SIO145

SIO 145 (Field Methods in Biological Oceanography) is a 6-credit lab course for SIO Marine Biology undergraduates. These day cruises aboard R/V Sproul will offer students a hands-on opportunity to work at sea and gain a better understanding of how to use oceanographic sampling equipment and conduct oceanographic field research. In addition, cruises on the Sproul will provide students with an opportunity to collect data and samples that are needed to develop quarter-long lab projects. The goals of the cruise are to (1) demonstrate the different types of instrumentation used to study biological oceanography, including a CTD, Isaacs-Kidd Midwater Trawl, and plankton tows, (2) generate hydrographic data illustrating the oceanographic conditions of our sampling location(s) (e.g., thermocline, oxygen minimum zone), (3) visualize and recover zooplankton and micronekton characteristic of the southern California Current Ecosystem, (4) examine zooplankton and micronekton community composition, and (5) provide at-sea experience to students along with detailed explanations of ship operations and facilities. Work will be conducted in and around the San Diego Trough.