Semester at Sea, Course Syllabus Colorado State University, Academic Partner

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1 Semester at Sea, Course Syllabus Colorado State University, Academic Partner Semester: Fall 2016 Discipline: Natural Resources Course Number and Title: NR 150 Oceanography Course Level: Lower Faculty Name: Victor S. Kennedy Semester Credit Hours: 3 Prerequisites: None COURSE DESCRIPTION In this introductory course we will investigate the features and dynamics of the World Ocean, which covers roughly 70% of the Earth s surface. We will take advantage of our intense and continuing contact with the oceans and coastal regions during the voyage to build an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of ocean processes. The disciplines involved include marine geology, marine chemistry, physical oceanography, and marine biology. Topics treated include seafloor spreading and marine sediments (geology), salinity and biogeochemical cycles (chemistry), currents, waves, and tides (physics), and primary and secondary production, biodiversity, and oceanic resources (biology). We will also touch on coastal development and management of fisheries, especially in relation to the countries and regions we will visit. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic geological, chemical, physical, and biological features and processes of the oceans. This will require: knowledge of the structure and composition of Earth s interior, oceans, and atmosphere knowledge of the common types of marine sediment and their origin and distribution an understanding of plate tectonic theory and its relationship to ocean basins and the seafloor knowledge of the properties of seawater and the chemistry of nutrient cycling an understanding of the origin and behavior of ocean waves, currents, and tides familiarity with how oceanic processes affect weather, climate, and coastal habitat familiarity with common marine organisms and their relationship to their habitat an understanding of factors influencing primary and secondary productivity and food web dynamics knowledge of the interactions among marine organisms and their habitats familiarity with human effects on marine environments and resources and with efforts in marine conservation an understanding of the causes and effects of global climate change and acidification on oceans 1

2 REQUIRED TEXTBOOK AUTHOR: Paul R. Pinet TITLE: Essential Invitation to Oceanography PUBLISHER: Jones & Bartlett Learning ISBN-13: DATE/EDITION: 2014/ 1 st Edition TOPICAL OUTLINE OF COURSE (You will be informed of any necessary changes as the voyage progresses) Depart Hamburg September 10 A1 September 12: Course introduction and expectations Brief introduction to marine processes and organisms Readings: Pinet Chapter 1* A1 One Ocean -- Many worlds of life UNEP 2012 Pages 5-25** *If all material in a chapter is not relevant to the lecture, relevant pages will be announced in class. **Additional supplemental readings marked A.. are available in the electronic course folder A2 September 14: The Mediterranean Sea as a miniature ocean How do climate, water circulation patterns, and human populations affect this semi-enclosed sea? Readings: Chapter 3, pages (Mediterranean Sea) A UNEP State of Mediterranean Marine & Coastal Environment Part 1 Introduction 22 p DVD Ocean World BBC video 50 minutes*** *** DVDs will usually be shown on a movie channel in an evening and will be discussed in the next class No Classes--September 16 A3 September 17: The dynamic ocean floor and plate tectonics; hydrothermal vents If the ocean floor is spreading apart and expanding, why is the Earth not getting larger? Readings: Chapter 2; Chapter 12, pages A3 Deep Sea Death & Rebirth Nature article p DVD: National Geographic: Drain the Ocean 90 minutes Piraeus September A4 September 24: Marine sediments What marine sediment has been used in toothpaste and to clarify wine and beer? Reading: Chapter 3 Civitavecchia and Livorno - September A5 October 1: Chemical and physical properties of seawater Why is the solid form of water less dense than the liquid form of water and why does that matter? Reading: Chapter 4 Barcelona October 3-7 A6 October 8: Air-sea interactions wind and ocean circulation How did rubber duckies lost from a container ship in Asia end up years later on European coasts? Reading: Chapter 5 2

