Courses (2023)

Between Pacific Tides: Invertebrate Zoology in Monterey Bay (BIOHOPK 261, OCEANS 161, OCEANS 261)

Invertebrates range in size from microscopic mites to giant squid and are integral to ecosystems and their functioning. More than 97% of all described animal species lack a spine, and this course is an introductory survey of invertebrate diversity with an emphasis on intertidal habitats of Monterey Bay. Students will explore the form, function, evolution, and natural history of the major invertebrate groups through lectures, labs, and field trips. Prerequisite: BIO 81 or BIO 85 recommended.

Term: Winter
Units: 3
UG reqs: WAY-SMA


Hopkins Marine Station Seminar (OCEANS 114, BIOHOPK 114, BIOHOPK 214)

Introduction to research in marine science through a weekly seminar series at Hopkins Marine Station. The weekly seminars will approach questions of development, physiology, ecology, evolution, and oceanography using contemporary methods. Class offered in-person only at Hopkins Marine Station.

Term: Winter
Units: 1


Topics in Scientific and Statistical Computing (BIOHOPK 200H)

Seminar course for graduate students. The goal is to build community, foster discussion, and develop a deeper understanding of a single topic, or an introduction to multiple topics, relevant to scientific or statistical programming using R. The specific format will be chosen by participants in the course; students are empowered to take the lead in the discussion of weekly readings. Prerequisites: an introductory course in statistics and some familiarity with the R programming language.

Term: Winter
Units: 1


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

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.

Term: Spring
Units: 4
UG reqs: WAY-SMA, WIM in Biology


Environmental Change and Marine Biodiversity (BIO 125, BIOHOPK 225, OCEANS 125, OCEANS 225)

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.

Term: Spring
Units: 3
Co-taught with M. Denny, J. Goldbogen, S. Johri


Ecology and Conservation of Kelp Forest Communities (BIOHOPK 185)

This is a field course on the ecology of giant kelp forests. Through daily scuba dives, lectures, and labs, students become acquainted with the common invertebrates, fishes, and seaweeds and how their interactions shape the community. The course has three major components: scientific dive training, natural history, and ecology. In the first portion of the course, students learn how to do science underwater and upon completion of the course, will be certified to conduct scientific diving at Hopkins Marine Station in accordance with the standards set by the American Academy of Underwater Scientists. Topics include best practices for water safety, rescue methods, navigation and mapping, and data collection techniques. The second portion of the course concentrates on how to recognize the common species, how to identify them if you donโ€™t know who they are, and to learn where they can be found. Third, once students are familiar with the basic biology of kelp forest inhabitants, we use that as a springboard to discuss population and community processes that affect both obvious and more subtle differences in patterns of distribution and abundance that can be seen in different kelp forests around the Monterey peninsula. We will practice commonly used methods for conducting quantitative surveys of abundance and population structure for a variety of species. The data we collect during the course contribute to on-going time series for the Hopkins Marine Life Observatory, some of which have been going on for nearly 25 years. The course meets all day for 5 weeks. Prerequisites are SCUBA certification (through Advanced or Open Water II), 12 open water dives in temperate waters, SCUBA gear, and an interest in these complex communities.

Term: Summer
Units: 5
UG reqs: WAY-SMA

This is a 5-week course (June 26-July 28, 2023). We will meet 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday. You are also expected to work on assignments outside of class. In other words, this course is a full-time commitment. What is it like to be a student in this class? You can learn about the course from a Stanford report and from previous students here: https://purl.stanford.edu/km092my4610

PRIORITY deadline: March 15, 2023 (you will be notified of admission by April 1, 2023)

FINAL deadline: April 15, 2022 (you will be notified of admission by May 1, 2023)

When active, the application is here: https://hopkinsmarinestation.stanford.edu/undergraduate-studies/summer-courses-2023

Students surveying a historical transect at Hopkins Marine Station