Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre

Biological Oceanography (3 weeks; May 3 - 21)
Instructor: Dr. Ed Buskey (U of Texas). Enrollment for this coures is FULL

Introduction to the organisms of the open sea and coastal zone, their adaptations to the environment, and the factors that control their productivity, distribution and abundance. Emphasis will be placed on the interdisciplinary nature of biological oceanography by exploring the effects of physical and chemical oceanographic processes on the productivity of the sea over time and space, and the affects of human activities on pelagic marine life. The course incorporates lectures with class discussions and will emphasize laboratory and field work with organisms found in the coastal waters of British Columbia. Independent projects will provide further opportunity for students to explore aspects of the biological oceanography of Barkley Sound.

Research skills: Collection of marine life from research vessels using nets, dredges and trawls; use of electronic sensors to monitor and record basic hydrographic parameters (temperature, salinity, oxygen, chlorophyll); laboratory methods for measuring nutrient, oxygen, chlorophyll and fecal coliform concentrations in local waters; identification of microscopic planktonic organisms, methods for measuring productivity, grazing and reproduction in planktonic organisms, and how to carry out an independent research project

Biomechanics (3 weeks; May 3 - 21)
Instructor: Dr. Tim Higham (Clemson U)

How do fishes swim and capture prey?  How to hummingbirds hover?  How to frogs jump?  How do salamanders run?  How do snakes slither?  This upper-undergraduate/graduate course will address how organisms function mechanically in their environment.  A combined lecture, laboratory and field course focusing on the comparative biomechanics of vertebrates occupying the coast of Vancouver Island.  Lectures will develop dominant themes with emphasis on movement in fluids (both air and water) and movement on land. 

Field trips will involve observation and collection of fishes, amphibians, snakes, and hopefully birds. Laboratory techniques will include digital particle image velocimetry (for fluid flow visualization), one of Canada’s largest flumes, electromyography (for assessing muscle activity patterns), high-speed digital video (for assessing locomotor and feeding kinematics), and a force plate (for assessing ground reaction forces).  On completion, students will have an extensive understanding of the concepts and techniques commonly utilized in research related to biomechanics. 

This course will examine modern theory and practise in conservation ecology applied to terrestrial and freshwater habitats.  The emphasis will be on fieldwork, supplemented by lectures including global biodiversity, ecosystem services, links between conservation and livelihoods, legislation protecting habitats and species, and local and global solutions. Daily field visits will be made to a variety of local terrestrial and freshwater habitats that experience a range of impacts. Independent research projects will include biodiversity surveys, environmental impact assessments, and restoration techniques. 

Ecology of Marine Symbiosis (3 weeks; May 24 - June 11)
Instructor: Dr. Amanda Bates (U of Otago)

Course Description: Symbiotic associations between invertebrates and microbes are remarkably diverse in habitats from coral reefs to hydrothermal vents. New symbiont-hosting invertebrates continue to be discovered and are distinguished by novel morphological features. For instance, a recent example is a “bone-eating” worm that hosts dense bacterial populations in root-like structures specialized to grow on sunken whale bones.

In this course, we will cover a broad range of symbiotic associations between invertebrates and microbes from a variety of ecosystems. Lectures, discussions and labs will emphasize co-adaptations between symbiotic partners in an evolutionary context. Lab work will focus on studies of live animals, such as anemones that host algal symbionts and wood-boring clams. Field trips will introduce the array of symbiotic invertebrates found in local ocean and lake environments, including using BMSCs ROV to view subtidal sponges.

Research skills: This course provides practical, hands-on experience in experimental design and statistical analyses. The course is project intensive and students must be prepared to spend time in the field in a variety of weather conditions. Students will gain experience entering and organizing data, running and interpreting statistical tests, and presenting final results in oral and scientific report format.

Suggested Prerequisites: Evolution, Introductory statistics, Invertebrate biology, Microbiology, or permission from the Instructor.

Required Text: No required textbook

Limnology (3 weeks; May 24 - June 11)
Instructor: Dr. Kerri Finlay (U of Regina)

This course will examine the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of lakes and how they affect in-lake processes and water quality.  In particular, we fill focus on energy flow, nutrient cycling and limitation, and food web dynamics in lakes, with comparisons to marine systems, where appropriate.  Finally, we will examine how human activities alter natural processes in aquatic systems.

Research skills: Development of testable hypotheses regarding lake water quality, design of appropriate sampling regimes and experiments, and appropriate statistical analyses to support results and conclusions.

Prerequisites:  Introductory Biology, Chemistry, and Ecology. Preference will be given to students wishing to take both Biological Oceanography and Limnology.

Required Text: To be determined

Scientific Diving (3 weeks; May 24 - June 11)
Followed by Diving Project (3 weeks; June 14 - July 2)
Instructors: Dr. Isobelle Cote (SFU), Tom Bird, and Siobhan Gray (BMSC)

The course will introduce and familiarize certified divers with the practices of scientific diving. Students will learn essential skills and methods used in underwater research, including surveys using transects and quadrats, underwater size assessment, tagging and species identification. Upon successful completion, students will obtain CAUS- Scientific Diver 1 Status.

