Observing the Ocean: Measurements and Instrumentation
ESE 135
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
Is the ocean warming? Where and why is sea level rising? Where does the freshwater from Arctic ice melting go? Using real-world examples, this course will provide an overview of why and how we measure the ocean, focusing primarily on its physical properties. It will cover sensors, instruments and platforms, best field practices in data collection and calibration, fieldwork organization implementation, and ocean data analysis. During the course, students will build, test and calibrate an ocean profiling instrument. Students will participate in a one-day research cruise where they will collect data using both the instruments they built and other traditional oceanographic instruments.
Course Notes
This course includes a mandatory weekly 2+ hour lab in Allston and 1-2 one-day field trips. Students are required to enroll in the lab in order to take the course. ESE 135 is also offered as EPS 135. Students may not take both for credit.
Recommended Prep
The course is designed for upper-level undergraduates. There are no specific prerequisites but background in environmental or physical sciences; experience in coding (Python, R, or Matlab) or statistical analysis is recommended.
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
NOTE: This course requires additional sections; you will be prompted to choose secondary components during the Add to Cart process
