Teaching
Teaching
BIOL/MARBIO 433: OCN 330
The program focuses on the ecology of the Mediterranean Sea, including basic concepts in ecology and oceanography, and how those concepts are illustrated by the Mediterranean and its biota. The biology course (Ken Sebens) will focus on concepts of ecology in the coastal zone, and the oceanography course (Jim Murray) will focus on whole ocean and local ocean processes as well as the changing environment. The third course will be an introduction to the Italian language, with plenty of opportunities to use phrases and learn new vocabulary as we progress.
Course Overview and Structure: The oceans play a key role in the biogeochemical cycling of elements on our planet. This course will follow the flow of some essential elements (especially C, N, Fe, O2) and energy through the open ocean from production to export, with a focus on understanding the key mechanisms that result in the patterns we observe. Formal class meetings will consist of 3 format types. Lectures will present new material and concepts. Seminar style classes in will be used for group discussions of readings that relate to the week’s topic.