This course is cross-listed as ENVIRON 232
3 credit course, with optional 1 credit laboratory course EARTH 223/ENVIRON 233
This is an introductory undergraduate course, with an average enrollment of about 150 students per semester. I taught this course several times in the past.
Professor Arbic’s past offerings of this course:
Fall 2011, Winter 2013, Winter 2014, Winter 2015, Winter 2016, Winter 2017, Winter 2020, Winter 2021
Course Description
This course explores the Earth’s oceans in terms of geological, chemical, physical, and biological oceanography, with emphasis on understanding the oceans as an integrated system. We study the processes that form ocean basins, the forces that govern ocean circulation, the physical and chemical properties that influence the distribution of life, and the adaptation of organisms to their aquatic environment. We also discuss the ocean’s role in mitigating global change and the consequences for oceanic ecosystems and human society.