Course Description

Computerized databases of environmental parameters, available either from local repositories or via the Internet from large data centers, have become critical tools to study problems related to the Earth system and to climate changes. These data sets, collected through a variety of methods, including satellite sensors, ships, aircrafts, sounding balloons, and land-based stations, are now providing a global coverage of the Earth. However, interpreting these measurements and understanding their limitations are often complicated. Introducing students to these new tools has become a necessity. This course will be available to senior students meeting the prerequisites, and is be a required course for all Global Environmental Science (GES) majors.

Purpose of the Class

The main objectives of this course will be to expose students to state-of-the-art global earth system databases, to review the instrumentation used to collect the data, to introduce them to relevant geostatistical analysis methods, and to prepare them to use these techniques in their own research or career. To that effect, lectures on the techniques of environmental data collection will be given and students will conduct small research projects working on computerized data sets.

Additional objectives are to train students with the linux operating system and data analysis and display using various tools, e.g., python, QGIS, GMT and Matlab. All projects will be run on the department computers (running linux), and output will be posted to students’ wiki pages. In addition, students will learn to evaluate and debate scientific concepts, and to formulate and test their own hypotheses in the course of their projects. These additional objectives are emphasized as they constitute an important training for the senior research paper required for the Bachelor of Science in Global Environmental Science degree.

Organization

The class will consist of twice-weekly, 75-minute sessions, with (approximately) one day devoted to lectures, and one day to lab sessions where students can work on computers under the direction of the professor(s) and teaching assistant.

The students will have access to the computer facilities of the University of Hawaii (UH) School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), and the course will use the Marine Sciences computer teaching laboratory.

Credit and Level

This will be a 3-credit course, with 150 minutes/week of lecture and discussion. It will be taught at the 400 level. Prerequisites: Math-242, OCN-310, OCN-310L, or consent of instructor.

Evaluation

Students will be evaluated on weekly homework assignments (20%), three exams (25% each), and class participation will also be taken into account (5%). Homework assignments must be submitted in class on the due date to receive full credit. Assignments turned in one class session after the due date will receive an automatic 20% reduction. No assignments overdue by more than one class session will be accepted unless prior arrangements have been made.

Adherence to Student Conduct Code

Students are reminded to adhere to the rules set forth in the Student Conduct Code, and not engage in cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty. Those found to violate the rules will receive a failing grade and be reported to the Office of Judicial Affairs.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of OCN/GES 463 a student should be able to: * Work with a wide array of geophysical data, including identify the data type and appropriate tool for analysis and/or display. * Write computer-readable scripts (programs) to perform analysis on large data sets. * Understand different oceanographic/atmospheric data collection methods and their associated limitations and applicability.

Student Learning: Title IX, Sexual Discrimination or Harassment

The University of Hawai’i is committed to providing a learning, working and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect and is free of all forms of sex discrimination and gender-based violence, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these, the University has staff and resources on your campus to support and assist you. Staff can also direct you to resources that are in the community. Here are some of your options:

As members of the University faculty, your instructors are required to immediately report any incident of potential sex discrimination or gender-based violence to the campus Title IX Coordinator. Although the Title IX Coordinator and your instructors cannot guarantee confidentiality, you will still have options about how your case will be handled. Our goal is to make sure you are aware of the range of options available to you and have access to the resources and support you need.

If you wish to remain ANONYMOUS, speak with someone CONFIDENTIALLY, or would like to receive information and support in a CONFIDENTIAL setting, contact the Title IX office directly (Hawaiʻi Hall 124, 2500 Campus Road (808) 956-2299) or use the confidential resources available here: http://www.manoa.hawaii.edu/titleix/resources.html#confidential

If you wish to directly REPORT an incident of sex discrimination or gender-based violence including sexual assault, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking as well as receive information and support, contact: Dee Uwono Title IX Coordinator (808) 956-2299 t9uhm@hawaii.edu