MSCI 610 - Effects of Global Change on Modern Marine Systems

Fall (2-3) Canuel, Smith

The course will explore the recent literature highlighting effects of climate and global change on various aspects of marine systems including (but not limited to) biogeochemical cycling, ecosystem structure and function, alterations in ocean chemistry, and physical processes such as polar and glacial ice melting, ocean circulation and sea level rise. The course is designed as a 2-credit course. Students will be evaluated primarily on the basis of the quality and organization of the class discussion they lead (including a short introductory background presentation), as well as participation in all other class discussions. In addition, a short (5 pages) critical writing assignment assessing the effectiveness of one or more recently published papers on impacts of global change in marine systems will be required. A 3-credit option may be made available to students who wish to undertake more detailed independent study of a particular topic in the form of additional readings and a research term paper.