The South Florida Marine Institute contributes to the growth and well-being of the community through its mission of environmental education. This is achieved through courses and the Community Resource Room. All courses (except BSC 2250) currently offered are first year college courses. Consequently, they are suitable for advanced high school students. Telephone 305-237-5018 for more information.

Courses

• Natural History of South Florida [BSC 2250 (3 Credits)]. This course satisfies a general education natural science requirement for the Associate in Arts Degree and the Associate in Science Degree. BSC 2250 is about integrating certain features of the natural history of South Florida such as its geology, meteorology, flora, fauna, ecology and conservation.

• Introduction to Oceanography [OCE 1001 (3 Credit)]. This course satisfies a general education natural science requirement for the Associate in Arts Degree and the Associate in Science Degree. OCE 1001 is about one of the most important features of our planet, the oceans. It covers the the geology of the sea floor and continental margins, the chemistry of seawater, interactions between the oceans and atmosphere, and biology of sea life.

• Introduction to Oceanography [OCE 1001 (3 Credit)]. This course is offered through the Virtual College for students throughout Miami-Dade County, Collier County, and Monroe County.

• Introduction to Oceanography Laboratory [OCE 1001 Laboratory (1 Credit)]. For students that need a science laboratory linked with a general education natural science course in their curriculum. This course is about the principles of ocean basin and seawater analysis with a survey of the origins of oceanic patterns and climate relationships.

• Introduction to Marine Biology [OCB 1010 (4 Credits)]. This course satisfies four of the 24 credits required as electives for the Associate in Arts degree. Introduction to the biology of the seas. Emphasis is placed on the variety of marine organisms, their structural, physiological, and behavioral adaptations within a specific marine environment. Special attention is directed to marine communities, e.g. coral reefs, shallow grass flats, and the factors limiting the distribution of organisms within those communities. Identification of local marine organisms, the presentation of sampling techniques, and an introduction to field collection methods is facilitated through field trips to selected local marine habitats.

Community Resource Room and Laboratory/Classroom

• Contains reference materials such as transparencies, slides, films, books, periodicals, and books for use by students, high school teachers, and the community in general.

• Site for presentations and demonstrations in environmental education by guest lecturers.

• Site for laboratory courses and workshops.

• Site of the South Florida Marine Institute Weather Station.