddle
Ted Stevens Distinguished Professor of Marine Policy
FisheriesJuneau
kcriddle@alaska.edu
Curry Cunningham
Assistant Professor
FisheriesJuneau
cjcunningham@alaska.edu
Seth Danielson
Associate Professor
OceanographyFairbanks
sldanielson@alaska.edu
Ginny Eckert
Director of Alaska Sea Grant
Professor
FisheriesJuneau
gleckert@alaska.edu
Jeffrey Falke
Associate Professor
FisheriesFairbanks
jfalke4@alaska.edu
Quentin Fong
Professor
FisheriesKodiak
qsfong@alaska.edu
Jessica Glass
Assistant Professor
FisheriesFairbanks
jessica.glass@alaska.edu
Kristen Gorman
Assistant Professor
Marine BiologyFairbanks
kbgorman@alaska.edu
Gwenn Hennon
Assistant Professor
OceanographyFairbanks
gmhennon@alaska.edu
Russell Hopcroft
Chair, Department of Oceanography
Professor
OceanographyFairbanks
rrhopcroft@alaska.edu
Lara Horstmann
Chair, Department of Marine Biology
Associate Professor
Marine BiologyFairbanks
lara.horstmann@alaska.edu
Katrin Iken
Professor
Marine BiologyFairbanks
kbiken@alaska.edu
Mark Johnson
Professor
OceanographyFairbanks
majohnson@alaska.edu
Amanda Kelley
Assistant Professor
Marine BiologyFairbanks
alkelley@alaska.edu
Brenda Konar
Alaska EPSCoR Fire and Ice Project Director
Professor
Marine BiologyFairbanks
bhkonar@alaska.edu
J. Andrés López
Associate Professor
FisheriesFairbanks
jalopez2@alaska.edu
Megan McPhee
Associate Professor
FisheriesJuneau
mvmcphee@alaska.edu
Sarah Mincks
Associate Professor
Marine BiologyFairbanks
slmincks@alaska.edu
S. Bradley Moran
Dean
OceanographyFairbanks
sbmoran@alaska.edu
Jeffrey Muehlbauer
Assistant Unit Leader, Fisheries
Assistant Professor, FisheriesFairbanks
jdmuehlbauer@alaska.edu
Franz Mueter
President’s Professor of Quantitative Fisheries and Ecosystems
FisheriesJuneau
fmueter@alaska.edu
Jennifer Reynolds
Associate Dean for Research
Director, Institute of Marine Science
Director, Coastal Marine Institute
Associate Professor
OceanographyFairbanks
jrreynolds@alaska.edu
Andrew "Andy" Seitz
Chair, Department of Fisheries
Frank and Marjorie Meek Chair in Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Professor
FisheriesFairbanks
acseitz@alaska.edu
Trent Sutton
Associate Dean of Academic Programs
Professor
FisheriesFairbanks
tmsutton@alaska.edu
Schery Umanzor
Assistant Professor
Marine BiologyJuneau
sumanzor@alaska.edu
Peter Westley
Lowell A. Wakefield Chair in Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Associate Professor
FisheriesFairbanks
pwestley@alaska.edu
Matthew Wooller
Professor
Marine BiologyFairbanks
mjwooller@alaska.edu
