Coastal Marine Ethology

What is the broad research goal of the team?

The main goals of this program are to give undergraduate students experience in designing their field-based research projects within the scope of marine animal behavior. Throughout the course, they will come up with a research question(s), design methodology to be implemented in the field and/or lab, collect data, and create a presentation of their project (a poster or a talk).

This program is designed to give real-world experience using the scientific process and allow students the freedom to do a project that suits their interests. Projects range from studies on behavior (foraging, territoriality, courtship, etc.), anthropogenic impacts (microplastics, ocean warming and acidification, noise pollution, beach renourishment, etc.), and physiology (morphology, growth rates, metabolism, etc.). A focus on common local marsh and beach animals is strongly suggested but is not required.

What skills and experience will team members gain? 

• Experimental design
• Field skills related to animal behavior (e.g., observation skills, data recording, identification, specimen collecting and handling, animal husbandry)
• Data management and basic data analysis skills
• Practice making a scientific presentation
• Working together with others as part of a research team

Team-member expectations:

• Weekly team meetings to go over ideas, troubleshoot, progress updates, plan, etc.
• Going in the field once a week (~3-4 hours or ~50 hours total)
• Keeping an organized data file or lab notebook
• Participants with overlapping or related projects are encouraged to work together to enhance datasets and efficiency
• The research mentor will provide guidance through the whole process, as much or as little is needed depending on experience and project complexity

Majors and programs that are a good fit:

• Marine Science
• Biology
• Marine Coastal Environmental Science
• Sustainability

Course Information:

• Team Lead Contact: Dr. Eric Rosch (erosch@coastal.edu)
• Register via Special Permission (instructor approval required) for MSCI 399 (1 Credit)
• Offered Spring and Fall semesters