BL 116 - The Chesapeake Bay Environment

(3.00 cr.)

A comprehensive study of the Chesapeake Bay that introduces students to the wealth of resources and the fragility of the United States' largest estuarine system, which happens to be here in our own backyard. The course examines physical, chemical, and biological processes affecting coastal and estuarine ecosystems, focusing primarily on the Chesapeake Bay. Historical and present day human influences and impacts, as well as important management techniques in the Chesapeake Bay Region are examined. Topics include estuary types; diversity of animal, plant, and microbial communities in the Bay; energy and material flows (including such things as erosion); policy and economic decisions; and ecosystem management in the Chesapeake Bay region. A variety of learning techniques are used including readings, group discussion, laboratory activities, case studies, student presentations, and field trips. Fulfills the natural science core requirement for nonscience majors.