2009 Fall BIOLOGY 53-01
Bulletin Course Description The oceans and their impact on the Earth's surface, climate, and society. Topics include seafloor evolution, marine hazards, ocean currents and climate, waves and beach erosion, tides, hurricanes/cyclones, marine life and ecosystems, and marine resources. Emphasis on the historical, society and economic roots of oceanography, the formulation and testing of hypotheses, quantitative assessment of data, and technological developments that lead to understanding of current and future societal issues involving the oceans. Includes a field trip at the Duke University Marine Laboratory. Required fee for trip. Instructors: Corliss, Glass, Murray
(Instructor named in bulletin description above may not be current. For current instructor, see listing below.)
Title THE DYNAMIC OCEANS Department BIOLOGY Course Number 2009 Fall 53 Section Number 01 Primary Instructor Corliss,Bruce H Prerequisites
Synopsis of course content
The course explores the oceans via an integration of the biology, geology, physics and chemistry of the sea. In this course, students will learn how the oceans formed, why the ocean circulates in gyres and how life adapts to the environment of the sea. Additional topics include: plate tectonics, tracers in the sea, weather and climate in the ocean, waves and tides, marine food chains, coastal processes, and animal and plant diversity.
Textbooks
T. Garrison, Essentials of Oceanography, 1995, Wadsworth Publishing Co.
Exams
Two hour exams, and a final exam.
Term Papers
None.
Grade to be based on
Hour exams 70%, final exam 30%
Additional Information
There is a two-day field trip to the Duke Marine Laboratory. This trip is required and may cost up to $60.