Required Materials: 1 REEF starter kit (for the Pacific Northwest with cold water slate ($33.00) and 4 waterproof survey forms for the pacific northwest ($0.75 each). Click here to order.

Note: Preference will be given to students wishing to take both Scientific Diving and Diving Project […MORE] […2009 Course Profile]

Marine Ecology (6 weeks; June 14 - July 23)
Instructors: Dr. Mike Berger (Washington State U)
Dr. Sarah Dudas (Oregon State University)

The aim of this course will be to provide a broad overview of marine ecosystems, such as the rocky intertidal, estuaries, coral reefs, deep-sea, and polarhabitats.  Within each ecosystem we will explore the processes and mechanisms that regulate the abundance and distribution of marine organisms.  A strong emphasis will be placed on observing organisms and conducting experiments in many of the diverse marine habitats near BMSC.  By the end of the course, we hope you will have an in-depth understanding of marine ecosystems and how organisms within those ecosystems interact with each other and their physical environment.

Research skills: A focus on natural history and identification of local organisms will be encouraged.  We will place a strong emphasis on field based experiments. 

Students will learn experimental design, how to measure elevation in the intertidal zone, quantitatively sample organismal abundance, estimate population size, calculate a relative measure of biodiversity, and measure physical properties of water.  Data analysis using basic statistics will be taught as an integral part of this course.

Prerequisites: Two semesters (or equivalent) of introductory level biology for majors or permission from the instructor.
Required Textbook: (1) Marine Ecology (2) Rite in the Rain notebook. Textbooks may be shipped directly to BMSC.

Biodiversity of Seaweeds (3 weeks; June 14 - July 2)
Instructor: Dr. Colin Bates (UBC) …2009 course profile

Diving Project (3 weeks; June 14 - July 2) Cancelled
Instructors: Dr. Amanda Bates (U of Otago), Tom Bird

BC’s subtidal ecosystems present many unique opportunities for research. However, the constraints associated with working underwater make designing and conducting research there uniquely challenging. In particular, subtidal research must be carefully planned to account for diver safety, time limitations and task-loading. This course is intended as an opportunity for students to confront these issues in the context of a three-week field-based study. In keeping with the philosophy that ‘many flippers makes lighter work’ students will be expected to work cooperatively on their research, both in small groups and as a part of a larger research team, to manage their research goals within the constraints of safe diving practices, available time and resources.

Research Skills
While much of the course will be self-directed, instructors will provide structure in the form of lectures, assignments, readings and on-on-one discussions.  Lectures will focus on providing students with tools to effectively research their topic, design their experiment, manage their field work and analyze their data. The creative and organizational skills learned in this class will help get students acquainted with the messy, uncomfortable and puzzling parts of doing marine science and give them a greater awareness of how to approach future research projects logically, safely and successfully.

Prerequisites:

1. Upper-level undergraduate or graduate student with an interest in subtidal ecology and pursuing a directed research project.
2. CAUS or AAUS qualified diver (unless you also apply for the Scientific Diving course). If you do not have a current CAUS or AAUS qualification, please contact BMSC's Dive and Safety Officer for information on how to get qualified.
3. Read the BMSC diver requirements and submit evidence of requirements along with your application. These include: a first aid certificate, BMSC diving medical, Rescue diver certification, diver clearance form, diving waiver, annual equipment service receipts, and dive logbook showing no fewer than 12 dives in the last year. Certifications must be valid to the end of the course period (July 3, 2010).
4. All divers new to BMSC must pass the BMSC dive skills and rescue checkouts prior to commencing diving in the course.
5. Students will only be allowed to dive if they have all items on the dive equipment checklist. Dive equipment is not provided as a part of the course, though tanks are available.

Science Journalism (3 weeks; July 5 - 23)
Instructor: Dr. Bob Holmes (New Scientist)

Description: This course will focus on the practice of science journalism. Topics will include identifying newsworthy stories, finding sources, techniques of effective interviewing, story structure, and writing in the style and at the level required by journalistic outlets (newspapers, magazines, and online). Students will also learn how to write an effective press release. The reporting skills and understanding of story structure taught in this class will also serve as a foundation for students wishing to take the science film-making course.

