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Course Number: Geology 21080, Sec. 1
Lecture: MWF 11:00 - 11:50 am
Classroom: McGilvrey 234
Rationale and Objectives:
The ocean comprises about 70% of
the Earth's surface area and plays a critical role in the cycling of energy
and matter between the Earth's various physical, chemical and biological
systems. Despite this, many people are unaware of how this vast body
of water impacts the world around them. This course will emphasize the interdisciplinary
nature of oceanography by exposing the student to the basic principals
of geological, chemical, physical and biological oceanography. Relationships
among these systems and interrelationships between oceans and human populations
will be emphasized. Students should come away from the course with
a greater understanding of how the sea "works" as a system and a more scientific
view of the world around them.
Approach:
This team-taught
course is separated into five three-week sections, each of which focuses on a
current issue in oceanography. Focus issues were chosen to highlight
scientific aspects of oceanography and the impact of oceans on society and other
elements of the environment. Each section will include presentation
of a focus issue and related scientific background material. Discussion
and independent study is encouraged. An important element of the course is
the completion of a journal on a current topic in oceanography by each student.
Journaling will encourage investigation, synthesis and critical thinking.
Text: Oceanography: An Invitation to Marine Science, 4th Edition (by Tom Garrison, textbook web site)
About the course web site: This web site is maintained by the course coordinator and posted on the University's web server. Click here to email comments about the web site to the coordinator.
Photo credits (left to right): (1) Steam explosions, Hawaii, courtesy of USGS, U.S. Dept of Interior, (2) Chub mackeral being loaded on a boat, Peru, courtesy NOAA fisheries collection, (3) Coral reef, Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, M. Al Momany photographer, courtesy of NOAA, (4) St. Augustine Inlet, Florida, M.Beaver photographer, courtesy of NOAA, (5) Broken sea ice, M.Van Woert photographer, courtesy of NOAA.