Teaching

Given that the oceans are the primary reason that the Earth is habitable, increasing our understanding of this system and its role in the development of civilization, and our interdependence on the oceans’ many resources is critical. In this course we will explore the interactions between humans and the oceans throughout civilization. Humans rely on the oceans for water supply, food, energy, and military and economic activities. We will discuss how historical and recent oceanographic explorations have enlightened our understanding of the earth and contributed to the advancement of technology. The course will also explore the human impacts on the oceans and how such impacts could in turn produce adverse effects on civilization – including climate change.

We provide students with an inter-disciplinary introduction to Environmental Science highlighting the interconnections between biological, geological, and chemical processes.  

To convey the basic science behind environmental interactions and place it within the context of human impacts and dependence on the natural world.  

To better understand how humans interact, manage, and sustain the environment within the context of our economies, governments and individual choices.

The oceans take up 71% of earth's surface and contain 98% of the water. By looking at the structure of the atmosphere, thermodynamic principals and properties governing sea water, we will evaluate the critical roles the ocean plays in the environmental system including its influence on (paleo)climate, coastal resources, and nutrient cycling. Case studies specifically examining changes in sea level rise, El Nino, and (paleo)climate will be used to connect oceanographic principles to environmental problems.

This course offers students the opportunity to gain work experience related to their major of study. This work experience will allow students to apply their knowledge gained in their studies to the real environmental issues.