OCEA& 101 Intro to Oceanography (5 credits)
Distribution Area Fulfilled Natural Sciences with Lab; General Transfer Elective
Formerly OCEAN 101 - CCN
Course Description
Exploration and investigation of the marine environment, including the geology, waves, currents, tides, biology, water chemistry, and human impacts. Appropriate for non-science and science majors. Field trips required. Labs included.
Course Content
A. The scientific method and basic scientific concepts as they relate to marine processes
B. The basic relationships between solid earth, water, atmosphere, and life on Earth in relation to the world ocean
C. The influence of technological advances on the history of marine science and modern oceanographic studies
D. Sustainable harvesting and use of renewable and nonrenewable marine resources
E. Marine pollution sources, impacts, and solutions
F. Plate tectonic theory, processes, and evidence
G. Physical features of the ocean basins and their relation to plate tectonic processes
H. Origin and interpretation of marine sediments
I. Physical and chemical seawater properties and their influence on physical and biological marine processes
J. Atmosphere circulation, storms, and ENSO events
K. Surface and subsurface ocean currents, circulation, and ENSO events
L. Formation and movement of waves
M. Tidal patterns and influences
N. Coastal processes and their interaction with shoreline development
O. Classification of marine life and principles of marine ecology
P. Pelagic and benthic marine life and ecosystems
Q. Causes, impacts and mitigation of global climate change
R. Interpretation of maps, charts, and satellite imagery
Student Outcomes
1. Apply the scientific method to interpret marine processes.
2. Apply marine principles and critical thinking skills to solve marine problems such as sustainable development of resources, marine pollution, and global climate change.
3. Describe and identify physical and chemical seawater properties, and their influence on physical and biological marine processes.
4. Interpret maps and images of physical features of the marine environment.
5. Use appropriate tools and sources in order to access and synthesize marine and environmental information and communicate it effectively.
Degree Outcomes
Natural Sciences: Graduates use the scientific method to analyze natural phenomena and acquire skills to evaluate authenticity of data/information relative to the natural world.
Information Competency: Graduates will be able to seek, find, evaluate and use information and employ information technology to engage in lifelong learning.
Lecture Contact Hours 40
Lab Contact Hours 20
Clinical Contact Hours 0
Total Contact Hours 60
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