Semester with Course Reference Number (CRN) Course Syllabus Introduction to Oceanography GEOL 1345 Instructor contact information (phone number and email address) Office Location and Hours Course Location/Times Course Semester Credit Hours (SCH) (lecture, lab) If applicable Total Course Contact Hours Credit Hours: 3 Lecture Hours: 3 Laboratory Hours: External Hours: 48.00 Course Length (number of weeks) Type of Instruction Course Description: Course Prerequisite(s) Lecture Lecture/Lab An introduction to the world's oceans, emphasizing the geological, physical, biological, chemical, and ecological aspects of the marine environment. Core Curriculum course FREQUENT REQUISITES GUST 0342 (9th -11th Grade Reading) ENGL 0310 or 0349 Academic 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 Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLO): 4 to 7 Learning Objectives (Numbering system should be linked to SLO - e.g., 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc.) 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. 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. 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 Instructional Methods Student Assignments Core Curriculum Competencies: 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. Web-enhanced (49% or less) Hybrid (50% or more) Distance (100%) Face to Face 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. 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 4 points per semester hour B = 89-80: 3 points per semester hour C = 79-70: 2 points per semester hour D = 69-60: 1 point per semester hour 59 and below = F 0 points per semester hour FX (Failure due to non-attendance) 0 points per semester hour IP (In Progress) 0 points per semester hour W (Withdrawn) 0 points per semester hour I (Incomplete) 0 points per semester hour AUD (Audit) 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: EGLS3 -- Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System http://hccs.edu/student-rights At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning. During a designated time near the 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: Access CE Policies on their Web site: http://de.hccs.edu/distance_ed/de_home/faculty_resources/pdfs/de_syllabus.pdf http://hccs.edu/ce-student-guidelines