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Course Syllabus
Introduction to Oceanography
GEOL 1345
Semester with Course
Reference Number
(CRN)
Instructor contact
information (phone
number and email
address)
Office Location and
Hours
Course Location/Times
Course Semester
Credit Hours (SCH)
(lecture, lab) If
applicable
Credit Hours:
3
Lecture Hours:
3
Laboratory Hours:
External Hours:
Total Course Contact
Hours
48.00
Course Length
(number of weeks)
Type of Instruction
Lecture
Lecture/Lab
Course Description:
An introduction to the world's oceans, emphasizing the geological, physical,
biological, chemical, and ecological aspects of the marine environment. Core
Curriculum course
Course Prerequisite(s)
FREQUENT REQUISITES


Academic
GUST 0342 (9th -11th Grade Reading)
ENGL 0310 or 0349
1. Program SLO #_ 1 _: Students will recognize scientific and quantitative
methods. Students will evaluate the differences of scientific approaches and
Discipline/CTE
Program Learning
Outcomes
communicate these findings, analyses, and interpretations in oral and written
communication. Program SLO #_ 2 _: Students will demonstrate knowledge of the
major issues and problems facing modern science, including issues that touch upon
ethics, values, religion, and public policies. Program SLO #_ 3 _: Students will
demonstrate knowledge of the interdependence of science and technology and their
influence on, and contribution to, modern culture. Program SLO #_ 4 _: Students
will identify and recognize the differences in competing scientific theories.
Course Student
Learning Outcomes
(SLO): 4 to 7
1. Level 1: Knowledge 1. Summarize the distribution of lithogenous and biogenous
sediments on the ocean floor. 2. Explain how marine sediments reach the ocean
floor. 3. Visualize changes in sediment thickness and composition from the midocean ridges to continental margins. Level 2: Comprehension 1. Describe the four
major components of the Earth system. 2. Explain the differences between ocean
crust and continental crust. 3. Summarize the characteristics of major plate tectonic
boundaries. 4. Explain how ocean basins form. Level 3: Application 1. Calculate the
density of seawater from temperature-salinity/density diagrams. 2. Interpret
isothermal and isohaline maps of the global ocean. 3. Use Argo Float data to relate
changes in seawater temperature and salinity with depth. Level 4: Analysis 1.
Compare and contrast neutral conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean to El Nino
and La Nina conditions. 2. Analyze observational buoy data in the tropical Pacific.
Learning Objectives
(Numbering system
should be linked to
SLO - e.g., 1.1, 1.2, 1.3,
etc.)
Level 1: Knowledge
1. Summarize the distribution of lithogenous and biogenous sediments on the
ocean floor.
2. Explain how marine sediments reach the ocean floor.
3. Visualize changes in sediment thickness and composition from the midocean ridges to continental margins.
Level 2: Comprehension
1. Describe the four major components of the Earth system.
2. Explain the differences between ocean crust and continental crust.
3. Summarize the characteristics of major plate tectonic boundaries.
4. Explain how ocean basins form.
Level 3: Application
1. Calculate the density of seawater from temperature-salinity/density
diagrams.
2. Interpret isothermal and isohaline maps of the global ocean.
3. Use Argo Float data to relate changes in seawater temperature and salinity
with depth.
Level 4: Analysis
1. Compare and contrast neutral conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean to El
Nino and La Nina conditions.
2. Analyze observational buoy data in the tropical Pacific.
1.
Level 1: Knowledge
1. Describe lithogenous particles in shallow waters along the continental margins
and those of the deep ocean floor.
2. Explain processes that govern the distribution of lithogenous sediments.
3. Explain why rivers differ in their sediment load delivered to the ocean.
Level 2: Comprehension
1. Describe the importance of the ocean as part of the Earth System.
2. Compare features of the ocean floor to plate tectonic processes.
3. Differentiate between the topographic profiles of tectonically active and passive
continental margins.
Level 3: Application
1. Intepret general patterns of sea surface temperature and salinity.
2. Relate the density of seawater to temperature and salinity.
3. Illustrate the processes that govern surface salinity of seawater.
Level 4: Analysis
1. Compare conditions in the tropical Pacific to weather and climate worldwide.
2. Distinguish differences between the fundamental characteristics of El Nino and
La Nina.
SCANS and/or Core
Curriculum
Competencies: If
applicable
Core Curriculum Competencies:
Instructional Methods
Web-enhanced (49% or less)
Hybrid (50% or more)
Distance (100%)
Face to Face
Student Assignments
Level 1: Knowledge
Level 1: Knowledge 1. Summarize the distribution of lithogenous and
biogenous sediments on the ocean floor. 2. Explain how marine sediments
reach the ocean floor. 3. Visualize changes in sediment thickness and
composition from the mid-ocean ridges to continental margins. Level 2:
Comprehension 1. Describe the four major components of the Earth system.
