Course

“There are no passengers on Spaceship Earth. We are all crew.” Marshall McLuhan.

Students will board the USS Cyber, a virtual oceanographic research vessel modeled after the flagship of NOAA’s fleet for a sail that begins in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, and ends in San Diego, California. As the crew of the ship, students will perform scientific experiments and collect data that will teach them about the geology, chemistry, and physics of the ocean. From the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia to the Caribbean and Antarctica, from the coral reefs to the hydrothermal vent communities deep in the ocean, students will make observations about the sea’s ecosystems and the sometimes-unexpected life within them. There are no traditional tests. Students are expected to participate fully as members of the expedition. If you have ever wondered what it might be like to go to sea, pack your bags, and join us.

This is a survey course covering the basics of physical oceanography and marine biology presented in a fun and engaging format. There are no traditional tests. Students will be graded on their weekly assignments, which will include both individual and group projects. In lieu of a midterm or final exam, students will be expected to complete a major individual project each term. There will be a strong multimedia component to the course, and students will have the opportunity to choose from reading assignments that meet their comfort level.