Program description

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Découvrez les pionniers et les innovateurs à l'origine de la création et de la vision de l'observatoire océanique national du Canada.

This course focuses on ocean topics involving human impacts on the ocean that are of particular relevance to society, and is designed for non-science and science students.

Cours sur la compréhension de l’océan

# Overview 
As oceanography is a highly interdisciplinary science, understanding the oceans requires linking elements of chemistry, physics, biology, and geology. Beginning with a series of core lectures that provide a basic introduction to oceanography, the course continues with a series of thematic modules, each focused on an ocean issue of societal concern and exploring how technology is allowing us to better understand the ocean.

Module topics include earthquakes and tsunamis, ocean pollution, deoxygenation, and climate change, as well as an introduction to university-community engagement and science communication. An active learning approach is taken in the modules, including small‐group work, discussions, and other in‐class activities. The course culminates in a research paper and realistic action plan with respect to an ocean topic of the student’s choosing.

The course is offered annually from September to December at the University of Victoria (course code: [EOS 350](https://www.uvic.ca/calendar/future/undergrad/#/courses/ryhhmOaQV?bc=true&bcCurrent=&bcCurrent=Understanding%20the%20Oceans&bcItemType=courses)) and is currently classroom-based. The course is co-taught with members of ONC’s Science team and is intended for non-science or science students (minimum second-year standing) with an interest in learning more about the ocean and a desire to foster positive change on ocean issues. 

## Learning objectives
 
The primary objective of this course is to engage students in thinking about issues of societal relevance that involve the ocean and how scientists are addressing these issues in the 21st century. An understanding of these issues, how they arise, and of the fundamentals of oceanography is important if students wish to participate in their communities as informed, ocean literate citizens.

### Contact information:<br />
For questions regarding this program, please contact [Dr. Dave Riddell](mailto:riddelld@uvic.ca), Post-Secondary Education Coordinator