The Ocean, the Atmosphere & Our Climate (106-0-1)
Instructors
James H. Harris
Meeting Info
Technological Institute F285: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
Earth's ocean and atmosphere form a connected, dynamic system that redistributes energy and water around the planet, shapes weather and climate, influences coastlines and ecosystems, and affects human societies. This course explores the physical, chemical, geological, and biological processes that govern the ocean-atmosphere system and examines how those processes operate across local and global scales. Topics include ocean and atmospheric circulation, waves and coasts, climate variability and change, and human impacts on aquatic environments. Lake Michigan and the Northwestern shoreline serve as a recurring local laboratory for connecting observations and environmental data with processes operating in the world's oceans.
Learning Objectives
Students will develop an interdisciplinary understanding of the ocean-atmosphere-climate system and its connections to the Earth system and human society. Students will learn to explain major controls on ocean and atmospheric circulation, weather and climate, waves, sediment transport, and coastal change; interpret environmental observations, maps, graphs, and datasets; evaluate scientific claims and evidence; locate and use credible scientific sources; and communicate Earth science to both academic and non-specialist audiences.
Teaching Method
Lectures, laboratory investigations, demonstrations, field observations along the Northwestern lakefront, and guided analysis and interpretation of environmental data. Laboratory activities introduce students to scientific observation, data visualization, and evidence-based reasoning using structured exercises and provided workflows. No prior university-level Earth science, programming, or data-analysis experience is required.
Evaluation Method
Four laboratory investigations constitute approximately half of the final grade. Additional evaluation includes a small number of short in-class assessments and an individual research/science-communication project developed through a series of checkpoints during the quarter. Students may complete the final project as either a conventional research paper or a public-facing science article for a non-specialist audience. There is no traditional midterm or final examination.
Class Materials (Required)
There is no required textbook. Course materials will be provided through Canvas. Optional reference texts and supplementary resources are freely available online, including D. A. Segar, Introduction to Ocean Sciences, 6th ed. (2026), available through Geosciences LibreTexts. Additional readings, datasets, videos, and other resources may be provided during the quarter.
Class Notes
This course is designed to be accessible to students from all majors and backgrounds; no prior university-level Earth science, programming, or data-analysis experience is required. The course includes field activities along the Northwestern lakefront during scheduled class and laboratory time, including some activities on sandy or uneven shoreline surfaces. Students are encouraged to bring a laptop to laboratory sessions involving data analysis, but necessary workflows and instructions will be provided and no prior experience with scientific software is expected.
Class Attributes
Natural Sciences Foundational Discipline
SoC Mathematics, Science, and Technology Distro
Associated Classes
LAB - Technological Institute F389: Wed 1:00PM - 2:50PM
LAB - Technological Institute F389: Wed 3:00PM - 4:50PM