2. Explain the differences between ocean crust and continental crust. 3.
Summarize the characteristics of major plate tectonic boundaries. 4. Explain
how ocean basins form. Level 3: Application 1. Calculate the density of
seawater from temperature-salinity/density diagrams. 2. Interpret isothermal
and isohaline maps of the global ocean. 3. Use Argo Float data to relate
changes in seawater temperature and salinity with depth. Level 4: Analysis 1.
Compare and contrast neutral conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean to El
Nino and La Nina conditions. 2. Analyze observational buoy data in the
tropical Pacific.
Perspectives - 1. Establish broad and multiple perspectives on the individual in
relation to the larger society and world in which he or she lives, and to understand
the responsibilities of living in a culturally and ethnically diversified world;
Perspectives - 2. Stimulate a capacity to discuss and reflect upon individual,
political, economic, and social aspects of life in order to understand ways in which
to be a responsible member of society;
Perspectives - 3. Recognize the importance of maintaining health and wellness;
Perspectives - 4. Develop a capacity to use knowledge of how technology and
science affect their lives;
Perspectives - 5. Develop personal values for ethical behavior;
Perspectives - 6. Develop the ability to make aesthetic judgments;
Perspectives - 7. Use logical reasoning in problem solving;
Perspectives - 8. Integrate knowledge and understand the interrelationships of the
scholarly disciplines.
1. Summarize the distribution of lithogenous and biogenous sediments on the
ocean floor.
2. Explain how marine sediments reach the ocean floor.
3. Visualize changes in sediment thickness and composition from the midocean ridges to continental margins.
Level 2: Comprehension
1. Describe the four major components of the Earth system.
2. Explain the differences between ocean crust and continental crust.
3. Summarize the characteristics of major plate tectonic boundaries.
4. Explain how ocean basins form.
Level 3: Application
1. Calculate the density of seawater from temperature-salinity/density
diagrams.
2. Interpret isothermal and isohaline maps of the global ocean.
3. Use Argo Float data to relate changes in seawater temperature and salinity
with depth.
Level 4: Analysis
1. Compare and contrast neutral conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean to El
Nino and La Nina conditions.
2. Analyze observational buoy data in the tropical Pacific.
Various assigned readings from textbooks, peer-rev
Student Assessment(s) Level 1: Knowledge 1. Summarize the distribution of lithogenous and
biogenous sediments on the ocean floor. 2. Explain how marine sediments
reach the ocean floor. 3. Visualize changes in sediment thickness and
composition from the mid-ocean ridges to continental margins. Level 2:
Comprehension 1. Describe the four major components of the Earth system.
2. Explain the differences between ocean crust and continental crust. 3.
Summarize the characteristics of major plate tectonic boundaries. 4. Explain
how ocean basins form. Level 3: Application 1. Calculate the density of
seawater from temperature-salinity/density diagrams. 2. Interpret isothermal
and isohaline maps of the global ocean. 3. Use Argo Float data to relate
changes in seawater temperature and salinity with depth. Level 4: Analysis 1.
Compare and contrast neutral conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean to El
Nino and La Nina conditions. 2. Analyze observational buoy data in the
tropical Pacific.
Various assigned readings from textbooks
Writing papers including essays, analyses, reviews, research, comparing and
contrasting
Presentations
Essays, internet searches with concomitant essays
In-class debates
In-class discussions
Oral and written peer-reviewed article reviews and discussions
Research papers
Quizzes/Tests which may include: definitions, matching, multiple choice, true/false,
short answer, brief essay
Group and/or individual projects
Methods of Assessment/Evaluation: Evaluation of student comprehension of subject
may include semester exams and final exam, term papers and term projects,
presentation of term projects in PowerPoint format, in-class group projects requiring
class discussion and debate, assignments requiring students to critique and
evaluate print or web-based information, evaluation and application of the Scientific
Theory, and laboratory activities which require students to apply appropriate
methods and technologies to the study of natural sciences.
Instructor's
Requirements
Program/Discipline
Requirements: If
applicable
Course Description:
An introduction to the world's oceans, emphasizing the geological, physical,
biological, chemical, and ecological aspects of the marine environment. Core
Curriculum Course.
Prerequisites
None
Course Goals (includes competencies, incorporation of SCANS, etc.)
You will work in groups (number and size of groups as well as time allotted for
presentation is contingent on class size). Each group will be responsible for
developing a presentation around an "Issue in Oceanography". You may use Power
Point or transparencies. You may form a group around an issue, or you may "bond"
with those sitting near you to form a group. Issues listed in the text following. The
text web page has an exercise around each issue. You may use this to get started.
Your group may choose from this list or develop you own issue.
Instructor Information
Numerous different instructors teach this course.
