Ocean Science Inquiry Spring 2009
The ABC’s of
“current” ocean issues
11:628:303
http://marine.rutgers.edu/courses/OSI/
Time and Place:
Tuesdays 2:15 – 3:35 PM Hickman Hall room 127
Thursdays 2:15 – 3:35 PM Hickman Hall room 211
Cook/Douglass Campus
*note different room number Tue. and Thurs.
Instructors
Katye Altieri :: altieri@marine.rutgers.edu
Eleni Anagnostou :: eleni@marine.rutgers.edu
Naomi Fleming :: fleming@marine.rutgers.edu
Carrie Fraser :: fraser@marine.rutgers.edu
Brian Gaas :: gaas@marine.rutgers.edu
Donglai Gong :: donglai@marine.rutgers.edu
Joe Jurisa :: jurisa@marine.rutgers.edu
Michèle LaVigne :: lavigne@marine.rutgers.edu
Joan Pravatiner :: pravatiner@marine.rutgers.edu
Rachel Sipler :: sipler@marine.rutgers.edu
Objective & Goals:
The major goal of this course is to familiarize upper level undergraduates with a number of emerging issues related to the ocean environment. Through the facilitation of weekly discussion/question sessions, this course further aims to encourage critical thinking and application of knowledge. In this course you will gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental science behind a number of marine-related “hot topics” in the media. The four themes we will discuss are: 1) Natural Impacts on Coastal Communities, 2) Production in the Ocean 3) CO2 and Climate 4) Emerging Ocean Resources. For each topic covered under these themes, we will have two class meetings: one with a lecture format and one for group discussion. Our material will be based almost entirely on both current and classical scientific literature as well as articles written for the general public.
After completing this course and the final project, each student will not only obtain a deeper understanding of a number of contemporary ocean themes, but also possess the ability to locate appropriate scientific sources, evaluate theses sources, and communicate the information contained within the sources.
Grading Policy:
Class discussion 30%
Weekly summary and questions 30%
Final Project 40%
Final Project:
For the final project, you will be asked to research the primary science literature behind a topic not discussed in class. From your research, you will write an 8-10 page science research paper, a 1 page New York Times style article for the public, and give a 15-20 minute in class presentation of your topic. A preliminary outline will be due in the middle of the semester, at which point you will be assigned to meet with an instructor regarding your topic. More details will be given in class.