California Coast: Science, Policy and Law
(Same as CEE 175A/275A, EARTHSYS 175/275). This interdisciplinary course integrates the legal, science, and policy dimensions of characterizing and managing our coastal resources in California. Our focus is on the land-sea interface as we explore contemporary coastal land use and marine resource decision-making. Among the focal issues we will examine are: coastal pollution, public health, ecosystem management; public access; private development; local community and state infrastructure; natural systems and significant threats; resource extraction; and conservation, mitigation and restoration. Students will learn the fundamental physics, chemistry, and biology of the coastal zone, tools for exploring data collected in the coastal ocean (time series analysis), as well as the institutional framework that shapes public and private decision-making affecting coastal resources. This course will take a "place-based" approach.