Explores how human activities influence the natural functioning and diversity of marine ecosystems and examines conservation efforts aimed to promote the sustainability of coastal habitats; may include several field excursions to local/regional marine ecosystems including sensitive coastal marshes and seagrass communities. Encourages the development of creative and critical thinking skills through numerous classroom activities focused on developing holistic understandings of marine ecosystems and the complexities of conservation science. Marine Science 353 (Topic: Marine Conservation Biology) and 352E may not both be counted. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester; additional lecture and field/laboratory hours may be required.