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Coastal Biogeochemistry - GEOL 383M
Dr. Johnathan Schmitkons - Binghamton University
Course Description:
Even as human population and coastal infrastructure continue to increase, effects of global climate change such as fluctuating sea levels and the increased frequency and intensity of storm events exert severe pressures on these unique, natural systems. This course explores the anthropogenic impacts on natural, biogeochemical cycles in coastal systems. Emphasis will be placed on atmospheric and hydrologic pollution sources and their resultant deposition and movement through the hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.
This will be accomplished through the collection, analysis, and interpretation of environmental samples. Small groups will focus on developing a testable hypothesis to explain observed patterns and then designing an experiment to test that hypothesis.
Marketable Skills Gained from This Course:
By the end of this course, you will:
1. Know/Understand: (Knowledge)
2. Be Able To: (Skills)
3. Have Created: (Products)
Approximate Amount of Course Time Spent in Field:
50%
Prerequisites:
TBA
Required Textbook or Supplies:
Number of Students:
14
2026 Chincoteague Bay Field Station Fee*:
3 week course; housing and meals included
Salicornia: $1,925
Traditional: $1,770
Fees are subject to change at the discretion of the board of directors
* Does not include university tuition or fees. For specific policy on CBFS fees, click HERE.
Even as human population and coastal infrastructure continue to increase, effects of global climate change such as fluctuating sea levels and the increased frequency and intensity of storm events exert severe pressures on these unique, natural systems. This course explores the anthropogenic impacts on natural, biogeochemical cycles in coastal systems. Emphasis will be placed on atmospheric and hydrologic pollution sources and their resultant deposition and movement through the hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.
This will be accomplished through the collection, analysis, and interpretation of environmental samples. Small groups will focus on developing a testable hypothesis to explain observed patterns and then designing an experiment to test that hypothesis.
Marketable Skills Gained from This Course:
- Experience with experimental design
- Proficiency in field sampling protocol for atmospheric deposition, water, soil, and plants
- Calibration, deployment, and data collection with chemical sensors and sondes
- Field note-taking
- Data analysis
- Science Communication
By the end of this course, you will:
1. Know/Understand: (Knowledge)
- Biogeochemical cycles including (but not limited to) water, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur cycles
- The concept of mass balance
- How to use and construct systems diagrams
2. Be Able To: (Skills)
- Discover, understand, and discuss primary research literature and evaluate the validity of hypotheses generated by others
- Generate testable scientific hypotheses
- Devise, apply, and optimize research plans, protocols and/or techniques to answer questions and/or test hypotheses
- Collect and analyze research data to evaluate an outcome and interpret whether or not more iteration is required to sufficiently answer a question
- Develop professional skills including time management, teamwork, flexibility, perseverance, and problem-solving
3. Have Created: (Products)
- A research poster that communicate your research project and findings effectively for specific and general audiences
Approximate Amount of Course Time Spent in Field:
50%
Prerequisites:
TBA
Required Textbook or Supplies:
- A field notebook (can be as simple as a $1 composition notebook)
Number of Students:
14
2026 Chincoteague Bay Field Station Fee*:
3 week course; housing and meals included
Salicornia: $1,925
Traditional: $1,770
Fees are subject to change at the discretion of the board of directors
* Does not include university tuition or fees. For specific policy on CBFS fees, click HERE.
