SDG Detail

F&ES 734 Biological Oceanography

Postgraduate course

Project description

This course explores a range of oceanic ecosystems and how these environments function as coupled physical/biological systems. Solar energy drives the structuring of the oceans in the vertical dimension, and the formation of both deep and surface currents. These currents are the means by which heat and material are redistributed and are the determinants of where nutrients are available for support of primary production. The currents and other physical processes also determine the distribution and abundance of organisms from phytoplankton to fish and whales. Anthropogenic impacts on oceans are also explored, such as the effects of fishing and climate change. This natural science course provides a foundation for those interested in the ecology of marine systems and in the management of coastal zones. Enrollment limited to fifteen.