EASC1102 Marine Sciences

2019

4.5

5 x 3-hour practicals per semester
5 x 2-hour computer labs per semester
12 x 5-hour independent studies per semester
10 x 1-hour on-line exercises per semester
3 x 1-hour on-line lectures weekly

Knowledge of Year 12 Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry is desirable

Examination, Practical Exercises, Key Competency Tests

This topic has no formal prerequisites and is open to all students with some basic knowledge, appreciation of, and interest in, the Earth's environments and how they function and interact.

The topic will: provide an overview of the processes which determine the state of the atmosphere and the ocean and an introduction to marine life; describe our planetary environment and the governing cycles and processes which control its behaviour; describe the processes and phenomena which directly affect the nature and behaviour of the fluid Earth, namely, the composition of the atmosphere and of seawater, the balance of forces which controls winds, ocean currents and waves in both media and their role in climate; describe the natural atmospheric and oceanic processes which impact on recreational use and conservation; let students appreciate the importance of scientific understanding of physical processes in ocean and atmosphere and the forces behind them for environmental pollution and management problems.

This topic aims to develop within students an understanding of the unifying principles and processes which are critical in understanding both the evolution and behaviour of the planet Earth with a particular focus on aspects relating to the ocean and the atmosphere.

At the completion of the topic, students are expected to be able to:

1. Provide an overview of the processes which determine the state of the atmosphere and the ocean and their dynamics
2. Describe our planetary environment and the governing cycles and processes which control its behaviour
3. Describe the processes and phenomena which directly affect the nature and behaviour of the "fluid" Earth, namely, the composition of the atmosphere and of seawater, the balance of forces which controls winds, ocean currents and waves in both media, and their role in climate
4. Describe the natural atmospheric and oceanic processes which impact on recreational use and conservation
5. Appreciate the importance of scientific understanding of physical processes in ocean and atmosphere and the forces behind them for environmental pollution and management problems