 The Western Arctic from the CBL 2002 cruise Monday and Wednesday 11:00-12:20 OTB (Ocean Teaching Building) 211 (NOW IN 205 - just down the corridor) |
THE CHANGING ARCTIC OCEAN - an interdisciplinary perspective for IPY (International Polar Year 2007-2009)
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COURSE
CONTENT - overview - assignments/grading |
CLASSES - general schedule - timetable and topics |
LINKS - lecture notes - discussion papers - other links |
USCGC
HEALY TOUR 28th March 2007 NOTE DATE CHANGE |
FEEDBACK |
Last edited: 23rd May
2007
Recent years show
unprecedented change in the ice-covered Arctic Ocean.
In
this interdisciplinary course, we will explore the interacting
physical, chemical and biological components of the Arctic System,
including:What is currently known about the complex Arctic Ice-Ocean system and the ecosystems it supports? What will be the impacts of continuing change within and beyond the Arctic? -- riddles of Arctic Ocean circulation -- defining roles of the sea-ice cover -- likely shifts in nutrient regimes and ecosystems -- and recent explorations of the seafloor, and consider the impacts of Arctic Change on global climate, native communities, and future exploitation of an ice-free summer ocean. The aims of the course are to develop: -- an understanding of how the Arctic ocean system works -- an understanding of observed and potential changes in the Arctic and impacts of these changes in the Arctic and beyond -- an appreciation of why we should care about Arctic Change. Skill development: To thrive in research (and other careers) needs skills beyond scientific data analysis, for example: -- discerning inquiry -- coherent communication (written and oral) -- competence in more than one discipline. Homework and class assignments will be aimed at developing these skills, and the art/science of productive scientific debate. Assignments/grading Assignments are both written and oral. There will be no tests or final exam. Full details of the assignments will be provided at the start of the course. Grade: Course grade will be determined from - 2 written homeworks (each 30% of the grade) - 1 team-presented oral review of a published paper (20% of the grade) - class participation, especially in the weekly paper reviews (20% of the grade). Written Assignments: There will be two written assignments: Link to details of the first written assignment - the first written assignment, due start of week 6 (30th April 07) (note change of date), will be an essay assignment, including some literature review (reference list of at least 5 papers) and some thoughtful analysis. We encourage you to create an original graphic, flow diagram, table, etc to help convey your analysis. Link to details of the second written assignment - the second written assignment, due end of week 10 (1st June 07), will be to develop an experimental plan, suitable for an interdisciplinary 1-year IPY project. Details (including topics from which to select) will be given during class. Oral Assignments: Each Wednesday (starting week 3, but excluding weeks when written assignments are due), there will be a ~ 20-30 min student-led discussion of a published paper. Papers will be selected (with class input) a week in advance. Everyone should read the assigned paper before the class. The main points of the paper will be presented by a team of students in a ~ 10 min oral presentation, to be followed by a ~ 10-20 min class debate. Each student will help to lead one such presentation during the course, and all students will be involved in the weekly class debates. Link to more details. |
Class meetings will be held Monday and Wednesday 11:00-12:20 in OTB 211, with a few notable exceptions: -- the Wednesday 28th March (Week 1) class time will be devoted to a guided tour of the USCGC Healy (see below for details). -- due to the absence of both instructors and a state holiday, there will be no class meetings on Monday 26th March (Week 1) or Monday 28th May and Wednesday 30th May (Week 10). Thus, class meetings start in week 2 (Monday 2nd April). Make-up classes will occur on Friday 20th April (12:30) and Friday 18th May (12:30). There will be no final exam. Office hours are available on request. Provisional Timetable This is provisional timetable and syllabus. Special sessions will be added at a mutually agreeable time. Contact us if there are other topics you would like to see covered.
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Email Jody Deming or Rebecca Woodgate or BOTH |