Crustacean Biology (3 weeks; July 5 - 23)
Instructor: Dr. Greg Jensen (U of Washington)

Marine Invertebrate Zoology (6 weeks; July 26 - September 3)
Instructors: Dr. Jim Morin (Cornell U), Dr. Marjorie Wonham
… 2009 photo gallery

Course Description: Marine invertebrates represent almost every phylum on earth, and the Bamfield region contains a fantastic diversity of them. In this course, students investigate the zoology – the functional morphology, behaviour, ecology, and phylogenetic relationships – of living marine invertebrates. We take field trips to explore a variety of habitats and collect organisms (from exposed rocky shores, mudflats, eelgrass beds, and beaches). Field work is complemented by lab work, lectures, primary literature readings, and discussion.
Prerequisites: Introductory Invertebrate Zoology recommended

Temperate Rainforest Ecology
(6 weeks; July 27 - September 4)
Instructors: Dr. Barb Beasley, Andy Mackinnon (B.C. Ministry of Forests), Dr. Karen Price

Course Description: This course introduces coastal temperate rainforest ecosystems, their dynamics and diversity. The first two weeks will include daily lectures, readings, labs and field exercises (including a camping trip). We will bushwhack, dig soil pits, wade in creeks, measure trees, visit the canopy, taste wild berries, listen to birds, etc.

• framing a study question
• study design
• sampling techniques
• data analysis
• effective scientific writing
• critical thinking

• assessment of forest structure (e.g. downed wood, canopy structure, tree size and age), disturbance history, and successional processes
• characterisation of forest ecosystems (based on assessing soils, topography and plant communities)
• identification of forest organisms: plants, lichens, fungi, soil invertebrates, freshwater invertebrates, amphibians, birds, mammals
• observation of trophic relationships (and biotic – abiotic interrelationships)
• characterisation of wildlife habitats
• use of forest cover maps, gps, compass, clinometer, diameter tape, transect tape, quadrat, hand lens, binoculars
• sampling techniques to assess the distribution and abundance of plants, soil invertebrates, epiphytic lichens, fungi, amphibians, birds and mammals

Recommended Textbooks: click on book to order from Amazon.com

Scientific Filmmaking (3 weeks; July 26 - August 13)
Dr. Colin Bates (UBC), Jeff Morales (National Geographic)
Enrollment for this coures is FULL
…2009 course profile

An introdcution to the use of video as a means to communicate scientific and natural history information. Topics will include story selection, planning, scripting, camera technique, voiceovers, technical aspects of video and audio production, video and audio editing, project output, and distribution. Opportunities will exist for shooting in the field and studio, and certified divers may have opportunities to try underwater videography.
Prerequisites: Third year standing in biology, or permission of instructors.

Models in Evolution (3 weeks; August 16 - Sept 3)
Instructor: Dr. Geoff Wild (U of Western Ontario)

Models help evolutionary biologists understand concepts and processes that are fundamental to their science. For example models help answer questions like “What is fitness?” or “What kind of adaptation can be promoted by selection?” Models can also help set research priorities by guiding experimental design. In particular, models can answer questions like “Will X really affect Y?” in advance of costly and time-consuming experiments. Whether you are “theoretically inclined” or “experimentally inclined”, then, you have something to gain from adopting a modeller’s perspective. This course will focus on modelling techniques used in evolutionary ecology.

As a student, you will be introduced to the mathematics applied in evolutionary game theory, population genetics, and combinations thereof (i.e. kin selection or inclusive fitness modelling). You will learn how to formulate and analyse mathematical models of evolution at a level that will allow you to understand (and hopefully contribute to) the current literature. Concepts will be reinforced with small assignments (set by instructor) and one larger research project (topic to be decided upon by the student).

Research Skills: Students will learn how to formulate and analyse mathematical models of evolution at a level that will allow them to understand and (hopefully contribute to) the current literature.

Tentative list of topics:
    *Modelling population change with recursions and differential equations
    *Eigenvalues and eigenvectors
    *Equilibria and stability
    *Invasion analysis and invasion fitness
    *ESS Theory
    *Random variables
    *Expectation, variance, covariance
    *Conditioning
    *Markov chains, limiting distributions
    *Random number generation
    *Law of large numbers
    *Monte Carlo Simulation
    *The Price Equation
    *Kin selection and the direct fitness approach
    *Kin selection and class structured populations

Pre-requisites: one full-year university-level course in calculus, or one half-year university-level course in calculus with one half-year university-level course in linear algebra.

Recommendations to students: Students should bring their own laptop if possible, with a student version of Matlab (www.mathworks.com) installed. Although it is not necessary, it may be a help to also purchase the "Statistics Toolbox" for Matlab along with a student version of Maple (www.maplesoft.com). There is a freeware version of Matlab called "Octave" that can be downloaded from the net ... but the instructor knows only Matlab.

Note: there are six new(ish) MacBook laptops that can be loaned to students if needed (contact ). These laptops do not have MatLab. The 10 PC computers in our computer lab have Matlab 3.11, Systat12, R, and SPSS.

Directed Studies in Marine Science (3 or 6 weeks; dates student's choice)

Undergraduate and Graduate Directed Studies may be undertaken at any time during the summer term. Study will involve a research project approved by a supervisor in the student's field of interest. Projects will be designed to take advantage of laboratory and/or field opportunities. Applications should be accompanied by a project outline and a letter from a faculty member willing to supervise. Normal room and board, tuition, and supplemental fees will apply.
Contact the for more information about doing a directed study at BMSC.