Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to identify dominant invertebrates and vertebrates of the intertidal regions in a field situation by observing differences in distribution at different elevations above sea level.
• Students will be able to differentiate between the major phyla of marine organisms based on anatomical differences discovered in laboratory dissections.
• Students will be able to compare and contrast the biological and physical aspects of the marine environment, and explain adaptations of marine organisms to each aspect.
• Students will be able to relate anatomical structure to life style of various marine organisms, and analyze the significance of the structure and functions of organ systems to the mode of life in the marine environment.
• Students will be able to analyze external and internal anatomy of marine organisms and describe differences in structure between various classes of marine organisms within a particular phylum.
• Students will be able to summarize ecological principles associated with marine ecosystems.
• Students will demonstrate an ability to recognize chordgrass, pickleweed, and salt grass and describe the elevational distribution of these plants in a salt marsh.
• Students will be able to identify 5 different organisms found in the intertidal zone of southern California.
• Students completing relevant assignments in Area B courses will evaluate the impact of science on their daily lives