Hopkins Spring Courses 2023

Taught in-person at Hopkins; students encouraged to be in residence for full quarter. 

Priority Deadline: Feb 15  APPLY 

Individual course registration is also permitted; no application necessary.

All courses offered in-person only except Marine Conservation Biology (hybrid option).

Mondays, 8-3

Environmental Change and Marine Diodiversity (OCEANS 125/225, BIOHOPK 125H, BIO 125)

3 units: In this course we will study marine biodiversity and the impacts of environmental change on ocean life and marine ecosystems. Students will first study fundamental aspects of physiology, ecology, and evolution in marine animals and plants. Then, students will apply these principles to understand the consequences of environmental change on the functioning of organisms and ecosystems. Through tidepooling, snorkeling, and boating in the living laboratory of the Monterey coast, students will be immersed in the richness and complexity of marine food webs. By contributing to and analyzing historical time series, students will develop an integrative view of the past and future of ocean ecosystems, forming an evidence-based understanding of the consequences of recent anthropogenic influences on ocean biodiversity and associated ecosystem services.

Tuesdays, 10-3

Catalyzing Solutions for a Sustainable Ocean: Learning with Local Communities (OCEANS 123/223, BIOHOPK 123H, BIO 123)

3 units: The ocean is impacted by overfishing, plastic pollution, climate change and acidification, which are leading to the disruption of marine ecosystem functions and services critical for human wellbeing. Ocean mining, offshore wind farming, increasing shipping, land sea interactions and carbon sequestration are all posing a whole new set of unprecedented challenges and, at the same time, opportunities to solve the pressing problem humanity has to face. By leveraging the unique location of Hopkins Marine Station as a living laboratory in Monterey Bay, this course will provide a unique opportunity for students to learn through real world examples about the multifaceted nature of problems at the very core of ocean sustainability.  

Wednesdays, 8-3

Introduction to Research in Ecology and Ecological Physiology (OCEANS 47, BIOHOPK 47H) 

4 units: This course is a field-based inquiry into rocky intertidal shores that introduces students to ecology and environmental physiology and the research methods used to study them. Students will learn how to detect patterns quantitatively in nature through appropriate sampling methods. Following exploration of appropriate background material in class and through exploration of the scientific literature, students will formulate testable hypotheses regarding the underlying causes of the patterns they discern. A variety of different aspects of ecology and physiology will be investigated cooperatively by the students during the quarter, culminating in development of an individual final paper in the form of a research proposal based on data collected during the course. The course will provide a broad conceptual introduction to the underlying biological principles that influence adaptation to dynamic habitats, as well as an inquiry-based experience in how to explore complex systems in nature. This course fulfills the same laboratory requirement as BIO 47. Satisfies WIM in Biology.

Thursdays, 10-4 

Taking the Pulse of the Ocean: Innovative Technologies for the Blue Planet (OCEANS 170/270, BIOHOPK 170H)

3 units: This will be an interdisciplinary course focused on the intersection of ocean science, marine biology, engineering and computer science. Students will develop an in-depth understanding of the quantitative and field challenges involved in collecting ocean data and designing ocean instruments. Participants will have the opportunity to work with existing ocean technologies such as autonomous underwater and surface vehicles, biologging devices, drones, echosounders, environmental DNA samplers, ocean buoys, ocean drifters, and remotely operated vehicles that will be housed in the "Ocean Garage." They will deploy these instruments to study the interplay between physical, chemical and biological oceanography. 

Fridays, 9-3

Marine Conservation Biology (OCEANS 173/273, BIOHOPK 173H/273H)

1-3 units: *Class can be taken in-person or via Zoom* Introduction to the key concepts of ecology and policy relevant to marine conservation issues at the population to ecosystems level. Focus on the origin and maintenance of biodiversity and conservation applications from both the biology and policy perspectives (for example, endangered species, captive breeding, reserve design, habitat fragmentation, ecosystem restoration/rehabilitation).  Also includes emerging approaches such as ecosystem based management, ocean planning, and coupled social-ecological systems.  The course will include lectures, readings and discussions of primary literature, and attendance at seminars with visiting scholars.  Prerequisite: introductory biology; suggested: a policy and/or introductory ecology course. (Graduate students register for 273/273H.)