MSCI 599 / 758: Marine Data Science with R
This course provides a hands-on, project-oriented introduction to current approaches for research in marine science, ecology and environmental science. While components of the course will include statistics, exploratory data analyses, and the R programming language, it assumes no prior experience with programming. Material targets early career graduate students (MS/PhD/MEERM) and upper class undergraduates interested in pursuing research. Students complete an individual research project to showcase their skills. Course topics:
At the end of the class, students collaborate to investigate a real-world societal problem that may fall outside the realm of marine science. Results and visualizations are shared with the community. 2021 Project: Food Scarcity in South Carolina 2022 Project: Waterbody Impairment in South Carolina |
Artwork by @allison_horst
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MSCI 311: Biology of Marine Organisms
This class takes an organism-focused approach to exploring topics in biological oceanography. By the end of semester, students should be able to:
In one assignment, students are encouraged to draft letters to public officials explaining a marine conservation issue and advocating for solutions to mitigate human impacts to marine ecosystems. This exercise introduces a time-honored technique for civic engagement and empowers students to become active citizens in their community. A subset of the letters written in Fall 2021 are available in the Climate Theme Semester student project gallery.
This class takes an organism-focused approach to exploring topics in biological oceanography. By the end of semester, students should be able to:
- Describe and discuss the organisms involved in the cycling of materials and energy through marine food webs
- Describe the growth and reproduction of marine protists, plants, and animals at cellular and organismal scales
- Understand the underpinnings of marine organism growth, reproduction, and adaptation
- Develop an operational understanding of data analysis tools, including Excel and ‘R’ programs
- Identify major environmental concerns and the ocean’s role in global climate change
In one assignment, students are encouraged to draft letters to public officials explaining a marine conservation issue and advocating for solutions to mitigate human impacts to marine ecosystems. This exercise introduces a time-honored technique for civic engagement and empowers students to become active citizens in their community. A subset of the letters written in Fall 2021 are available in the Climate Theme Semester student project gallery.