GEOL 1345 - Oceanography

3 credit hours. 3 lecture hours.

This course exposes the student to: the historical development of oceanography as a science; tectonic and geological processes that shape ocean basins and shorelines; chemical and physical properties of seawater; atmosphere-ocean interactions; global weather and climate patterns; distribution of life in the oceans; and, interactions between humans and the oceans, including coastal development and use of resources.

 

Additional Fees: $86.59 Online textbook and access code

Measurable Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: describe the scientific method and apply it an oceanographic context; describe Earth’s hydrologic and atmospheric system and explain how they interact; explain the theory of plate tectonics and how it explains the origin, distribution, and geological and physical features of the ocean basins; demonstrate knowledge of the properties of seawater and apply methods for studying it; demonstrate knowledge of the size, composition, origin, and distribution of common types of marine sediment; explain the causes, locations, and behaviors of ocean waves, currents, and tides and their influence on coastal zones; demonstrate knowledge of common marine organisms, their habitat, interaction and factors influencing productivity; and, identify, locate, and interpret features of marine charts and maps.