https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eric_Hiatt

Required text:

The minimum requirement: access code for the online system (includes ebook) at the bookstore for about $85.

Go here to Canvas to register (Click on the McGraw-Hill link in the list of links on the left side of your Oceanography Canvas page).

Sverdrup and Kudel (2020) Investigating Oceanography, third edition.

If you would like a paper copy to use along with the required online Connect system, then:

You can buy the paper copy of the textbook with an included code for the required online learning system for about $112. ISBN: 978-1-30-752197-9

 

The oceans control the Earth's climate system on time scales of 100's to 1000's of years, and most of the Earth's natural resources come from the oceans. The purpose of Oceanography 51-328 is to give students a broad understanding of how the Earth's oceans formed and the role they play in the global geologic, climatologic, and biologic systems.

The oceans are responsible for the development of a global climate favorable for the existence of life as we know it, and they continue to play a pivotal role in determining how the Earth's climate will change in the future. The oceans contain more than 60 times the amount of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide relative to the atmosphere today.

Oceans cover more than 70% of the total Earth's surface and they contain the world's largest mountain chains, and yet they remain, to a large degree, unexplored; the oceans are the "final frontier" on Earth. Life first appeared in the oceans by 3.5 billion years ago, and the history of life and evolution is largely written in marine sediments.

Understanding how the Earth works is critical to make land use and global political decisions. For all of these reasons, study of Oceanography is part of a well-rounded liberal arts education. It is the responsibility of an educated member of a democratic society to have a basic understanding of how the world works in geologic terms. Our modern society is based on geologic resources (petroleum, coal, iron, soil, water, etc.), our environment is controlled by geological and biological factors, and knowledge of these processes is key to understanding social, political, and societal aspects of the world.

Learning Outcomes: In this course, you will learn about the planet and its oceans, but you will also re-think how you relate to the Earth and its origins, evolution, and environments. Oceanography is the scientific study and exploration of the oceans, climate, and Earth. The Earth-ocean-climate system is fundamental to understanding global climate and the sustainability of human life. In this course you will 1) discover how the Earth and oceans have evolved into today's world, 2) recognize how the oceans regulate climate, 3) analyze how our understanding of plate tectonics and evolution of Earth comes from the study of the oceans, and 4) identify the nature, benefits, and problems with extracting resources, such as food and petroleum, from the oceans. In addition, you will discover how the oceans play a role in geopolitics, international relationships and the global economy. For all of these reasons, the study of Oceanography is part of a well-rounded university education. It is your responsibility as an educated member of a democracy to have a basic understanding of how the world works in scientific/geologic terms, as well as an understanding of social, political, and societal aspects of the natural resources.

What is a university education? A university is not like high school, a community college, or a technical school. The purpose of a university is to: 1) discover and develop new knowledge (in science and the arts), and 2) to bring knowledge to society through teaching. You will often hear your experience at UW Oshkosh described as a liberal arts education, which is a term that attempts to encapsulate the university experience, but is, in fact, only part of the larger university experience in science. At a university, you should learn how to problem solve, to think critically, explore fields and areas of interest, learn about cultures, and society -- in addition to learning general aspects and specifics of a range of fundamental topics and specifics within your major. At a university you are given many opportunities to learn from experts in various fields of study, and to explore the world of knowledge -- take advantage of these opportunities!

Attendance: Attendance is required. Please feel free to ask questions at any time; however, disruptive or disrespectful behavior is not acceptable and will result in a lower course grade (see also grades section above). Repeated instances of rude, disruptive, or disrespectful behavior will result in a course grade of F and disciplinary action. If you have a valid excuse and must miss a class, contact me BEFORE the class date.

Academic Integrity: The Wisconsin Administrative Code states: “Students are responsible for the honest completion and representation of their work, for the appropriate citation of sources, and for respect of others academic endeavors.” (§ UWS 14.01) Plagiarism and other forms of academic misconduct are serious offenses with severe penalties. See the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Academic Misconduct Code for definitions of academic misconduct and details about procedures, sanctions, and other relevant information. Specific questions about the provisions in the Student Discipline Code should be directed to the Dean of Students Office. If you do not understand this statement, please see me as soon as possible.

Biological oceanography, classification of life (chp. 11)

Marine primary productivity (*chp. 12). Marine benthic organisms and ecosystems (chp. 14) Exam 2 (Thursday, April 14)