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

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 2015-11-23

Grading System Decimal Grade
Class Limit 24
Contact Hours: Lecture 44 Lab 22 Worksite 0 Clinical 0 Other 0
Total Contact Hours 66
Degree Distributions:
AA

Science
Science Lab

Course Outline
I. Introduction XI. Ocean Circulation

II. Origins of Earth and Oceans XII. Waves

III. Navigational Terms XIII. Coasts, Shores, and Beaches

IV. The Sea Floor XIV. Tides

V. Sediments XV. Estuaries

VI. Plate Tectonics XVI. Life Zones

VII. Properties of Water XVII. Primary Productivity

VIII. Seawater Chemistry XVIII. Plankton

IX. Salinity XIV. Marine Plants

X. Atmospheric Circulation XV. Marine Animals

Student Learning Outcomes
The student should be able to: 1. Define oceanographic terms.

2. Use math and or interpret graphs to solve oceanographic problems.

3. Explain major geological, chemical, physical, meteorological and biological processes relating to the oceans.

4. Use knowledge to explain and predict the outcome of novel situations.