3 Casablanca October A7 October 15: All about waves and tides What would an Italian yacht owner need to know about tides when tying her yacht to a pier in the Bay of Fundy? Readings: Chapters 6 & 7 DVD Tidal Seas BBC video 50 minutes A8 October 17: Exam 1 A9 October 19: Land-Sea Interface Factors influencing tropical mangrove ecosystems How salinity and sediment trapping contribute to the biological productivity of tropical mangrove forests Readings: Chapter 11 A9 Securing future of mangroves UNEP p A9 The unequal battle over West Africa's rich fish stocks - BBC News 5 p DVD Seasonal Seas BBC video 50 minutes A10 October 25: A. Coastal habitats -- West Africa and Brazil: Same or different? Both are about the same latitude and in the tropics. What local factors affect their coasts? A1 One Ocean -- Many worlds of life UNEP 2012 Pages B. Deep ocean processes As we cross the Atlantic, what processes drive ecosystems deep below our keel? Readings: Chapter 12, pages DVD The Deep BBC video 50 minutes A11 October 27: Land-Sea Interface Factors influencing temperate estuaries and wetlands How physics, chemistry, and geology contribute to the biological productivity of estuaries and marshes Readings: Chapter 11 A11 Role of nearshore ecosystems in nurseries Ecological Society of America 13 p No Classes October 28 A12 October 30: Coral ecosystems how geology, chemistry, physics, and biology support immense productivity Darwin s Paradox: Coral reefs are productive oases in nutrient-poor deserts of the ocean. Why? Readings: Chapter 11 A12 Coral Reef Reproduction Science magazine article p A12 Coral reef spawning experiments Science magazine article p A U of Queensland Coral restoration report 4 p DVD Coral Seas BBC video 50 minutes Salvador November 1-6 A13 November 7: Influence of the Amazon River on the Atlantic; Introduction to Nekton (mostly fish) The influence of the Amazon River can extend into the Caribbean Sea well to the north Readings: Chapter 8 A1 One Ocean -- Many worlds of life UNEP 2012 Pages A14 November 9: Invertebrate species: Cnidarians, annelids, arthropods, molluscs, echinoderms Reading: Chapter 8 A15 November 11: Vertebrate species: birds, seals, whales, turtles Reading: Chapter 8 Port of Spain -- November Field Class for Oceanography: Section 1 is on November 14 3

4 A16 November 15:, Energy relationships, ecology, and biological productivity Why marine biological productivity differs from the poles to the equator and how food webs work Readings: Chapter 9 A16 Seagrass_Prairies of the Sea 2 p A16 Seagrass_as habitat and food 2 p A17 November 17: Exam 2 No Classes--November 18 Panama Canal Transit-November 18 A18 November 20: Marine Fisheries What physical and chemical processes support productive fisheries such as those of Peru? Readings: Chapter 13 A18 Global Fisheries Subsidies_Marine Policy p A18 Aquaculture Shrimp farming Science magazine article p Callao November A19 November 27: Marine fisheries deleterious effects and their prevention Overfishing, bycatch, and smart fishing gear that protects habitat Readings: Chapter 14 A19 Bycatch_factsheet WWF 4 p A Pauly on fishing down food webs Global Change Newsletter 3 p Reading: A1 One Ocean -- Many worlds of life UNEP 2012 Pages DVD Deep Trouble BBC video 50 minutes A20 November 29: Invasive species The bilge water you see being discharged from ships hulls in port is a possible source of marine invasions. Reading: A20 Marine Menace - Alien invasive species in the marine environment IUCN p Guayaquil December 1-4 A21 December 5: Ocean conservation the success of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) New Zealand has led the way in showing how MPAs can benefit fishers and non-fishers alike Readings: Chapter 13 A WWF Poster_Benefits_healthy_ocean_How MPAs can contribute 1 p A WWF Marine Protected Areas_Smart Investments in Ocean Health 2 p A21 Science of no-take reserves 2009 Nature Conservancy 12 p Review last part of BBC video Deep Trouble showing NZ reserves A22 December 7: Global climate change and the oceans Written paper due Expect changes in wind, precipitation, storms, sea level rise, marine circulation, productivity, & trophic cascades Readings: Chapter 15 A22 Fisheries and Climate Change World Bank p A Climate Change and Caribbean coral reefs 13 p A1 One Ocean -- Many worlds of life UNEP 2012 Pages Puntarenas December

