GS 108 - Physical Science - Oceanography

3 Credit(s)

Prerequisite(s):

MTH 60 or MTH 63 or higher-level math, or designated placement.

Corequisite(s):

GS 108L

Course Description: Presents a basic understanding of oceanic processes, and a comprehensive overview of the marine sciences. Designed to introduce the history of marine science, surveying ocean physics, chemistry, and biology. Presenting topics including: plate tectonics, surface current patterns, wave dynamics, tides, geologic features of the sea floor, coastlines, the life and ecology of the ocean world (marine animals and communities), marine resources, and environmental concerns. Having successfully completed this course, the student should be able to comprehend and identify the interrelationships and workings of the physical, chemical, botanical, and zoological worlds of the water.

Course Learning Outcomes:

CLO#1: Describe and explain the historical context of oceanography.
CLO#2: Explain the geological features of oceans, coasts, and beaches using the theory of plate tectonics.
CLO#3: Explain the properties of seawater using physical and chemical principles.
CLO#4: Explain the dynamics of atmospheric and oceanic circulation and the relationship between them. (ILO: Critical Thinking)
CLO#5: Explain the dynamics of ocean waves, and tides.
CLO#6: Explain the biology and ecology of ocean life.

Typical Course Content:

Lecture Topics	Concept Details
Exploring the Ocean World	History of voyaging Voyaging for science, including discussions of longitude James Cook Voyages for science in the 20^th century Current oceanographic institutions and research
Earth Structure and Plate Tectonics	The layered Earth Evidence of plate tectonics (continental drift, paleomagnetism, polar wandering, hot spots, sea floor spreading) Divergent, convergent, and transform plate boundaries, with examples
Continental Margins and Ocean Basins	Bathymetry Ocean floor topography Continental shelves, slopes, canyons, rises Deep-ocean basins, oceanic ridges, and hydrothermal vents.
Sediments	Classification of sediments by size, source, and composition Distribution of marine sediments including continental margins and ocean basins Sediments as historical records
Seawater Chemistry	Water chemistry, seawater chemistry, and bonding Thermal properties of water and global effects Temperature, salinity, and water density curves Refraction: light and sound Dissolved gases and nutrients
Circulation of the Atmosphere	Composition and properties of the atmosphere Coriolis effect and solar heating Wind patterns Storms
Circulation of the Ocean	Surface currents, Ekman transport, and flow within gyres Upwelling and downwelling Thermohaline circulation
Waves	Wave classification Wave anatomy Deep-water, shallow-water, and wind waves, tsunamis, and seiches Power from waves
Tides	Earth, Moon, Sun system Tidal patterns (diurnal, semidiurnal, mixed) Tidal cycles including spring and neap tides Unique features of tides (whirlpools, tidal bores, animal reproduction, extreme tides) Power from tides
Coasts	Anatomy of a beach and shoreline Composition of beach and longshore current and drift Summertime vs wintertime beaches Erosional vs depositional shores
Life in the Oceans	Marine ecology, biotic and abiotic factors Food chains, webs, and energy flow Biological productivity
Marine Communities	Pelagic and benthic communities
Marine Resources	Petroleum, sand, salts, fisheries
Environmental Concerns	Pollution Overfishing Invasive species Climate change

ACTI Code and Course Type
100 Lower Division Collegiate

Length of Course:
A required state minimum of (30) and a standard RCC delivery of (33) lecture hours per term, not to exceed (36) hours per term.