Module GEOL1071: THE OCEANS

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL1071: THE OCEANS

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To introduce physical, chemical, biological and geological principles and their importance in controlling the oceans and associated natural systems.
• To expose students to the importance of the oceans in shaping and controlling life and climate on earth.
• To instruct students in the methods of investigation used in oceanographic sciences.

Content

• Introduction: Context; Basic ocean morphology; Plate tectonics.
• Ocean Basins and the Physics of the Oceans: Physical properties (temperature, salinity, density, acoustic velocity), Measurement techniques (experimental design) Fluid dynamics, Heat transfer and Mass Conservation Characteristic timescales of a system.
• Ocean Chemistry: The origin of ocean chemistry - major sources and sinks: continental weathering, hydrothermal systems, the atmosphere, deposition, residence times and simple box models. Ocean carbon cycling - atmospheric exchange, rates of exchange, mineral equilibria, acid/base equilibria. Metals in the Oceans - the Fe/Mn system, redox equilibria and speciation. Nutrients in the Oceans - Redfield ration, nutrient limitation.
• Oceans and Other Terrestrial Systems: Sedimentation - sources, environments, rates. Ocean - atmosphere interaction. Climate change - ocean controls and the deep sea record.
• Life and the Oceans Environment: Energy and life; marine biosphere, ecology and diversity. Process and timescales of biological carbon and silica cycling in the marine environment.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the physical, chemical biological and geological principles necessary for understanding modern and ancient ocean systems.
• Be familiar with ocean systems and their control on the ocean environment.
• Become aware of developing issues in oceanography.

• Work as part of a group towards common goal.
• Document personal learning experience.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Classroom teaching will comprise three-hour teaching slots of lecture and practical activities. These will convey and allow discussion of basic principles and knowledge, and will be supported by handouts and directed reading.
• Practical work and fieldwork (on coastal environments) are important components of the module allowing "hands on" learning and experience, best fulfilling the learning outcomes. For this reason, Summative assessment will comprise practical tests to examine the breadth of curriculum knowledge while research, teamwork and presentation key skills will be developed and tested through group project work. An unseen test of knowledge and practical skills will test breadth of understanding and supporting theory.
• Students will keep a lab - book/learning diary to document their learning proceeds. Formative assessment will be provided by web - and IT-based tests. Guidance on preparation, key and exam skills are provided.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Practical exercise, IT-based assessment.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University