The lab portion of the course aims to connect real world field experimentation and data collection to the theory of coastal and estuarine processes presented in lecture. The lab includes guidance in experimental planning, practice in writing research proposals, the collection of interpretation of field data, and communication of results in both written and oral form. Teamwork is emphasized, both in the planning and execution of field work and in the analysis and presentation of data. Additionally, strategic military concerns have shifted from the deep sea to the coastal ocean. Current and foreshadowed programs in coastal oceanography are increasingly sophisticated, interdisciplinary, and complex.
Studies extend from estuaries, through the nearshore zone, and across the continental shelf.
In this domain, spatial and temporal gradients in the biological, physical, and chemical properties of interest are steep and often abrupt. Since these interactions are typically non-linear, an interdisciplinary approach is desirable. Coordination between the lecture and laboratory portions of the course will allow you to apply these concepts to the real world. Finally, we will use a variety of learning approaches to help you develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.