Course Coordinators
Dr. Derya Akkaynak, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa and The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat.
Lecturer
מכל מוסדות ההשכלה הגבוהה בארץ.
Course Brief Description
A 6-day course at the Interuniversity Institute in Eilat (IUI). The course includes lectures, labs and analysis of data students will collect at sea.
This is an entry-level course in oceanography, with a broader emphasis on ocean science and marine engineering, focused on the Red Sea. Designed for students with little or no prior background in the field, the course begins with a foundational overview of key oceanographic principles, including physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes that govern the world’s oceans. Following this introduction, the course will narrow its focus to the Red Sea, with particular attention to the Gulf of Eilat/Aqaba. This region serves as a natural laboratory for studying oceanic processes due to its unique geographic, climatic, and ecological characteristics. Through lectures and hands-on lab activities, students will explore the factors that have shaped the Gulf's current state and the dynamic processes influencing its future. The course will also spotlight cutting-edge research initiatives in the Red Sea, including recent discoveries and methodological approaches used by ocean scientists (many of the at the IUI). Students will gain exposure to real-world research tools and techniques, and some will have the opportunity to participate directly in ongoing investigations, providing practical experience in the field of oceanography.
Key topics covered in the course:
Introduction to the science of oceanography and ocean & engineering.
Introduction to methods
Introduction to the IUI and the research done at the IUI.
The unique system of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Eilat/Aqaba.
What are the processes that shape the biotic and aquatic environment of this sea?
How oceanography, ecology, and biology are influenced by global and local processes.
Course structure:
• Lectures (18 hrs)
• Practical exercises, labs and demonstrations on the following subjects (30 hrs)
• Guided snorkeling (6 hrs).
• Student presentations (14 hrs).
Grading structure:
Timeliness and lecture attendance 15%
Timeliness and lab attendance 15%
Exam 1 - on required reading of course materials 15%
Exam 2 – at the end of the course 15%
Presentations on research exercises 40%.
Audience
The course is limited to 24 3
rd and 4
th year undergraduate students. Students can be from any fields of study in natural sciences, exact sciences and applied sciences, land of Israel studies and geology, who are interested in getting acquainted with the multi-disciplinary research at the Red Sea.
Language
The language of instruction is English. Lectures, course assignments, exams, and presentations will be given in English.