ENV 3050 - OCEANOGRAPHY

credits: 4.0
The oceans contain roughly 97% of all water on Earth, thus the cycles of temperature, nutrients, and even rocks are critical to understanding how the Earth sustains life. This course covers a broad overview of the major interactions in the ocean. We will focus on physical, chemical, biological, and geological oceanography and how those portions work in concert to keep the ocean (and life outside it) functioning. All water drains to the ocean and as a result humans tend to impact the ocean negatively (due to the contaminants and trash we put in our coasts, rivers, and groundwater). Will investigate our own impact on the ocean from here in Elmira as well as coastal and open ocean impacts humans have. Throughout the course, will take a big picture, concept-based look at the major oceans and how they function. Objectives: A) Describe ocean energy, temperature, salinity, and nutrient cycling; B) Connect ocean energy, temperature, salinity, and plate tectonics; C) Summarize the interplay between atmospheric and oceanic processes; D) Judge the ocean’s role in climate change; E) Write a case study on an environmental issue: a) Hypothesize future impacts of the issue, b) Design a reasonable plan to remediate the issue; F) Analyze real scientific data taken from scientific journals. Method of Instruction: A combination of lectures, small/large group discussions, lab activities, in class demonstrations, and group projects, will be used as the methods of instruction. Method of Evaluation: Laboratory, Exams, Participation, and Case Study Paper. The course has a total of 1000 points, and final grades will be determined based on the total number of points accumulated according to the distribution: Participation includes attendance, in-class discussion, and laboratory collaboration. Those students who are in class and engage with their classmates and the instructor with questions, class discussions, or group work will receive full credit for participation. Lab Fee: $125.00.