Coastal Marine Ecology

As a student in this Endeavor program, you will explore the ecological challenges facing our coastal ecosystems starting with our local campus watershed as it flows out into the James River before meeting the Chesapeake Bay. We will focus on developing essential skills in observation, experimental design, data collection, data analysis, and scientific communication to understand, navigate and address complex issues affecting our coastal ecosystems while recognizing that scientific inquiry does not operate in a vacuum. We will consider how variations in experience and perspective, particularly geographic and economic, often influence coastal policy decisions, regardless of what the scientific data might tell us. Students will learn about scientific ethics and understand the crucial role research plays in both scientific and societal decision-making whether it be protecting you from sea level rise or mislabeled seafood. We will also examine how the misuse or misinterpretation of scientific data can lead to biases in decision making. 

A highlight of this course is an immersive overnight field trip to the Virginia coast, offering you the chance to expand your classroom knowledge to dynamic, real-world environments. You should be prepared to tackle the practical challenges of fieldwork—including wet, muddy, buggy, and potentially hot, or cold temperatures—as you gain firsthand experience in conducting experiments in salt marshes, oyster reefs, seagrass beds and barrier islands. 

Expand All
  • Coursework Overview

    The coursework for this Endeavor community involves taking a one-unit course in the fall semester and a half-unit course in the spring semester, both taught by Professor Boone.

    Fall 2025 Semester

    Spring 2026 Semester

    BIO 199: Coastal Marine Ecology (1 unit)

    IDST 190: Coastal Marine Ecology Seminar (.5 unit)

    BIO 199 is a required course for both Biology and Environmental Studies majors and minors and satisfies a natural science Web of Inquiry requirement 

    IDST 190 is a half-unit project-based course part of the Endeavor program.

  • Specific Course Information

    BIO 199: Coastal Marine Ecology 

    Dive into the world beneath the water in this Marine Ecology course. Students will explore the diverse ecosystems of coastal regions of Virginia, examining the intricate relationships between marine organisms and their environments. The course covers key topics such as marine ecology, oceanographic processes, and the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems. Through hands-on fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and discussions, students will develop a deep understanding of marine ecology and the critical challenges facing our oceans while developing skills in experimental design, data interpretation and scientific writing. This course is an introductory course for students intending to major in biology or environmental studies. 

    IDST 190:  Coastal Marine Ecology Seminar 

    By integrating scientific knowledge with social and environmental perspectives, this course encourages students to think critically about conservation strategies and sustainable practices. Students will learn first-hand from coastal community partners about initiatives to increase the scientific and historical understanding of the impacts of change on coastal landscapes. Students will contribute to these initiatives through data collection and story mapping.

  • Faculty Information
    Professor Emily Boone serves as a Senior Teaching Faculty of Biology. 
  • Endeavor Pre-Orientation Short Course Information

    As part of the Endeavor program, you will participate in the popular Endeavor Pre-Orientation program, where you will take a short course led by Professor Emily Boone. 

    Short Course Description: The Art of Science 

    This course invites you to explore how two seemingly distinct disciplines, art and science, intertwine to reveal a deeper understanding of the world around us. Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, you will learn how scientific observation mirrors the artistic process, and how creativity fuels scientific innovation. Examine how scientists "see" their research through illustrations, models, and digital media, and use these tools to translate intricate concepts into relatable narratives for the general public. Gain insights into how art enhances scientific communication but also challenge your perceptions of what constitutes art versus science.