5 A23 December 14: Acidification and the oceans Molluscan shells, arthropod carapaces, and echinoderm and coral skeletons require CaCO3. Will they be damaged by acidic conditions? Readings: Chapter 15 A23 Acidic seas Nature magazine article p A23 Acidification & oceans Science magazine article p A1 One Ocean -- Many worlds of life UNEP 2012 Page 59 A24 December 16: Synthesis the future of oceans Oceans and coasts can be protected, but it won t be easy or cheap. The alternative is worse. Reading: A Conservation Magazine 10 Solutions to Save the Ocean 12 p A1 One Ocean -- Many worlds of life UNEP 2012 Pages Study Day December 18 A25 December 19 FINAL EXAM San Diego December 22 FIELD WORK Field Class attendance is mandatory for all students enrolled in this course. Do not book individual travel plans or a Semester at Sea sponsored trip on the day of your field class. Field Classes constitute at least 20% of the contact hours for each course, and will be developed and led by Dr. Kennedy. FIELD CLASS AND ASSIGNMENTS Field Class for Oceanography Section 1: Aquaculture, invasive lionfish, mangroves, and marine conservation in Trinidad and Tobago This day-long Field Class on November 14 will begin with a visit the government s Institute of Marine Affairs. There we will tour their expansive aquaculture facilities to learn about their current projects and results. We will also learn about their work on invasive species (especially the introduced lionfish) and their coral and mangrove conservation efforts. Next we will visit the Biology Department of the University of the West Indies to view their Aquaculture & Fisheries research facility to learn about their educational fishery programs. A short visit to their Museum will introduce us to some local marine and estuarine species. We will end with learning about the Department's research activities, including the Caroni Swamp RDI Project. We end the day with a boat trip through Caroni Swamp to learn about mangroves and their associated ecosystem services. We may see the scarlet ibis (Trinidad s national bird) and other bird species that feed and nest in the Swamp returning to roost for the night. Keep an eye out for mudskippers, a type of air-breathing, semi-terrestrial fish. Participants should bring shoes and clothing that can get wet or muddy during explorations of Caroni Swamp. Put electronic gear in protective plastic bags. Also bring sunscreen, a head covering to protect from the tropical sun, insect repellant, and some sort of note book for making observations. Field Report for a Field Class: A detailed report (1500 to 2000 words or 3 to 4 single-spaced pages not including photos in 12 point type) should summarize what was done on a Field Class and synthesize information drawn from personal observations, from any guides or experts on the trips, and from any literature collected during the field trip. This information should be clearly related to material discussed in class, focusing on the local marine environment (e.g., shore types, water circulation patterns, mangroves, coral reefs, fishing activities or markets) or on conservation activities. If you are allowed to take digital photos illustrating the experience (make sure to follow any local rules about 5

6 this), they would be especially welcome in the report. The report will be due no later than 2 class days (A and B or B and A) after the ship leaves the port of Port of Spain (15 points). INDEPENDENT FIELD ASSIGNMENTS In addition to the Field Class, students must participate in and report on class-related insights gained on 2 independent field trips that are selected in consultation with Dr. Kennedy shortly after we sail from Hamburg. The expectations for the independent trips will be discussed in the first class, and regularly thereafter. Before arrival in a port in which a field trip will be taken, students must again consult with Dr. Kennedy and get approval for their proposed field activities. During this consultation, Dr. Kennedy will help each student anticipate what might be seen and develop goals or expectations for the field experience. Venues for independent field trips can include fishing ports, aquaria, seafood markets, or institutes devoted to oceanography or marine affairs. Dr. Kennedy will provide students with questions to be asked or observations to be made during a field trip and subsequently to be incorporated into a field report. Each detailed report (1500 to 2000 words or 3 to 4 single-spaced pages not including photos in 12-point type) on each field experience should summarize what was done and synthesize information drawn from personal observations, from any guides or experts on the trips, and from any literature collected during the field trip. Each succeeding report should relate back to what was learned on earlier field trips and in class, focusing on the marine environment (e.g., shore types, coral reefs, mangroves, fishing activities or markets) or on conservation activities. If you are allowed to take digital photos illustrating the experience (make sure to follow any rules about this), they would be especially welcome in the report. Each report will be due no later than 2 class days (A and B, or B and A) after the ship leaves the port in which the field trip was taken (15 points per report). METHODS OF EVALUATION / GRADING SCALE Assessment Two exams during the voyage and a Final Exam (30 points each) Three field reports (15 points each) Written paper on a chosen theme Total 90 points 45 points 25 points 160 points Exams Two exams will be administered during the course of the voyage (30 points each) along with a Final on A25 Exam Day (30 points) Field reports Three detailed syntheses (1500 to 2000 words or 3 to 4 single-spaced pages, 12-point type) of the outcome of the Field Class and two independent field trips, related to concepts learned in class (15 points each). Written paper Each student must prepare a paper on a topic to be chosen in consultation with Dr. Kennedy. Themes will be chosen after Greece and can involve any one of the topics on the topical outline above, or another issue (economics, sociology, management) that interests the student. Dr. Kennedy 6

7 will provide an electronic store of reference articles that can be used to supplement library holdings and internet material The paper should be between 2000 and 2500 words long (4 to 5 single-spaced pages, not including images, 12-point type) and should be written clearly with every sentence contributing to the story being told. It should be thoroughly researched using whatever resources you can find. Be sure to reference all sources that you use. The paper will be due on Day A22 GRADING SCALE The following Grading Scale is used. Pass/Fail is not an option for Semester at Sea coursework. Note that C-, D+ and D- grades are also not assigned on Semester at Sea in accordance with the grading system at Colorado State University (the SAS partner institution). Pluses and minuses are awarded as follows on a 100% scale: Excellent Good Satisfactory/Poor Failing %: A %: A 90-93%: A %: B %: B 80-83%: B %: C %: C 60-69%: D Less than 60%: F ATTENDANCE/ENGAGEMENT IN THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM Attendance in all Semester at Sea classes is expected. Students must inform their instructor before any unanticipated absence and take the initiative to make up missed work in a timely fashion. Instructors must make reasonable efforts to enable students to make up work which must be accomplished under the instructor s supervision (e.g., examinations, field trips). In the event of a conflict in regard to this policy, individuals may appeal using established CSU procedures. LEARNING ACCOMMODATIONS Semester at Sea provides academic accommodations for students with diagnosed learning disabilities, in accordance with ADA guidelines. Students who will need accommodations in a class should contact ISE to discuss their individual needs. Any accommodation must be discussed in a timely manner prior to implementation. A memo from the student s home institution verifying the accommodations received on their home campus is required before any accommodation is provided on the ship. Students must submit this verification of accommodations pre-voyage as soon as possible, but no later than July 19, 2016 to academic@isevoyages.org. STUDENT CONDUCT CODE The foundation of a university is truth and knowledge, each of which relies in a fundamental manner upon academic integrity and is diminished significantly by academic misconduct. Academic integrity is conceptualized as doing and taking credit for one s own work. A pervasive attitude promoting academic integrity enhances the sense of community and adds value to the educational process. All within the University are affected by the cooperative commitment to academic integrity. All Semester at Sea courses adhere to this Academic Integrity Policy and Student Conduct Code. 7

8 Depending on the nature of the assignment or exam, the faculty member may require a written declaration of the following honor pledge: I have not given, received, or used any unauthorized assistance on this exam/assignment. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS DVDs: The Blue Planet - Seas of Life (5-disc Special Edition). Relevant segments of this excellent BBC production will be shown in class as well as on the ship s movie channel on appropriate evenings during the voyage DVD: National Geographic: Drain the Ocean - A virtual and reality-based scientific expedition to the deep, showing the ocean floor, hydrothermal vents, and associated animals. It will be shown on the ship s movie channel. DVD: The End of the Line A film on over-fishing and its effects on regions and fish stocks around the world. It will be shown on the ship s movie channel early in the voyage. RESERVE BOOKS AND FILMS FOR THE LIBRARY DVD material The Blue Planet - Seas of Life minute episodes The End of the Line minutes National Geographic: Drain the Ocean minutes ELECTRONIC COURSE MATERIALS Dr. Kennedy will download and bring to the ship a variety of electronic readings and videos that will be available In the electronic course folders ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Students are not expected to locate or employ resources beyond the text, supplemental materials, or DVDs mentioned above. However, if a student wants to bring in additional material (pamphlets, electronic material, etc.) that they uncover in port, that will be welcome. 8