ESCI 0015. Introduction to Oceanography
Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A or equivalent
Hours: 54 lecture
Physical, chemical, and biological aspects of our ocean environment with emphasis on geologic processes. (CSU, UC)
ESCI 0015 - Introduction to Oceanography
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/esci-0015/
Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A or equivalent Hours: 54 lecture Description: Physical, chemical, and biological aspects of our ocean environment with emphasis on geologic processes. (CSU, UC) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Integrate the concept of plate tectonics with the formation of ocean basins. Describe the patterns of ocean circulation and relate them to atmospheric phenomena. Describe the physical characteristics of seawater and its influence on ecosystems. Course Content Outline I. The history of ocean exploration and ocean science II. Beginnings of the universe, Earth, and life III. Plate tectonics IV. Marine provinces V. Marine sediments VI. Physical properties of water and seawater VII. Chemistry of seawater VIII. Air-sea interaction IX. Ocean circulation X. Waves XI. Tides XII. The shore XIII. Coastal waters and marginal seas XIV. The biological marine environment XV. Biological productivity and energy transfer XVI. Animals of the pelagic environment XVII. Animals of the benthic environment XVIII. Exploitation and pollution of marine resources XIX. Marine laws and regulations Course Objectives Course Objectives Students will successfully: 1. describe the events that encompass the history of ocean exploration; 2. evaluate the significance of the early contributions to ocean science, such as those from Darwin and Agassiz; 3. assess the relevance of the contributions to the science of oceanography during the twentieth century; 4. distinguish the steps in the formation of the universe and our planet; 5. appraise the relevance of oxygen and the first organic substances in the origin of life; 6. describe the evolution of life on Earth; 7. discuss the evidence presented in support of continental drift and the reasons this hypothesis was not elevated to the status of scientific theory; 8. compare and contrast the hypothesis of continental drift with the theory of plate tectonics; 9. integrate the concept of plate tectonic boundaries with processes that create the ocean basins; 10. identify the components of the ocean floor in a plate tectonic framework; 11. analyze the distribution and characteristics of saltwater bodies on Earth; 12. identify the characteristics of marine provinces; 13. relate marine sediments to their source; 14. categorize marine sediments based on their texture and composition; 15. describe the physical and chemical characteristics of seawater; 16. examine the interaction between the oceans and the atmosphere; 17. describe the patterns of global ocean circulation and relate them to atmospheric circulation; 18. describe the characteristics of wind waves and explain their interaction with the coastline environment; 19. relate the generation of tides to astronomical parameters and explain their interaction with the coastline environment; 20. categorize marine life according to habitat; 21. relate marine organisms to the physical environment in which they live; 22. evaluate marine laws and regulations; and 23. describe polluting agents and examine their effect on the marine environment. Methods of Evaluation Objective Examinations Problem Solving Examinations Reading Assignments 1. Read the assigned pages from the textbook on marine organisms and be prepared to discuss how their morphology relates to their environment during the class session. 2. Read a professional article on one topic related to marine law and generate a written report in essay format. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Write a report on the effect of coastal engineering on the the shore for a specific location of your choice. Include an historical perspective, selecting representative time frames. 2. Calculate ocean depths based on two-time travel data. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID)
...GEOL 100 ESCI 0001 GEOL 100L ESCI 0001L...0270 BUS 140 IT 0015 CDEV 100 HDEV...
