Introduction to CIAM 6117

Schedule subject to change

Basic information on CIAM 6117 Course content:

I Introduction to oceans and coasts

II Coastal processes

III Ocean waves

IV Global processes

V Coastal Ecosystems

VI Impact of human activities on coastal environments

VII Coastal management strategies

Field trips (tentative)

• National Weather Service, San Juan, Puerto Rico

• Playa Escambron/Playa Cerro Gordo

• Magueyes Island Lab, UPR-RUM, La Parguera

NOTE: Due to university transporation policies and fiscal limitations, we will need to use personal vehicles for all field trips.

Basic information on CIAM 6117

- One scheduled exam during the period of 14-20 Dec 12. It represents 25% of the final class grade.

- 75% of your assessment will be based on the combination of

participation (THIS IS A PARTICIPATORY CLASS), the outline, pre-proposal, and full proposal.

- The first step of writing the proposal will be a brief outline of

the paper by Gopan and Swan on 30 Aug 12. Next, a full sentence outline of your proposal will be due 20 Sep 12. The pre-proposal is due 1 Nov 12. Each pre-proposal will be presented on 25 Oct 2012 and critically and anonymously reviewed by two peers. Reviews will be due the following day 26 Oct 12. The final full proposal will be due on 13 Dec 12.

* NOTE: dates subject to change


Paper discussions

• Students will work in groups to lead a scientific paper discussion.

• A sign up sheet will be provided, along with a complete list of titles. Papers are in Adobe pdf file format and will be available on Blackboard and/or email.


Paper discussions

Introduction 1. What was the objective of the study?

2. Does the title precisely state the subject of the paper?

3. Does the statement of purpose match that in the introduction?

4. Does all information lead directly to the purpose of the study?


Paper discussions

Methods 5. Are the methods valid for studying this problem?

6. Could the study be duplicated from the information given?

7. Is the sample selection adequate? Is the experimental design appropriate?

8. Does all information belong in the methods? Can the methods be subdivided for greater clarity?


Paper discussions

Results 9. Does the title or legend accurately describe content? Are column

headings and labels accurate? Are the data organized for ready comparison and interpretation?

10. Review the results as presented in the text while referring to data in the tables and illustrations. Does the text complement, and not simply repeat, data? Are there discrepancies in results between text and tables?

11. Check all calculations and presentation of data.

12. Review the results in the light of the stated objective. Does the study reveal what the researcher intended?


Paper discussions

Discussion 13. Does the discussion merely repeat the results? Does the

interpretation arise logically from the data, or is too far-fetched? Have shortcomings of the research been addressed?

14. Is the interpretation at odds or in line with other researchers’ thinking?

15. Consider the published research on this topic. Have all key studies been considered?

16. Has the author suggested further work?


Paper discussions

Overview 17. Are the topic and format appropriate for that journal?

18. Reread the abstract. Does it accurately summarize the article?

19. Is all material organized under the appropriate heading? Are sections subdivided logically into subsections or paragraphs?

20. Reflect on the author’s thinking and writing style. Does the author present this research logically and clearly?


Writing assignments – in groups of 2

• Full Outline

• Pre-proposal

• Critical review (individual)

• Full Proposal

We will use the Sea Grant Proposal Guidelines for content

with an example of a successful proposal (courtesy of Dr. Paul Bayman, Dept. of Biology)

Proof-read all work before you turn it in!


Writing assignments

Academic Integrity

• The lack of integrity and academic and scientific fraud include plagiarism, falsification, false attribution, copying on tests and all violations of the canons and practices of honesty generally accepted by the academic community.

• Disciplinary procedures can include reprimand, probation, suspension of privileges such as participation in certain activities and programs, and permanent expulsion from the university.

• No form of fraud will be tolerated.

Catálogo de Estudios Graduados, Decanato de Estudios Graduados e Investigación y el Reglamento de Estudiantes, UPRRP


OUTLINES

Primary reasons for creating an outline:

• Aids in the process of writing

• Helps you organize your ideas

• Presents your material in a logical form

• Shows the relationships among ideas in your writing

• Constructs an ordered overview of your writing

• Defines boundaries and groups

From the OWL at Purdue

OUTLINES

How do I create an outline?

• Determine the purpose of your writing assignment

• Determine the audience you are writing for

• Develop the thesis of your paper


OUTLINES Then:

• Brainstorm: List all the ideas that you want to include in your paper.

• Organize: Group related ideas together.

• Order: Arrange material in subsections from general to specific or from abstract to concrete.

• Label: Create main and sub headings.


OUTLINES Types of Outlines:

• Alphanumeric

– Roman Numerals

– Capitalized Letters

– Arabic Numerals

– Lowercase Letters


OUTLINES Examples:


The College Application Process I. Choose Desired Colleges

A. Visit and evaluate college campuses B. Visit and evaluate college websites

1. look for interesting classes 2. note important statistics

a. student/faculty ratio b. retention rate

II. Prepare Application A. Write Personal Statement

1. Choose interesting topic a. describe an influential person in your life

(1) favorite high school teacher (2) grandparent

2. Include important personal details a. volunteer work b. participation in varsity sports

B. Revise personal statement

OUTLINES Examples:


I. Man-made pollution is the primary cause of global warming.

A. Greenhouse gas emissions are widely identified by the scientific

community to be harmful.

1. The burning of coal and fossil fuels are the primary releasers of

hazardous greenhouse gases.

1.0 Choose Desired College

1.1 Visit and evaluate college campuses

1.2 Visit and evaluate college websites

1.2.1 Look for interesting classes

1.2.2 Note important statistics

OUTLINES Assignment:

Gopen GD and JA Swan. 1990. The science of scientific writing. American Scientist 78: 550-558

– Two pages MAXIMUM for Thursday (30 Aug 12)

Education

Introduction to CIAM 6117