Textbook Information
Introductory Oceanography, H.V. Thurman, E.A. Burton, 9th Edition, Prentice Hall.
http://www.prenhall.com/thurmann
Lab Requirements (if any)
Lab exercises cover various topics in geological, physical, biological, chemical, and
ecological aspects of oceanography.
Students with Disabilities
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision,
hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the
Disability Services Office at the respective college at the respective college at the
beginning of each semester. Faculty are authorized to provide only the
accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office. If you have
any questions please contact the Disability Counselor at your college.
Academic Honesty
Cheating on the written exams will result in failure in the course, and possibly in
expulsion from the college.
Attendance and Withdrawal Policies
Individual instructors will provide detailed information in their syllabi provided at the
beginning of the course. All applicable rules of HCCS will apply in this course.
Course Requirements and Grading Policy
Individual instructors will provide detailed information in their syllabi provided at the
beginning of the course. All applicable rules of HCCS will apply in this course.
Testing
Individual instructors will provide detailed information in their syllabi provided at the
beginning of the course. All applicable rules of HCCS will apply in this course.
Make-up policy
Individual instructors will provide detailed information in their syllabi provided at the
beginning of the course.
Projects, Assignments, Portfolios, Service Learning, Internships, etc.
An independent student project or field trip is normally required.
Course Content
Issues in Oceanography
Coastal Population Growth: A Global Ecosystem at Risk
Coral Rocks! The value of the Worlds Coral Reefs
Sharks
Global Warming and Sea Level Rise
Toxic Chemicals in Sea water
Greenhouse Gases, Global CO2, Emissions and Global Warming
Catch of the Day
Beaches or Bedrooms? The Dynamic Coastal Environment.
Human Impact of Estuaries
Bycatch: Dolphin-safe Tuna and Turtle-safe Shrimp
Illegal Immigration: Ballast Water and Exotic Species
Lifestyles of the Large and Blubbery: How to grow a blue whale.
Course Calendar with Reading Assignments
Student should expect a reading assignment each class day to be completed before
class. Individual instructors will provide detailed information in their syllabi provided
at the beginning of the course.
HCC Grading Scale:
A = 100- 90
B = 89 - 80:
C = 79 - 70:
D = 69 - 60:
59 and below = F
FX (Failure due to non-attendance)
IP (In Progress)
W (Withdrawn)
I (Incomplete)
AUD (Audit)
4 points per semester hour
3 points per semester hour
2 points per semester hour
1 point per semester hour
0 points per semester hour
0 points per semester hour
0 points per semester hour
0 points per semester hour
0 points per semester hour
0 points per semester hour
IP (In Progress) is given only in certain developmental courses. The student must reenroll to receive credit. COM (Completed) is given in non-credit and continuing
education courses.
FINAL GRADE OF FX: Students who stop attending class and do not withdraw
themselves prior to the withdrawal deadline may either be dropped by their professor
for excessive absences or be assigned the final grade of "FX" at the end of the
semester. Students who stop attending classes will receive a grade of "FX",
compared to an earned grade of "F" which is due to poor performance. Logging into a
DE course without active participation is seen as non-attending. Please note that
HCC will not disperse financial aid funding for students who have never attended
class.
Students who receive financial aid but fail to attend class will be reported to the
Department of Education and may have to pay back their aid. A grade of "FX" is
treated exactly the same as a grade of "F" in terms of GPA, probation, suspension,
and satisfactory academic progress.
To compute grade point average (GPA), divide the total grade points by the total
number of semester hours attempted. The grades "IP," "COM" and "I" do not affect
GPA.
Health Sciences Programs Grading Scales may differ from the approved HCC
Grading Scale. For Health Sciences Programs Grading Scales, see the "Program
Discipline Requirements" section of the Program's syllabi.
Instructor Grading
Criteria
Instructional Materials
Thurman and Trujillo // Essentials of Oceanography // 9th Edition, 2008 // Pearson
Prentice Hall // ISBN 13-9780132401227 AMS Ocean Studies Student Package,
ISBN: 978-1-878220-88-2. Publisher: American Meteorological Society © 2010
American Meteorological
HCC Policy Statement:
Access Student
Services Policies on
their Web site:
http://hccs.edu/student-rights
EGLS3 -- Evaluation for At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback
is necessary to improve teaching and learning. During a designated time near the
Greater Learning
Student Survey System end of the term, you will be asked to answer a short online survey of research-based
questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made
available to your professors and department chairs for continual improvement of
instruction. Look for the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student
System online near the end of the term.
Distance Education and/or Continuing Education Policies
Access DE Policies on
their Web site:
http://de.hccs.edu/Distance_Ed/DE_Home/faculty_resources/PDFs/DE_Syllabus.pdf
Access CE Policies on
their Web site:
http://hccs.edu/CE-student-guidelines