F1ES 4110 - Major Oceanic Environmental Challenges : A Multi-Disciplinary Scientific Perspective

The Earth is covered at 71% by the Ocean which represents the largest reservoir of water, heat and life on the planet. The ocean has the greatest capacity to absorb the excess CO2 and warming and is a key component for global economy and coastal populations. Due to many anthropogenic activities (greenhouse gases emissions, land use, exploitation of marine resources…), the ocean is encountering dramatic changes at regional and global scales that create significant feedbacks on the Earth’s system functioning as well as many impacts for human societies. In this course the students will gain an integrated view of the scientific concepts behind the major challenges the ocean is currently facing as reported by IPCC and IPBES and their relations with physics (ocean circulation and climate), chemistry (acidification, deoxygenation and carbon cycle) and marine life (from ecosystems to fisheries, biodiversity and conservation.

Learning Outcomes:

• Describe the main characteristics of the ocean
• Explain the key role of the ocean for global climate and biodiversity
• Explain the main physical, chemical and ecological threats that the ocean is currently facing
• Distinguish the different anthropogenic causes of these changes
• Examine their global and/or regional impacts on ecosystems and societies

Professional Skills:

• Work in team of 2-4 in an international context
• Prepare a short class to be given to their peer
• Produce a written communication document toward policy makers / large public to raise awareness on a regional threat in the ocean
• Describe how IPCC and IPBES reports are structured and use them taking into consideration their predictions and uncertainties

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Detailed evaluation criteria grids for flipped class and leaflet are given well before the deadlines and given back afterwards filled with comments. Corrections of short exams are provided.

The evaluation will be based on:

(i) oral presentations following flipped classroom approach (15%): before the class a group of students will prepare and present a part of the course that will then be discussed

(ii) short exams (e.g. quiz, short questions) will be made to check understanding of the previous classes (3x15%)

(iii) each group of 3 students will choose a regional / local issue in relation with the marine environment and prepare a leaflet (size B5) to raise awareness of the public or policy-makers (40%)

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 3 hours a week / 36 hours a semester
• Research and Preparation for Group Work: 3 hours a week / 36 hours a semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester