Oceanography
Katryn Wiese
, http://fog.ccsf.edu/~kwiese/content/Classes/oceanography.html
City College of San Francisco
a Two Year College
.Summary
Lecture class that meets 3 hrs per week (either 3 hrs/once a week at night or 1.5 hrs/twice a week) and covers the following topics: introduction to the major physical, biological, chemical, and geological processes at work in the oceans. Covers the formation and evolution of the oceans through Earth's history, the major processes at work today, and the impact of humans on its currents, coastal processes, chemistry, and biological residents.
Course URL: http://fog.ccsf.edu/~kwiese/content/Classes/oceanography.html
Subject: Geoscience:Oceanography
Resource Type: Course Information:Goals/Syllabi
Special Interest: 2YC:Geo2YC, Geo2YC- OLD DO NOT USE
Grade Level: College Lower (13-14)
Course Type: Entry Level:Oceanography
Course Size:
31-70
Course Context:
This is an introductory course with no prerequisites. Most of the students in this class are satisfying their physical science elective for transfer to a 4-yr college. The course has an optional lab. Students at City College have an average age of 28. Many students are older and already with degrees. It's a diverse audience. The class contains both majors and nonmajors.
Course Goals:
Students should be able to
1. Analyze and evaluate the model of Plate Tectonics.
2. Apply the plate tectonics theory to the origin, evolution, and features of ocean basins.
3. Classify and analyze the stratigraphy of ocean floor rocks and sediment (ophiolites).
4. Analyze and interpret the origin, distribution, and evolution of ocean sediment.
5. Demonstrate and explain the unique properties of water and their application to the oceans (surface tension, heat capacity, density-temperature curve, dissolving power).
6. Evaluate the effects of temperature, pressure, and salinity on the density, layering, and dynamics of the oceans.
7. Examine the origin of, impacts on, and consequences of the ocean's salinity and dissolved gas content.
8. Integrate and evaluate the general circulation of the atmosphere and oceans.
9. Analyze and assess the origin and effects of waves, tides, and ocean currents.
10. Analyze and interpret basic beach processes, including variations in sediment size, coastal sediment erosional, transportational, and depositional processes.
11. Examine and illustrate the origin and foundations of life in the oceans, including photosynthesis, nutrients, nutrient cycling, and traits adapted specifically to marine organisms.
12. Analyze and evaluate the interactions and effects of the biological, physical, and chemical components of the oceans.
13. Classify and analyze the pelagic and benthic environments of the ocean.
14. Classify and analyze the basic characteristics and general varieties of phytoplankton and zooplankton.
15. Classify and analyze the basic characteristics and general varieties of marine animals.
1. Analyze and evaluate the model of Plate Tectonics.
2. Apply the plate tectonics theory to the origin, evolution, and features of ocean basins.
3. Classify and analyze the stratigraphy of ocean floor rocks and sediment (ophiolites).
4. Analyze and interpret the origin, distribution, and evolution of ocean sediment.
5. Demonstrate and explain the unique properties of water and their application to the oceans (surface tension, heat capacity, density-temperature curve, dissolving power).
6. Evaluate the effects of temperature, pressure, and salinity on the density, layering, and dynamics of the oceans.
7. Examine the origin of, impacts on, and consequences of the ocean's salinity and dissolved gas content.
8. Integrate and evaluate the general circulation of the atmosphere and oceans.
9. Analyze and assess the origin and effects of waves, tides, and ocean currents.
10. Analyze and interpret basic beach processes, including variations in sediment size, coastal sediment erosional, transportational, and depositional processes.
11. Examine and illustrate the origin and foundations of life in the oceans, including photosynthesis, nutrients, nutrient cycling, and traits adapted specifically to marine organisms.
12. Analyze and evaluate the interactions and effects of the biological, physical, and chemical components of the oceans.
13. Classify and analyze the pelagic and benthic environments of the ocean.
14. Classify and analyze the basic characteristics and general varieties of phytoplankton and zooplankton.
15. Classify and analyze the basic characteristics and general varieties of marine animals.
Skills Goals
See above.
Attitudinal Goals
See above.
Assessment
1. In-class responses to discussion questions
2. Weekly quizzes
3. Creative homework projects
4. Four written exams (including a written final exam)
5. Instructor- and section-specific evaluation forms for students to complete and instructors to
review after the end of the semester (mostly about their experience).
6. End-of-Semester Check Exam
2. Weekly quizzes
3. Creative homework projects
4. Four written exams (including a written final exam)
5. Instructor- and section-specific evaluation forms for students to complete and instructors to
review after the end of the semester (mostly about their experience).
6. End-of-Semester Check Exam
Syllabus:
Syllabus (Acrobat (PDF) 60kB Nov19 10)
[file 'Other Materials']
