Exploration of the physical, chemical, and biological systems of the oceans, and the human impacts on these systems. Topics include marine geology, seawater composition, waves, tides, coastal and open ocean processes, marine ecosystems, and ocean pollution. Weekend field trips explore barrier island environments and erosion along the New Jersey coast and provide hands-on opportunities to learn oceanographic sampling techniques and examine the impacts of humans on marine environments along the mid-Atlantic and New England coastlines. Prerequisites: any 100-level geology course or permission of the instructor.

Instructor: Professor Lawrence

Contact hours: 3 lecture, 3 Weekend Field Trip Labs

Sample Syllabus