The Earth is called the blue planet because of its oceans, lakes and rivers. And yet, it is expected that the next challenge facing its inhabitants will be the lack of potable water. The more people that understand the detrimental effects on our seas and waterways caused by the world's population, the better chance of avoiding a water crisis. Since it all begins in the ocean, in this course, a combination of lecture and hands-on training, you will gain an in-depth understanding of our oceans and why studying them is critical to our survival. You will learn about the geology and features of the ocean floor, the currents and tides that flow within, and relevant terminology related to marine biology. You will study the role of invertebrates, marine fish and mammals. Emphasis will be placed on the critical nature of marine networks and how they are important for human survival.