GS 151 Marine Environmental Systems

Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Credits: 4

Investigates a variety of environmental issues facing the world’s oceans, including ocean acidification, sea level rise, melting Arctic sea ice, creation of dead zones, mining and drilling in the ocean, overfishing, invasive species, and more. Emphasis placed on the role of humans in causing physical or chemical changes in the oceans that negatively impact marine life. Also explores solutions and methods to mitigate impacts through field experiences and case studies.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 or completion of WR 090 with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Explain the basic interactions between ocean chemistry, geology, and biology.
Understand root causes for industrialization of the oceans and analyze the impacts of industrialization on marine life.
Identify the main geologic features in the oceans and connect these to ocean drilling, mining, and energy generation.
Describe and evaluate the relationship between increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and sea level rise, ocean acidification, and changes in ocean circulation patterns and storm events.
Identify the various sources of pollution in the ocean and contrast the implications of these different types of pollution on marine and human life
Examine coastal development at global and local scales and evaluate methods to mitigate its effects on marine and human populations
Conduct hands-on explorations of the topics pertaining to this class
Explore a stretch of the Oregon coast, document anthropogenic changes in hardscapes and pollution and apply this information and its effects on intertidal and human populations
Articulate the cause and effects for an environmental issue threatening our oceans and examine potential solutions through an existing case study.
Apply the lens of sustainability to each of the topics and identify both potential and practical solutions to each of these issues facing our oceans.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Gather, comprehend, and communicate scientific and technical information to explore ideas, models, and solutions and generate further questions.
Apply scientific and technical modes of inquiry, individually, and collaboratively, to critically evaluate existing or alternative explanations, solve problems, and make evidence-based decisions in an ethical manner.
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of scientific studies and critically examine the influence of scientific and technical knowledge on human society and the environment.

Content Outline

Introduction to Marine Ecosystems
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Biology
Impacts of Ocean Industrialization
- Overfishing
- Endangered and invasive species
- Drilling, mining, and energy generation
Impacts of Climate Change
- Sea level rise
- Ocean acidification
- Changing circulation patterns and storm events
Impacts of Pollution
- Chemical pollution
- Physical pollution
- Noise, thermal and light pollution
- Increased ocean temperature
Impacts of Coastal Development
Laboratory Exercises
- Overfishing case study
- Ocean geology and mining
- Physical properties of sea water
- Ocean acidification
- Coral reef case study
- Biogeochemical cycles (nitrogen and phosphorus) and bioaccumulation
- Plastics in the ocean
- Light and Noise Pollution
- Student presentations
Field Trip
- Explores fish hatchery, pollution, invasive and endangered species, and anthropogenic coastal geomorphology