An introduction to Ocean Science for majors/prospective majors, emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of the field, and using core concepts from biology, chemistry, physics, and geology to explore coastal and oceanic systems.
Athena Title
Fundamentals of Ocean Science
Prerequisite
(CHEM 1211 or CHEM 1411 or CHEM 1311H) or (PHYS 1111-1111L or PHYS 1211-1211L) or (BIOL 1107 or BIOL 1107E or BIOL 2107H)
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to apply general principles of physics, geology, chemistry, and biology to describe ocean processes and systems.
Students should be able to describe the movement and cycling of energy and elements within the ocean.
Students should be able to assess the role of oceans in global environmental systems.
Students should be able to identify and assess trends and variability in ocean systems.
Students will develop skills to support and effectively communicate scientific concepts, data, and interpretations in written and oral form using accurate terminology.
Topical Outline
History of Oceanography
Marine Geology
Ocean Basin Physiography
Plate Tectonics
Sediments
Coastal Processes
Ocean Physics
Currents
Water Masses
Waves and Tides
Ocean Chemistry
Seawater Chemistry
Carbonate System
Trace Metals
Organic Matter
Marine Biology
Primary Producers and Primary Production
Bacteria and Archaea
Zooplankton
Vertebrates
Food Webs
Ocean Systems
Nutrient Cycles
Seasonal and Interannual Cycles
Coastal Oceans
Oligotrophic Systems
High Nutrient/Low Chlorophyll Areas
Deep Pelagic Systems
Benthic Systems
Oceans and Society
Pollution
Fisheries and Mariculture
Global Climate Change
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
