Professor: Lisa Munger

4.00 credits

CRN 12251: Tuesday & Thursday, 10:00-11:20am @ ED 276

CRN 12253: Monday & Wednesday, 12:00-1:20pm @ CHA 202

In order to understand what is unusual, one must first understand what is “usual”. This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of oceanography and data analysis via exploration of online data sets, readings from scientific literature, short analytical assignments, and other activities. Students will investigate “unusual” events (such as tsunamis, marine mammal strandings, red tides, dead zones, etc.) of their choice via independent projects, and communicate the results of their research via scientific writing and oral presentations. The outcomes of this course will be to broaden students’ understanding of the oceans and their connection to all life on Earth, hone analytical and communication skills, and develop the ability to critically evaluate what constitutes “usual” and “unusual” in our environment.