Instructor: Dr. Peter Sedwick
This introductory oceanography course provides an essential foundation for students with an
interest in any branch of marine science. Oceanography traditionally includes the four subdisciplines
of geological oceanography, chemical oceanography, physical oceanography and biological
oceanography. Each of these sub-disciplines are discussed at an introductory level
that does not require previous college-level courses in geology, chemistry, physics or biology.
Oceanographic research has become increasingly interdisciplinary during the last few decades
- a fact that is recognized in this course, which stresses interconnections between the land,
atmosphere and ocean, and the profound implications of these linkages for the living inhabitants
of planet Earth. Course lectures are complemented by several field trips, including an
oceanographic cruise aboard research vessel Atlantic Explorer and field observations of
Bermuda's coral reef environment. There are no course prerequisites, although freshman level
courses in science or mathematics will be helpful.
Prerequisites: None; freshman level courses in science or mathematics will be helpful.
Course synopsis: The course provides an undergraduate-level introduction to oceanography,
the science of the world ocean, through lectures and field trips. Classes meet on Tuesdays and
Thursdays over 14 weeks, with 1.5-hour lectures or half- to full-day field trips.
Text: 'Exploring the World Ocean', by Sean Chamberlin and Tommy Dickey
Grading: Grades are based on four, non-cumulative exams, each worth 22.5%, with another
10% of the grade based on class participation and attendance
Week 1
Tues - Introduction to the Ocean and
Oceanography
Thurs - Origin of the Universe, Earth and
Ocean
WEEK 2
Tues - Plate Tectonics
Thurs - Seafloor Features
WEEK 3
Tues - Ocean Sediments
Thurs - Field trip #1 - Geology of Bermuda
WEEK 4
Tues - Exam #1
Thurs - Ocean Chemistry
WEEK 5
Tues - Ocean Chemistry
Thurs - Ocean Physics
WEEK 6
Tues - Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction
Thurs - Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction
WEEK 7
Tues - Ocean Circulation
Thurs - Exam #2
WEEK 8
Tues - Ocean Waves
Thurs - Tides and Sea Level
Introduction to the World Ocean
WEEK 9
Tues - Phytoplankton and Ocean
Biogeochemistry
Thurs - Ocean Ecosystems
WEEK 10
Tues - Ocean Ecosystems
Thurs - Field trip #2 - Plankton Tow and
Observation (weather dependent)
WEEK 11
Tues - Exam #3
Thurs - Coral Reefs
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WEEK 12
Tues - Field trip #3 - Coral Reef Observation
(weather dependent)
Thurs - Marine Fisheries
WEEK 13
Tues - Humans and the Coastal Ocean
Thurs - Climate Change and the Future Ocean
WEEK 14
Tues - Field trip #4 - RV Atlantic Explorer
(weather dependent)
Thurs - Exam #4
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