Introduction to Ocean Science and Polar Research 4030-ItOSPR
The course is divided into the modulus, each with a short lecture introduction, time for discussion and interaction, and sometimes invited experts' contributions. exercises tasks for participants. There are 10 meetings for 3 h. Thematic sessions will include:
1. “Sea of knowledge” – introductions, an overview of exploration history, systematic frame for further studies, current challenges & „At high seas” – about ocean science in practice, research vessels, case studies from own experience
2. “Baltic – sea as no other” – essential features of the Baltic Sea, its uniqueness; introduction to modelling and basics of marine biology
3. “Sea chemistry” – basics of the discipline
4. “Chemistry in the sea” – current challenges and threats; ocean pollution
5. „Marine microplastics” – brainstorming and q&a session
6. “Warm Thought about Cold Waters” – history of Arctic exploration, its definition, biogeography, and current issues
7. „Terra Australis Incognita” – Antarctic in a nutshell
8. “My perspective” – curiosities, own interests, sailing experience, sail training, the ocean in the literature and visual arts
9. Conference 1 (presentations and quiz)
10. Conference 2 (presentations and quiz)
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Objectives and teaching results can be summarized as following:
- to enlarge one's knowledge about the ocean and polar regions (K_U02, K_W02, K_W07)
- to present the threats and challenges in environmental protection of those areas (K_W02)
- to provide a solid physical, chemical and biological basis for understanding and modelling processes (K_W07, K_W09)
- to promote the interdisciplinary approach to resolving problems, and be able to discuss and argument (K_K01,02,06, K_U03, 04,07,10)
- to engage in actions in favour of the protection of ocean and polar regions (K_W10),
- to enhance interest in citizen science activities (K_U03, 04,07,10),
- to inspire by curiosities and examples from life experience (K_W09),
- to practice brief presentations/short speeches (“pitch-lift” type) (K_U10)
Assessment criteria
Assessment is based on 3 types of participants' contributions:
- Active participation in course and discussion during meetings, preparation of short homeworks and mini-projects (20%)
- Presentation at the selected topic for the final conference (10%) and active participation in discussion and feedback-giving to the presenter (10%)
- Quiz (and its short discussion if needed) of knowledge from the course (60%)
All details will be clarified at the first lecture, as well as terms of special benefits for the most active partecipants and best presenters.
Practical placement
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Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: