OCE 2001 - Introduction to Oceanography

College of Natural Sciences

Credit(s): 3
Contact Hours: 47
Effective Term Fall 2024 (640)

Requisites

(Prerequisite ENC 0025 and
Prerequisite REA 0017 and
Prerequisite MAT 0028) or
(Prerequisite EAP 1695 and
Prerequisite MAT 0028)

Course Description

Using the scientific method, critical thinking skills, and data analysis, this course will examine the fundamental processes of the ocean system, composed of an atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere, through time. The course will also explore interactions between these spheres, including critical analysis of scientific theories and emphasize oceanic connections with humanity. State Core Course Description (State Rule 6A-14.0303). Note: Effective Fall 2024 and forward, students who successfully complete OCE 2001 will satisfy the Natural Sciences Core requirement. If completed before Fall 2024, the course will satisfy the Natural Sciences Elective requirement.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. *Students will use critical thinking to recognize the rigorous standards of scientific theories by:
    1. illustrating the steps of the scientific method.
    2. recognizing individuals and achievements in oceanographic history that have contributed to the current understanding of the oceans and related phenomena.
    3. describing the advancements in technology and instrumentation that have contributed to the rapid growth of ocean knowledge in the past half century.
    4. discussing the events that lead to the formation of the Earth, atmosphere and oceans.
  2. *Students will analyze and synthesize oceanographic data to draw scientifically valid conclusions.
  3. *Students will recognize the different time scales associated with different ocean processes.
  4. *Students will describe interactions between humans and the ocean realm.
  5. *Students will apply their understanding of oceanographic principles to various marine issues.
  6. The student will describe the geological features of the ocean basins and the processes that formed and continually change the sea floor and shorelines by:
    1. identifying geomorphic features of the ocean basins such as the continental shelves, continental slopes, abyssal plains, mid-ocean ridges, and ocean trenches.
    2. explaining continental drift as well as the plate tectonic processes that form and continually change the sea floor and continental margins.
    3. identifying and recognizing the different time scales associated with these different ocean processes.
  7. The student will discuss the physical and chemical properties of sea water and how these properties influence biological processes and communities of the oceans by:
    1. describing the layers of the water column of the ocean with respect to light, sound, density, temperature, and salinity.
    2. identifying chemical properties of sea water, such as salinity, pH, and nutrient concentration and explaining how they influence the biological processes of marine ecosystems.
  8. The student will interpret physical forces that control the tides, currents, and waves by:
    1. examining the forces between the earth, the moon, and the sun that produce the astronomical tides.
    2. comparing and contrasting the major ocean current systems and explaining the forces that drive the ocean gyre systems.
    3. describing thermohaline circulation, evaluating its role in maintaining the earth’s heat balance, and predicting the effects of changes in thermohaline circulation to global climate.
    4. describing the interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere as well as how they work together to keep the Earth at a habitable temperature through heat transport.
    5. identifying and explaining the role of ocean surface temperatures in the formation of weather events such as El Ninos and hurricanes.
  9. The student will describe the biological communities that inhabit marine environments by:
    1. identifying the major biological and ecological zones within the ocean.
    2. characterizing marine flora and fauna through proper principles of biological taxonomy.
    3. identifying common organisms and the oceanic food web.
  10. The student will interpret the concepts relating natural and anthropogenic change that are impacting the oceans as well as current climate issues by:
    1. explaining the role of the oceans in global trade and economics.
    2. identifying the factors contributing to ocean pollution including plastics, heavy metals, and petroleum sources.
    3. explaining the ecological and economic consequences of overfishing and bycatch.
    4. applying their understanding of oceanographic principles to various marine issues including climate change, sea level rise and the process of ocean acidification.
    5. analyzing then synthesizing oceanographic data to draw scientifically valid conclusions.
*Major Learning Outcome is set by and in compliance with DOE State Rule 6A-14.0303.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will, with a minimum of 70% accuracy, demonstrate mastery of each of the above stated objectives through classroom measures developed by individual course instructors.

History of Changes

Revised 7/27/83 Revised 7/84 Reviewed C&I 2/5/91 SCN Change 7/10/91 Effective Session II, 1991-92 3 YR C&I Review 8/94 DBT 5/16/95 Effective Session I, 1995-96 3 Year Review 1999-2000 Chg SCNS. Effective 20011. Online 20031. C&I 1/27/04, BOT 2/17/04, Effective 20041. Amended prerequisites effective 20112(0450). C&I Approval: 07/08/2008, BOT Approval: 08/19/2008, Effective Term: Fall 2008 (400).
C&I Approval: 03/28/2024, BOT Approval: 03/19/2024, Effective Term: Fall 2024 (640)

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