MarS 394C Marine Pollution & Environmental Impacts

This course provides a comprehensive overview of marine pollution and its chemical and biological effects on marine ecosystems. Students will explore the major classes of environmental pollutants (classical and emerging), including their sources, environmental fate, bioavailability, and toxicological mechanisms. Emphasis is placed on understanding how contaminants interact with marine organisms and ecosystems, and how environmental factors influence their impact. Through a combination of lectures, laboratory activities, and data analysis, students will develop practical skills in ecotoxicological assessment, including the use of biomarkers, bioindicators, and environmental risk evaluation tools. Case studies and regulatory frameworks will be critically examined to contextualize pollution scenarios and explore mitigation and remediation strategies. Student progress will be continuously assessed through applied assignments, lab-based exercises, and a final examination. The course is designed to foster critical thinking and interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and managing marine pollution.

Credits

3