Marine Biology

Have you ever seen the ocean? In His will, God made 70% of our planet's surface to be covered by water. The ocean is a seemingly infinite horizon of water, that once was thought to end at an abyss to the void, whose depth was beyond human understanding until a few years ago, whose storms frightened the bravest sailors who traversed its waters looking for lands and richness. From the ages of the great navigation to the submarines and satellites, mankind has discovered a lot about the oceans, and as much as we understand, we are convinced that our lives are directly influenced by it. The climate is influenced by the interaction between ocean and atmosphere, the industrial fisheries feed the worlds tables, wars are decided at sea battles. The study of the oceans has never been so important as it is today.

Many aspects can be considered while studying the ocean. During the course of the year we will obtain a general comprehension of the ocean’s physics, chemistry, and geology in order to prepare our students to study life at it. Starting from the elements that allow life on the ocean, our Marine Biology course will give the students the opportunity to know the diversity of life in the ocean, from the sunny sandy beaches to the deep water creatures that will never see light, understanding the challenges of the many different saltwater habitats and the different tools God provided His creatures with to overcome them.

The students will also be encouraged and guided to discuss and understand the ecological and ethical questions about ocean resource exploration. As wardens and dominators of creation, humans have the obligation to watch over the health of our oceans, but also the power to rapaciously explore its resources with no care to preservation and sustainability. A biblical view of Marine Biology will lead us to respectfully explore it to the glory of God, in the fear of His name, because “The sea is His, for it was He who made it, and His hands formed the dry land.” (Psalm 95:5).

Course Objectives:

1. Comprehend the physical, chemical, and geological features of the ocean
2. Understand how light influences the distribution of marine life
3. Know the main representatives of the Monera, Protist, Fungi and Plantae kingdoms
4. Explore the diversity of life of invertebrates and vertebrates living at the oceans
5. Apply the ecological concepts to the oceans dynamics
6. Explore the different marine ecosystems
7. Discuss the utilization and preservation of marine resources

Texts:

• Exploring Creation with Marine Biology (Apologia)