OCEAN 201 Introduction to Oceanography Lab

Ocean 201 is a 2-credit companion lab course for Ocean 200.  It is open to both majors and non-majors.

In this course you will have the opportunity to experiment with oceanographic concepts through laboratory and field experiences, and learn about the scientific method of inquiry as it applies to the study of geology, physics, chemistry, and biology of the ocean.  We emphasize topics that explore current challenges faced by the ocean and its ecosystem.   

Each week’s activities are designed to highlight a fundamental question in ocean research that is covered in Ocean 200. Through these activities you will learn how we develop a scientific appreciation for the world we inhabit. You will also gain the skills necessary to communicate your knowledge to others. Most importantly, at the end of this class, we hope you will be able to read lay reports of scientific studies and think critically about how the study was designed and what the results really mean. In other words, you will understand how we do science and will therefore have a better appreciation of the role that science plays in your everyday life.