A non-laboratory course that introduces students to the physical and biological factors that influence life in marine ecosystems, and includes human impacts on these systems. Topics include the scientific method; geological, physical and chemical features of the ocean; survey of marine phyla including microbes, seaweeds, marine plants, invertebrates, fishes, marine reptiles, marine birds, marine mammals; survey of marine habitats including estuaries, inter-tidal zones, soft and hard bottom subtidal communities, kelp forests, seagrass beds, coral reefs, pelagic waters, benthic deep sea habitats, human impacts and sustainability on abiotic and biotic marine systems; and conservation of marine resources and biodiversity. Students should be prepared to complete college-level reading, writing and mathematics as part of this course.