Introduction to Oceanography

Catalog description

This course provides a broad overview of the science of the oceans, emphasizing the interconnected physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes that shape the marine environment. The course begins with Earth’s formation and the origin of the oceans, then explores the major subfields of oceanography: marine geology (seafloor features and marine sediments), physical oceanography (circulation, waves, and tides), chemical oceanography (seawater composition and interactions), and marine biology (marine life and ecosystems). Special attention will be given to contemporary issues such as climate change, ocean sustainability, and human impacts on the marine system. While oceanography is a highly interdisciplinary and quantitative science, students will engage with these concepts through guided in-class activities and practical exercises designed to strengthen quantitative reasoning, problem-solving skills, and collaborative learning.