Fall 2017 - REM 370 D100
Global Resource Issues in Oceanography (3)
Class Number: 6364
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Mon, Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 12, 2017
Tue, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Karen Kohfeld
kohfeld@sfu.ca
1 778 782-7651
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Prerequisites:
EASC 100, EVSC 100, GEOG 111, or REM 100.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Introduces principles of oceanography, including ocean circulation, ocean carbon cycling, nutrients and biological productivity, oceans and the climate system, and ocean resource contributions to global food supply. Provides basic understanding of ocean resource management including transportation, recreation, fisheries, and mining.
COURSE DETAILS:
In this course, students will take a look at how the ocean acts as a valuable resource to human society. Using current case studies (such as climate change, ocean acidification, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch), students will tackle the interdisciplinary nature of ocean resource issues by examining both the scientific basis behind what the ocean contributes, how it is changing, and the human contributions to resource degradation. Through course exercises, students will develop their own opinions about the feasibility of proposed solutions to global ocean resource issues, based on a combination of scientific evidence and societal values. Course assignments will be designed to help students communicate their opinions persuasively based on interdisciplinary evidence, and empower them to identify (and take) actions that will help to manage ocean resources sustainably.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
In general, by the conclusion of this course, students should be able to integrate their knowledge of physical, chemical, and biological processes with an understanding of the important governance and societal complexities, to better understand global environmental problems facing the ocean. Students should be able to:
- Identify values of the ocean as a resource, be able to find information to help quantify that value, and appreciate values that are not quantified.
- Describe and evaluate positions regarding ocean resource issues from a strength of interdisciplinary knowledge, based on: (a) key scientific processes, (b) how the resource is valued, (c) the human contributions to degradation.
- Use this interdisciplinary knowledge of an ocean resource issue (i.e., science, values, causes) to evaluate potential solutions.
- Communicate opinions about ocean resource issues persuasively, based on interdisciplinary evidence, and feel empowered to identify actions to manage ocean resources sustainably.
Grading
- Participation 10%
- Weekly Quizes 12%
- In-Class 12%
- Tutorial Exercises 16%
- Midterm Exam 20%
- Final Exam 30%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Ocean Circulation, 2nd Edition, Open University Course Team, Oxford: Pergamon Press, 286 pp, 2001
This text available for free download through the SFU library. A copy can be also purchased online (both electronic and paperback versions) through one of the giant online book distributors. Please speak to your TA if you are having difficulty obtaining access.
ISBN: 978-0750652780
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS