SEA Semester

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  • CAS NS 221: Oceanography
    A survey of the characteristics and processes of the global ocean. Oceanographic concepts are introduced and developed from their bases in biology, physics, chemistry, and geology.
  • CAS NS 222: Maritime Studies
    A multidisciplinary study of the history, literature, and art of our maritime heritage, and the political and economic problems of contemporary maritime affairs.
  • CAS NS 223: Nautical Science
    An introduction to the technologies of operation at sea. The concepts of navigation (piloting, celestial, and electronic), naval architecture, ship construction, marine engineering systems, and the physics of sail are taught from their bases in astronomy, mathematics, and physics.
  • CAS NS 224: Practical Oceanographic Research
    Provides students with knowledge of the equipment and methodology used in the study of the oceans. Each student collects and analyzes data in support of a research project in a selected aspect of oceanography aboard the SEA sailing research vessels.
  • CAS NS 320: Ocean Science and Public Policy
    Examines the connections among science, culture, and marine related public policy. Through a case study of a single policy issue, explores the power, use, and limitations of science and the scientist's voice in determining ocean policy.
  • CAS NS 321: Oceans in the Global Carbon Cycle
    An exmination of the role of the oceans in the climate system, addressing topics such as the global carbon cycle, the thermohaline circulation, and aspects of global change including warming and sea level rise.
  • CAS NS 322: Maritime History and Culture
    Examines the impact of maritime ventures on the societies they contacted. Focus on the resulting social, political, economic, and cultural changes in the Atlantic and Pacific, and on responses documented in the post-Colonial literature of indigenous people.
  • CAS NS 323: Marine Environmental History
    Sources and methods of the historian are used to examine the role of human societies in environmental change in the oceans and coastal regions, including overfishing, pollution, invasive species, and climate change.
  • CAS NS 450: Advanced Topics in Biological Oceanography
    In-depth treatment of a single topic in biological oceanography. Extensive review of classical and contemporary literature. Introduction and practice of current laboratory techniques. Oral presentation and research paper required. Topics may include marine plankton ecology, biodiversity, and satellite oceanography.
  • CAS NS 460: Advanced Ocean Policy Research
    Advanced policy research focusing on a topic of current importance. Emphasis on theoretical concepts, research methods, and communication. Requires critical review paper, original research, final report, and final presentation. Projected topics include fisheries, biodiversity, marine spatial planning, and cultural heritage.
  • XAS NS 225: Practical Oceanography 1
    Introduces tools and techniques of the practicing oceanographer. Daily lectures and watch-standing familiarize students with the operation of basic oceanographic equipment; methodologies involved in collection, reduction, and analysis of oceanographic data; and attendant operations of a sailing oceanographic research vessel.
  • XAS NS 226: Practical Oceanography 2
    Responsible directly to the chief scientist and captain for safe and orderly conduct of oceanographic research activities, students assume increasing responsibility for oceanographic functions and related ship operations. Students complete an individual research project designed during the shore component.
  • XAS NS 324: Oceanographic Field Methods
    Covers operating principles of, and safe deployment and recovery techniques for, modern oceanographic sampling instruments. Students conduct shipboard laboratory research, analyze oceanographic data, and operate a fully equipped laboratory at sea.
  • XAS NS 325: Directed Research in Oceans and Climate
    An original research project in oceanography--data collection, on-board analysis, and final presentation of student-designed project--is completed under the guidance of the Chief Scientist on board the vessel from which the data is gathered.

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