EAS 3555

Biological Oceanography and Ocean Biogeochemistry

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2016-2017.

The purpose of this course is to provide junior- and senior-level students with a background in biological oceanography and biogeochemistry of ocean systems. The format of the course is based on the relative abundance and biomass of marine organisms. Because unicellular organisms comprise the majority of living carbon in the ocean, and are essential to both elemental cycles and ecosystem function, the course will focus on bacteria, viruses, and phytoplankton in the ocean, and their roles in marine food webs. The course will also cover higher trophic levels (plants through cetaceans), especially their interactions with lower trophic levels in both food webs and as pathogens. Finally, the course will address nutrient and microbial pollution in context of a changing climate. This course will equip students with foundations for further courses in ocean sciences and environmental dynamics.

When Offered Spring.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: introductory biology for majors; BIOEE 1610 or permission of instructor.

Distribution Category (PBS-AS)

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