Communicating Oceanography

Catalog description

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. This course introduces the skills needed to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts in oceanography. You'll focus on quantitative writing and learning to read and summarize peer-reviewed oceanographic literature. You will also practice using appropriate grammar, data analysis, figures and citation styles specific to ocean sciences. Expect to engage with the challenge of revising AI-generated content, drafting multiple research papers and participating in various in-class assignments to hone your communication skills. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Effective communication is a crucial skill for any ocean scientist. This course is essential because it directly addresses the professional need to convey complex data and scientific ideas accurately, clearly and concisely to diverse audiences. You will practice skills that are vital for both academic study and professional careers: reading scientific journal articles, writing quantitative research papers, creating appropriate figures and tables and using professional citation styles. The ability to create finished, original writing that meets professional standards will be a fundamental tool for your future studies and career as an oceanographer. KEY TOPICS AND THEMES. The course's key topics revolve around the practical mechanics of scientific writing and communication in oceanography. These include: reading and summarizing scientific literature; working with figures and captions; quantitative vs. qualitative writing; using correct reference and citation styles; and developing language skills such as cohesion, readability, simplicity, clarity and emphasis. Prerequisites: OCNG 251 ; OCNG 303 ; OCNG 310 , OCNG 320 , OCNG 330 or OCNG 340 ; majors in OCNG and OCNS.