Measurements of fundamental ocean processes and parameters. Emphasizes understanding typical coastal and estuarine measurements their applications, and the use of acquired data in terms of the effects on structures and processes in the ocean.

The chemical processes that determine the composition of aquatic systems such as rivers, lakes, groundwater and the ocean. The goal is to quantitatively understand the behavior of inorganic species such as carbon dioxide, nutrients, trace metals and inorganic pollutants in natural waters. Topics include, acid-based equilibria, carbonate chemistry, reduction-oxidation reactions, organic complexation and mineral precipitation and dissolution. Lab. Prereq: one year college chemistry or geochemistry or permission.

Major geological features and processes of the ocean floor; geological and geophysical methods; composition of the earth, sedimentary processes, plate tectonics and paleoceanography.

Geospatial technologies provide insight into spatial and temporal aspects of environmental and earth systems. Students will master basic skills of a geographical information system. Weekly laboratory exercises will build upon a foundation of conceptual knowledge and data processing skills. Focus on applied research questions and projects will be addressed. The course will use the opensource program QGIS. Additional work will develop programming skills using the python language. Programming background is not a requirement but beneficial.