FRS 001BB — Sec. 001 — (1 unit) — CRN 73905— W 9:00-10:50am — 25 Wellman
Coastal Oceanography of the Marin and Sonoma Coasts

Instructor: John Largier, Department of Environmental Science & Policy, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Description: This course will provide an introduction to the ocean waters off the Marin and Sonoma Counties, from Golden Gate north to Point Arena. The focus is on physical oceanography – how and why the water moves through the action of winds, tides, waves, and river flow. However, this material will be related to ecological and environmental issues, such as coastal pollution, marine protected areas, and fisheries. Attention will be given to coastal upwelling, estuaries, surfzone, bays, and river plumes. The aim of the course is to introduce students to coastal oceanography and the diversity of coastal ocean environments in the vicinity of Bodega Marine Laboratory.

Format: The seminar will meet 5 times (Wednesdays 5/11, 5/18, 5/25, 6/1 and Saturday 5/21). The Wednesday sessions will be for two hours and the Saturday session will be all day (field trip to the coast, departing 8am and returning 6pm). The time will be divided between lectures, discussion of readings, field work, and analysis of field data. There is no text for the course – readings will be assigned and these will form the basis for class discussions. Grading: Students will be required to prepare a short paper (5 to 7 pages) on a topic to be chosen in consultation with the instructor. The course grade will be based on the written paper (50%) and on the quality of their participation in class activities (50%).

About the Instructor: John Largier is on the faculty in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy, and resident at Bodega Marine Lab. His research interests include (i) coastal oceanography and ecology in upwelling systems and (ii) coastal oceanography, pollution and environmental quality.