STL 202 - Environmental Science of Estuaries and Coastal Systems

Coastal regions are critically important to the United States for their natural and economic resources. These narrow strips of coastal lands are also home to more than half of our population. In order to understand the importance of coastal systems, this course will examine the biological, chemical and physical processes that make these ecosystems so dynamic. Topics to be studied include geology, water chemistry, physical oceanography, climate, pollution, ecosystem dynamics, invasive species and endemic biota. It is only through the study of the interrelationships of these processes whereby one can achieve a complete understanding of why estuaries and coastal systems are some of the most productive ecosystems on earth and have great economic and societal value. Through the combination of lecture and laboratory activities students will enhance problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The course will focus on the Hudson River and Long Island Sound since these estuaries have played a central role in the historic, social and economic development of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. At the completion of the course, students will have an understanding of the interrelationship of coastal systems and the human population living in these regions.
Lecture
4 Credits
Prerequisite: STL 201