Teaching

Marine Algae: Biodiversity & Sustainable Solutions 

OCEANS 120H / 220H. Winter Quarter at Hopkins Marine Station

Course Description

Marine algae are exceptionally diverse – from microscopic diatoms with intricate frustules to giant kelp that can reach 100 ft tall – this course will explore the immense biodiversity of marine algae and their evolutionary relationships. Along the coast of California, there are over 600 species of macroalgae! In this course, you will become a naturalist, exploring and cataloging the diversity of marine algae in Monterey through taxonomic identification, herbarium pressings, and DNA barcoding. You will become an artist, creating gorgeous algal pressings and cyanotypes. We will also explore the vast applications and uses of marine algae – including sustainable food, natural products, aquaculture, biofuel production, and carbon sequestration. This course takes place at Stanford’s Hopkins Marine Station. Multiple field trips will be used to explore marine algae biodiversity in intertidal habitats around the Monterey Peninsula. This class is open to both undergraduates (120H) and graduate students (220H).

 This course will meet every Friday of Winter Quarter 2027 at Hopkins Marine Station

Depending on enrollment numbers, a weekly shuttle will be provided from main campus to Hopkins Marine Station in Pacific Grove, CA. This course consists of both lectures and labs; both are mandatory. Lecture is in the morning, followed by a lunch break (eat your lunch next to the ocean, gazing out at the seals and kelp forest!), with lab in the afternoon.

Lecture: 11 am - 12 pm, Lab: 1:30 - 4:00 pm