01/11:628:200 Marine Sciences http://marine.rutgers.edu/dmcs/ms200

Introduction

This introductory course provides students with an overview of the contributions to marine science of the disciplines of physical oceanography, geology, chemistry, and biology.  The course meets three times a week.  It has no laboratory, but there are two sessions devoted to laboratory demonstrations in the Marine and Coastal Sciences building. Students are asked to write a term paper on a marine science topic of their own choosing, and considerable emphasis is placed on teaching students to access the marine science literature, and to feel comfortable with reading in the discipline.

Grading:  There will be three hourly examinations, a final examination, an introductory reading and writing exercise, and a short term paper, on which your evaluation is based.  Each hourly examination will count 15% toward the final grade, the final examination 30%, the writing exercise 5%, and the term paper 20%.  The final will be comprehensive i.e. it will cover the entire course.  Attendance at lectures is mandatory since some of the material is not covered in the text.  Material covered in lectures and assigned readings in the text, and in supplementary sources, is fair game for exams.  Cheating will not be tolerated.

Term Paper: A short paper (6-7 pages double-spaced, typed or word-processed) on a subject of interest to you concerning the ocean or marine environment is required.  Select a topic soon and have it approved by one of the faculty no later than November 5 (either by appointment or by telephone).  A list of the faculty, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers is appended.  Most of the faculty is in the Marine and Coastal Sciences building.  A list of suggested topics and corresponding faculty members will be provided in the next few weeks together with some advice on the format of the paper.  One class period will be devoted to accessing the marine science literature.  You may select your own topic provided you verify your choice with one of us. Consult the faculty member most appropriate to the subject of your choice.  If you wish, ask that faculty member to check over a draft of your paper, provided you submit it by December 2.  The final paper should be placed in the hands of the Course Coordinator (J. Grassle) by December 10. With the term paper you must also hand in a record of your literature searches in preparation for writing the paper.

Introductory Writing Exercise: As a way of helping you to read and write within the discipline, we are giving you an introductory reading and writing exercise.  This will consist of a reading in the secondary scientific literature that will be handed out in class.  You will be asked to write a paragraph on what you have read and to bring it to a discussion in the Marine Sciences Bldg. during the class period on September 23.  At that time you will pick up a second reading from the primary scientific literature.  On a subsequent date (September 30) you will meet in the Marine Sciences Bldg. to discuss both readings and to hand in a revised version of your first paragraph, and a paragraph on the second reading.  Students will be divided into small groups, each group meeting with a different instructor on a different topic.

Text:  An Introduction to the World's Oceans, K. A. Sverdrup, A. C. Duxbury, and A. B. Duxbury, 2004, 8th edition, McGraw-Hill, is available at the bookstore.  Readings will be assigned throughout the term and should be read in advance of class.

Supplementary Reading: Some supplementary readings and master copies of the hourly exams, after they have been corrected and handed back, will be placed on reserve in the Chang Library in Foran Hall.

Marine Sciences is presently a required course for both the Major and the Minor in Marine Sciences. Beginning in the fall of 2005 the course name, number, and prerequisites will change, becoming Dynamics of Marine Ecosystems 01/11:628:320 (4 credits) with 01:119:102 General Biology, 01:160:162 General Chemistry, and 01:640:135 (or 01:640:151) Calc I as pre-requisites. Students who are thinking of doing the Major or the Minor should consult with the Curriculum Coordinator, Judith Grassle.