Intro to Oceanography

Prerequisites: Introductory science course

This hands-on course provides students an opportunity to learn about the physics, chemistry, geology, and biology of the ocean. Students will apply this knowledge firsthand by implementing sample collection strategies on board a research vessel during cruises on Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

Through class discussion of recent oceanographic discoveries and core concepts and learning user-friendly ocean data and visualization software, this course will enable students to then interpret oceanographic data collected during their cruises and to create clear and concise presentations. Typical data collected on board the research vessel will include hydrographic (temperature, pH, salinity, inorganic nutrients, light intensity) and biological (phytoplankton, zooplankton) variables that are collectively processed and visualized.

Students should have a laptop equipped with word processing and spread- sheet software.