OCEA& 101 - Introduction to Oceanography

5 Credits

Aspects of geology, chemistry, physics, meteorology and biology are integrated into studies of the world’s oceans. Topics include the sea floor, plate tectonics, seawater chemistry, atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns, waves, coasts, productivity, plankton and marine plants and animals. Includes laboratory.

Pre-requisite(s) MATH 081 or higher min 2.0
Placement Eligibility Math 091 or higher
Course Note Previously OCEAN 101.
FeesOL SC

Quarters Typically Offered
Summer Evening
Fall Day
Winter Day
Spring Day

Designed to Serve Science or non-science majors withing to fulfill a lab science distribution requirement.
Active Date 20210403T10:09:39

Grading Basis Decimal Grade
Class Limit 24
Contact Hours: Lecture 44 Lab 22
Total Contact Hours 66
Degree Distributions:
AA

Science
Science Lab

Course Outline

Introduction
Origins of Earth and Oceans
Navigational Terms
The Sea Floor
Sediments
Plate Tectonics
Properties of Water
Seawater Chemistry
Salinity
Atmospheric Circulation
Ocean Circulation
Waves
Coasts, Shores, and Beaches
Tides
Estuaries
Life Zones
Primary Productivity
Plankton
Marine Plants
Marine Animals

Student Learning Outcomes
Explain the origin of the oceans and describe how water is distributed on earth.

Explain the concept of Plate Tectonics and how it shapes the seafloor.

Describe the major features of the seafloor including: Continental Shelf, Abyssal Plains, Seamount, Guyot, Ocean Ridge, Rift Valley, Trench, Island Arc Volcano.

Describe the sources and distribution of marine sediments.

Explain the role of carbon dioxide in ocean acidification and the dissolution of calcium carbonate.

Explain how wind and the Coriolis Effect influence ocean circulation patterns.

Explain the origin and behavior of ocean waves.

Describe common types of tidal patterns and the forces that create them.

Describe the major types of coastal features and explain how wind, tides and currents shape them.

Explain human impacts on the oceans, including marine pollution and climate change.