Oceanography 100

Al Trujillo
,
http://www2.palomar.edu/users/atrujillo/

Palomar College,
a
Two Year College
.

Summary

As a survey course, the content of this course provides a foundation in science by examining oceanographic concepts, including the study of geologic, chemical, physical, and biologic oceanography. We will learn about how all the various disciplines of science are applied to the ocean in unique ways.


Course Size:
31-70

Course Context:

This is a 3-unit introductory general education oceanography course with no prerequisites and does not serve as a prerequisite for other courses. Typically, most students take the course to satisfy a general education requirement in physical (not life) science. The course has an optional 1-unit oceanography lab.

Course Goals:

A successful student should be able to meet the following Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs):
  • Describe characteristic processes and landforms associated with tectonic plate boundaries.
  • Compare and contrast the oceanic and atmospheric characteristics of El Niño and La Niña.
  • Describe the seasonal pattern of phytoplankton productivity for tropical, middle latitude, and polar oceans.


How course activities and course structure help students achieve these goals:

Assessment of student goals is done by a standardized test, either as a separate test or part of a larger exam. To meet the Student Learning Outcome, 70% of students must successfully pass the test with a score of 70% or higher.

Skills Goals

At the end of this course, successful student should be able to:
  • Work successfully with their Success Team
  • Apply oceanographic knowledge to other situations
  • Critically analyze information related to the oceans


How course activities and course structure help students achieve these goals:

There is no formal assessment on skills.

Assessment

Assessment is done via assignments, quizzes, and exams. There is also a writing assignment on an oceanographic topic of the student's choosing.

Syllabus:

Oceanography 100 Lecture Syllabus (Acrobat (PDF) 65kB Apr20 13)