Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2018 - REM 370 D100

Global Resource Issues in Oceanography (3)

Class Number: 5028

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 11, 2018
    Tue, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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 examine 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, and global fisheries), students will consider the scientific basis of ocean-related problems, human contributions to resource degradation, and their potential impacts. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Read, understand, and summarize arguments from cutting edge, peer-reviewed journal articles in the scientific literature.
  3. 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.
  4. Use this interdisciplinary knowledge of an ocean resource issue (i.e., science, values, causes) to evaluate potential solutions.
  5. Communicate opinions about ocean resource issues persuasively and feel empowered to identify actions to manage ocean resources sustainably.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • In-class writing 10%
  • Tutorial exercises 20%
  • Unit Exams 30%
  • Final 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Ocean circulation, 2nd edition, Open University Course Team, Oxford: Pergamon Press, 286 pp, ISBN-13: 978-0750652780, 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.

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