MSCI 315 - Shark Biology

2 credit hours
This course will provide an introduction to the biology of sharks and rays, with special emphasis on regional shark fauna and field techniques. Topics to be covered include chondrichthyan origin, systematics, sensory biology, locomotion, food consumption, osmoregulation, reproductive biology, life history, ecology, fisheries, and conservation. Lectures will be supplemented with discussions of papers from the primary literature to familiarize students with current research; in addition, longline and gillnet sampling will provide students with first-hand knowledge of field techniques and local shark identification. Prerequisite(s): One course in general/organismal biology (or equivalent).