We are looking for students interested in the UW Sea-Going Research and Discovery course (OCEAN 411). This at-sea course will provide you direct participation on a global-class research ship using a state-of the-art underwater robotic vehicle (ROV). The expedition will take place July 4 to August 7, 2015 aboard the 274-foot R/V Thomas G. Thompson and will utilize the ROV ROPOS. We will be working at depths of up to 9000 ft beneath the ocean’s surface and at sites that include methane seeps off the Oregon margin; Axial Seamount (the largest and most active submarine volcano off our coast); active hydrothermal vents hosting novel animal and microbial communities, and along coastal environments off Newport, Oregon. There are no prerequisites for this class – it is open to all students. Accepted students will sail in the summer and register for 3 credits Fall 2015.
During the one- to three-week time periods at sea, you will work alongside experienced scientists, engineers, and ship’s crew members to gain at-sea research and sea-going experience using advanced oceanographic research instruments and vehicles. You will conduct your own research projects using data collected with some of these tools. The course will emphasize the importance of science communication during your time at sea and you will have the opportunity to complete your research and/or outreach projects fall quater.
As a member of this oceanographic expedition and class, you will be taking part in maintenance of the US’s high-power and high-bandwidth cabled ocean observatory, the Cabled Array (www.interactiveoceans.washington.edu) funded by the National Science Foundation as part of the Ocean Observatories Initiative. You will be participating in a truly groundbreaking effort to transform the kind of science and exploration that we can do in the world’s oceans.
Submit the application provided on this web site via email by April 24, 2015 to Dr. Deb Kelley (dskelley@uw.edu)
or drop off at Rm 261, Ocean Teaching Building.